CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2016 Tucson comes with a dual-clutch, 7-speed transmission. But Hyundai forgot to tell you about one key phrase – zero-move. That's right, an alarming number of owners have said their SUV wouldn't accelerate after a stop.

Turns out that's because the transmission's application logic has been stumbling all over itself. Hyundai recalled the issue in September 2016, but it's difficult to say if owners are out-of-the-woods, or if this is just a sign of things to come.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 14
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
23,782 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Hyundai Tucson engine problems

engine problem

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2016 Hyundai Tucson Owner Comments (Page 8 of 17)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #194

Feb 062022

Tucson

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR, THERE HAVE BEEN INTERMITTEN TIMES WHEN THE CAR HESITATES AND DOES NOT ACCELERATE AFTER BEING STUCK IN TRAFFIC. IT IS BOGGED DOWN AND DOES EVENTUALLY MOVE. WHEN THIS ORIGINALLY HAPPENED THE VECHILCE WAS BROUGHT IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR TRANSMISSION PROGRAMMING AND THAT WAS DONE. PRIOR TO 100,000 MILES ON THE CAR, THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND I WAS TOLD THIS WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. BUT IT DID NOT - THE BOGGING AND HESITATION HAPPENED LESS FREQUENTLY, BUT CONTINUED. IN 2021, I HAD TO REPLACE THE TURBO BECAUSE THE VECHILE WAS BOGGING DOWN AND THE CODES INDICATED IT WAS THE TURBO. AFTER THE TURBO WAS REPLACED, MY CAR BEGAN BURNING SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF OIL. SOMETIMES, I COULD GO 2,000 miles, others only 1,000 and most recently 250-500 MILES BEFORE MY CAR WOULD START BOGGING AGAIN AND NEED 2 QUARTS OF OIL. AFTER FILLING MY CAR IN EARLY FEBRUARY WITH OIL AND DRIVING LESS THAN 100 MILES, MY CAR STARTED BOGGING AND SPUTTERING WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING AWFUL NOISE. THE CODES INDICATED IT NEEDED COILS, WHICH I HAD REPLACED BUT THE ENGINE HAS NO COMPRESSION. AFTER READING AND RESEARCHING THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 2016 TUCSON 1.6T AND A DEFECT THAT WAS CORRECTED IN THE ENGINE IN 2018. HYUNDAI SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS AND BE REQUIRED TO MAKE OWNERS WHOLE.

- Dover Plains, NY, USA

problem #193

Feb 172022

Tucson

  • miles
The engine has been consuming too much oil for a few months now. Most recently, an oil change was done on 2/17/2022 after driving 879 miles by an independent mechanic, and there was only 2.5 quarts of oil left. This occurred after the Hyundai dealer said that it passed an oil consumption test. Also on two occasions, the dashboard lights and headlights went out while driving, then came back on moments after. This has not been replicated. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

- Glenside, PA, USA

problem #192

Feb 112022

Tucson

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact-??s son stated that while stopped, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted via the telephone and informed of the failure; the dealer suggested that the vehicle be brought to the dealer for assistance. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Corinth, MS, USA

problem #191

Feb 112022

Tucson

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On Friday, September 11, 2022, I had just returned from running errands. I parked the car, which had no warning lights on whatsoever, and exited the vehicle. A few seconds later, smoke started streaming out from under the hood. I popped the hood but did not open it, and started toward the house to get some water, thinking that something was overheated. Before I had taken ten steps, flames were shooting out from the hood. I called 911, but before the fire department arrived, part of my house also caught fire. It has been inspected by the fire marshal and my insurance company.

- Mill Spring, NC, USA

problem #190

Feb 102022

Tucson

  • miles
Car started eating oil after 110K miles. Seems as if 2 quarts low in 3,000 miles between oil changes. Started carrying extra oil and checking level during and after long trips. at 140,000 miles the turbo charger failed and engine failed in the middle of pulling out of a parking lot. No lights on instrument panel ever lit up until 40 miles before the engine failed. Oil light never came on as engine oil was burned up in the turbo. Car is now dead and needs a new engine. Internet posts show numerous Hyundai owners with the 1.9 liter turbo engine experiencing the same problem.

- Cortland, OH, USA

problem #189

Feb 082022

Tucson

  • miles
Car was driving fine. I started going up a moderate hill and car stalled out with no warning, right in the middle of a busy highway. Was able to get finally get it started to pull onto side of road, it had a loud knocking sound and engine light and oil light came on that time. I had it towed to my mechanic who said it had absolutely no oil. I have not found any evidence of oil leaking in my driveway or parking lot at work. It never gave any warning that engine needed serviced or oil was low. It now needs a total engine replacement. I am the second owner so of course I have no warranty. Car has 81,000 miles on it, had 75,000 when I bought it 4 months ago. Never dreamed I would be dealing with replacing an engine after 4 months. Since this has happened, I have read so many complaints of these cars doing the exact same thing to so many owners, I have lost count. A recall needs to be done, Hyundai needs to own up and address whatever flaw is causing this problem over and over again. Had I been on the interstate ( where I was heading) or driving in city traffic, I could have been killed. This problem is not just frustrating, it is also dangerous.

- Ipava, IL, USA

problem #188

Jan 122022

Tucson

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

#1 - The door handles on all doors have started taking several pulls on the handle to open. The left passenger side is no longer able to be opened from the inside of the car. This moved to all doors and it takes numerous tries on the other 3 doors from the inside or outside to be able to get the doors opened. #2 - We bought this car used from the original owner with 99k miles on it. We know the owner personally and they did regular maintenance on the engine. After 6 months of owning and putting on 3000 miles on the vehicle the engine has blown. When we bought the car we changed all the fluids and did an initial oil flush and put in synthetic oil and did another oil change before the 3000 mile mark, again with synthetic oil. The check engine light came on while driving and oil light started flickering and the engine also started knocking. We had the vehicle towed to a mechanic and they said to contact Hyundai as they've had several blown engines that came through their shop and that Hyundai was doing a massive recall. Towed the car to Hyundai and they took 3 weeks to look at the car and said that due to poor maintenance the engine blew and they could replace the engine for $13k and this engine wasn't covered in the extended warranty. They took a video of the oil chamber and it had sledge and said no coverage due to poor maintenance and our VIN also wasn't on the recall list. After doing research it looks like several others are having issues with oil problems, sludge and blown engines.

- Highlands Ranch, CO, USA

problem #187

Apr 032021

Tucson

  • miles
Engine failed and had to be replaced.

- Kansas City, KS, USA

problem #186

Feb 022022

Tucson 4-cyl

  • miles
We purchased a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon in July 2020 from Key Hyundai Milford Ct. We have become aware of serious engine problems with the vehicle such as, severe oil consumption, sudden stalling and loss of power at traffic stops, loud continuous rattling from the engine compartment. We took the vehicle to a mechanic her in Pittsburgh where we now live and were told that there appears to be a serious problem with connecting rods and that we may end up having to replace the engine at our own expense. We have had this vehicle for only 3,00 miles and one and a half years, we were never notified of the engine issues. We were assured that the vehicle had been well maintained and was in perfect condition. We are writing to see if this its under the CT Lemon Law and/or if there specific remedies that we can pursue. We tried contacting the dealership but we received absolutely no assistance and washed their hands of any responsibility. Thank you in advance for any assistance that you can provide, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #185

Dec 172021

Tucson

  • miles
Engine failure at approximately 80,000 miles. No oil observed in engine, dipstick smelled of burnt plastic, no grit or sludge observed on dipstick or exterior of engine, no smell of burnt oil or blue smoke from tailpipe. Audible engine slap, no check engine lights were illuminated in dash, oil light flickers on for less than 3 seconds after engine turned over. Mechanic identified engine failure and also noted there was no oil in the engine, recommended we call Hyundai corporate office. Engine near seizure, as a result, if engine seizes, this could potentially bring the vehicle to an abrupt stop at highway speeds and can result in a catastrophic accident or engine fire. Engine still under warranty, dealership attempting to say engine failure caused by "sludge issue", but no proof of engine sludge found upon inspection. Oil change records provided to dealership upon request. Hyundai corporate was called, given the run-around.

- Mechanicsville, VA, USA

problem #184

Feb 052022

Tucson

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I purchased the car in June 2021and took the car back within the month due to the driver door having issues locking and unlocking. Today on 2/5/22 as i was driving my car on the express way my engine light, battery light and oil light came on and my car began to shake. As i got off the express way my car cut off in the middle of traffic while i had 2 kids in the car in the city of Houston-??. In October i was told that i was having oil consumption issues and was having to take my car back every 1,000 miles. And then was told that-??ll it-??ll be $900 to get a decombustion cleaning. I am unsure of why my car has stopped today. I-??ll be back to let y-??all know.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #183

Feb 022022

Tucson

  • miles
3 safety concerns with the vehicle- 1) - the front passenger side door will not open from time to time when unlocked- you need to crank on the out side and inside handle at times to get the door to open. This is a concern if I were to ever get into an accident. The locking mechanism has had to be repaired on both rear doors for the same issue- potentially keeping a passenger from exiting the vehicle in the case of an emergency. 2) the car jerks when accelerating from a complete stop every single time you drive - and you have to put your foot way down (like slamming down) on the gas pedal in order to get up to the right speed-?? (I have never had to do this in the other 4 vehicles we own - only in the Hyundai) 3) oil consumption concern. The car is using way too much oil then it should. I change the oil every 5000 miles and it is going into Hyundai 2/4/2022 in West Allis, WI for an oil change - (and to get the passenger door fixed) I had to add oil on 2/2/2022 because the oil level warning light came on - and it was almost empty. I-??ll be requesting an oil consumption test. This should be covered by Hyundai due to this being a safety concern with the engine. This has been the worst vehicle e have ever owned. I have 3 daughters that drive this vehicle and it scares me thinking that if one were to ever get into an accident that they or one of their friends would be seriously injured - for either A- not being able to get out of the vehicle or B- the engine starting on fire due to the oil consumption problem.

- New Berlin , WI, USA

problem #182

Jan 072022

Tucson

  • miles
1. January 7, 2022 my vehicle began to lose engine power, as I began to try and find a place to pull over safely, the car stalled. It would not immediately start again for several hours. It had to be pushed out of the way. The engine failed due to wear of connecting rod bearings with no previous indication of engine issues. 2. Due to the sudden stall and having to push the vehicle to a safe location, myself and passengers could have easily been hit by another vehicle. 3. A dealership has confirmed the failed rod bearings. 4. The vehicle's engine has been inspected and photos taken by the dealership and submitted to Hyundai corporate. 5. It was not until the car stalled that the oil light illuminated. When I started the car back up several hours later, all lights were gone and no error codes were present. There was no previous warning lights before this incident.

- Emporium, PA, USA

problem #181

Dec 232021

Tucson

  • miles
The engine has Rod Bearing failure. The engine is a Gamma GDI 1.6 L engine- the same engine that was recalled from the Veloster, for this problem but the Tuscon was not included in the recall. Hyundai has stated they recalled the Gamma GDI 1.6 L due to metal shavings being left in the engine during production that overtime created wear on the rod bearings leading to failure and engine failure. (Which is exactly what is wrong with my vehicle) Hyundai has said they will not fix my engine, and that it is out of warranty. It has been inspected by 2 local mechanics who have confirmed the diagnosis, I have called Hyundai corporate and the local Hyundai dealerships who have provided no help and requested $250 to even look at my vehicle. The oil light came on right before the engine started knocking and it was taken directly to a mechanic. I purchased this vehicle 1 year ago from a reputable used car dealership who will not help me either, the vehicle is now out of warranty, and I still owe $17,000 on the loan. A new engine is $10,000. Hyundai needs to step up and fix this issue.

- Hartsville , TN, USA

problem #180

Jul 262021

Tucson

  • miles
Failed intake valve/compression valve. It is currently at the dealer I bought it from. I was driving in traffic and it had no power at all. I was almost rear ended several times trying to coast off the road. The dealer took the engine apart and put it back together 3 times and informed me that it will need a new motor. There were no warnings at all before this happened. The dealer nor Hyundia has tried to work with me on the cost. The purchase price was $14,000 and they want to charge $8000 for a new motor. I am still paying for the SUV that isnt running.

- Bowling Green, KY, USA

problem #179

Jun 262021

Tucson 4-cyl

  • 107,727 miles
The contact's son owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then towed to Wiesner Hyundai (1645 Interstate 45 N, Conroe, TX 77304) and diagnosed with engine failure, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer. The failure mileage was 107,727.

- Beaumont, TX, USA

problem #178

Jan 012020

Tucson

  • miles
This same oil leak issue has been addressed at least 6 times and is worse than its ever been. 1-16-20 9-12-20 1-8-21 1-22-21 5-17-21 9-10-21 The Oil pan was replaced on 09-10-21 at 109,331 miles. At around 2,000 mile after this service noticed oil spots again in my driveway, it seems to be leaking in the same spot. I called for an appointment on November 1 to have it looked at and you were about a month out, so I had to make an appointment for November 29th. The problem seems to be getting worse and I dont feel comfotable driving it. I called service twice in the last week and was advised to leave it in case an appointment opens up. Please see service history, check, and advise. I have a college visit with my son in Maryland on November 15 and had to rent a vehicle.

- Andover, NJ, USA

problem #177

Jan 112022

Tucson

  • miles
The Engine block overheated and seized causing a connecting rod to break and eject from the bottom of the vehicle. I was driving down a highway when this happened with no indication or check light of the problem on the dashboard. I heard a snapping noise which was the connecting rod breaking and then ejecting out of the engine and then the engine smoked, and the car immediately lost acceleration on a packed highway and had I not responded quickly - I would have caused a serious accident. I had the car towed to a repair shop initially and they diagnosed it as engine seizure with massive engine failure and they told me to send it to Hyundai dealer in Algonquin IL, which was where they confirmed the diagnosis - it seemed suspicious to me as I have had all maintenance done with Hyundai besides my tires. They told me the engine overheated and seized which caused the connecting rods to snap, I had visited my dealership recently the prior month for an oil change and they did not indicate any major problems with my vehicle. The car had to be towed to my local dealership McGrath City Hyundai as I have no way to drive to the other dealership as it was so far way. I'm waiting now almost half a year for an engine replacement and no word from the manufacturer or dealership on this matter.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #176

Dec 242021

Tucson

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 65 - 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and there was smoke coming from the bottom of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle made abnormal sounds. Upon the vehicle being placed onto the tow truck, there was oil leaking from underneath the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with rod bearing failure in the lower part of the engine, which caused a hole in the engine block. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

- Beaverton, AZ, USA

problem #175

Oct 102019

Tucson

  • 39,055 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 55-60 mph, she heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to park on the side of the road before the vehicle was seized. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, started to experience failure with the brakes. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics). The dealer completed the recall repair however, the failure with the brakes recurred. Additionally, the rear driver-??s side door failed to open. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,055.

- Pueblo, CO, USA

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