Dual-clutch and engine problems
The 2016 Tucson has the highest complaint rate of any SUV on this site. The dual-clutch transmission can hesitate or fail to move when pulling into traffic, engines burn oil, and an ABS module recall warns of fire risk.
Updated November 2026 · based on 1,626 owner complaints and 5 recalls
1,812 3.5x the Tucson average
5 free to fix at a dealer
Every Tucson year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2016 Tucson
Top problems and what they cost
Hesitation from the dual-clutch transmission
On 1.6L turbo models the car can hesitate or not move after a stop. A recall (16V628) updated the transmission software.
Fix: Recall free; clutch pack $1,500 to $3,000.
Transmission
Oil burning and engine failure
Engines that burn oil quickly and, in some cases, fail.
Fix: Ask Hyundai about engine warranty coverage; engine $4,000 to $7,000.
Engine
ABS module fire risk
Recall 20V543 covers an ABS module that can short and cause a fire.
Fix: Free under recall.
Brakes
Recalls
Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Failure to illuminate the trailer's turn signal lights would prevent the communication of the driver's intent, increasing the risk of a crash.
If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch cannot secure the hood, the hood may unexpectedly open while driving, increasing ...
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2016 Hyundai Tucson
- Confirm all recalls show as repaired, especially the transmission (16V628) and ABS (20V543) recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2016 Tucson has 5 recalls on record, listed below.
- Pull out from a stop briskly several times and feel for hesitation.A delay or loss of power when you press the gas can mean fuel, sensor or throttle faults. It matters most when merging or pulling into traffic.Owners filed 161 complaints about engine failure and engine fires on the 2016 Tucson, one of the worst years for it.
- Check the oil level and ask for oil change records.Some engines burn or thin their oil. A low or high level, a gas smell on the dipstick or blue smoke are warning signs, and regular oil changes show the engine was looked after.Owners filed 161 complaints about engine failure and engine fires on the 2016 Tucson, one of the worst years for it.
- Open each door from inside and out; a latch recall applies.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2016 Tucson has 5 recalls on record, listed below.
Questions
Is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
Dual-clutch and engine problems. The 2016 Tucson has the highest complaint rate of any SUV on this site. The dual-clutch transmission can hesitate or fail to move when pulling into traffic, engines burn oil, and an ABS module recall warns of fire risk.
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson have?
5 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2016 Hyundai Tucson problems?
Hesitation from the dual-clutch transmission; Oil burning and engine failure; ABS module fire risk.
Crash rating shown for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.