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2016 Hyundai Tucson Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Daniel Wilson·1 Critical Recall
2016 Hyundai Tucson Report

Overall Score

5.9/ 10
Our Verdict
High risk

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.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2016 Hyundai Tucson

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson offers a practical package with respectable safety scores, earning a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. However, used car shoppers should be aware of significant reliability concerns, particularly surrounding the powertrain. With 7 recalls and over 2,000 complaints logged, the Tucson's primary weaknesses lie in its engine and transmission systems. Potential buyers must prioritize thorough inspections of these critical components.

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.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls7
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

2091
Power Train500
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
23
MPG
City
21
MPG
Highway
26
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

2.5/ 10

Practicality

5.5/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

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.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

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 reported

Usage: 500 reports

2. ENGINE

Usage: 393 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

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

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
7 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

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.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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