2016 Hyundai Tucson Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- The powertrain is the most frequent source of complaints, with owners reporting transmission hesitation, stalling, and failure to engage gears.
- A critical recall addresses a potential fire risk from the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU).
- Early-life failures are common, with many issues reported below 10,000 miles, suggesting potential design or manufacturing defects.
- Despite powertrain concerns, the Tucson achieved top marks in frontal and side crash tests (5 stars) and a 4-star rollover rating.
2016 Hyundai Tucson
Critical Failure Risk
The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is prone to significant hesitation, lurching, and stalling, particularly at low speeds or from a stop. This can create dangerous driving conditions.
Early detection can help you avoid a $1,500-$4,000 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.
Who This Car Is For
Best for
Buyers prioritizing safety ratings and a practical SUV form factor.
+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Buyers seeking a trouble-free ownership experience.
+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2016 Hyundai Tucson Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Seating Capacity
- 5
- Transmission
- Automatic (S6)
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Suv
- EPA Combined MPG
- 23
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Most Common Issues
1. Powertrain
Most reportedUsage: 500 reports
2. ENGINE
Usage: 393 reports
First Service Interval
- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter, Drain Plug Washer) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Inspect Brake System
Est. shop cost: $100 - $150
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FAQ
Is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson is 2.5/10. Reliability score is 2.5/10. NHTSA recalls: 7. Owner complaints: 2,091.
How practical is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson for daily use?
Practicality score is 5.5/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 23 MPG. Seating capacity is 5. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 488 litres.
What is the overall score for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson is 5.9/10. Overall score is 5.9/10 (Mixed). Confidence 82%. Maintenance 8.1/10. Practicality 5.5/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter, Drain Plug Washer) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Inspect Brake System at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $500 - $800. Repair prediction highlight: 7-Speed DCT Transmission (typical at 65,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $2,000 • Max: $4,500).
What engine is in the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
Engine specs list 4 • 2.0.
What transmission does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, transmission is Automatic (S6). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
EPA combined estimate is 23 MPG.
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
How many people fit in a 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, seating capacity is 5.
What body style is the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, body style is suv.
What drivetrain does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (S6).
What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.
What are the most common power train problems on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
Top complaint category: power train (500 reports, 23.9% of complaints).
Are there open safety recalls on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
This model year has 7 official safety campaigns listed.
Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
Alternatives listed in this guide: 2016 Honda CR-V and 2016 Toyota RAV4.