2016 Hyundai Tucson electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 16V842000Nov 21, 20166,172 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · TRAILER HITCHES

  Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 19, 2015, to November 14, 2016, and 2017 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured November 28, 2015, to November 14, 2016. The affected vehicles may be equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result, in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

  Risk: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 153.

• Recall 16V628000Aug 30, 201641,000 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

  Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2016 Tucson vehicles manufactured May 20, 2015 through May 31, 2016 and equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission. Certain driving conditions and high temperatures may cause the vehicle to not move if the accelerator pedal is pressed and released repeatedly.

  Risk: Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Transmission Control Module software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 28, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 149.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 22, 2026LAFireBrakesElectrical SystemWheels & Tires

   Caliber / Breaks sticking after changing them, Car stopped in the middle of traffic after they locked up. Changed them again Brought to Hyundai dealership I was told Caliber needed changing . It was changed Caliber caught fire while driving Now Hyundai says the ABS system has to be replaced

   NHTSA complaint #11766204 · source
2. Filed Sep 9, 2026NMElectrical SystemEngine

   The vehicle unexpectedly entered 'Limp Mode' due to engine tracking code P1326. The vehicle severely restricts engine power and RPMs while driving on public roads, preventing normal acceleration. This creates a severe safety hazard as the vehicle cannot safely merge into oncoming traffic, accelerate away from intersections, or maintain basic road speeds, putting me at a high risk of being rear-ended.The fault is under Hyundai Theta II Txxm. I have been given the runaround by…

   NHTSA complaint #11763199 · source
3. Filed Aug 15, 2026RIElectrical SystemLighting

   This problem was observed about 1 month ago: While driving and headlights set on AUTO, during the day, and the light switch NOT on, the dashboard would indicate the lights were ON, for just a second or two, and would go off. At night with the headlights set on AUTO and the headlights ON, while driving, the headlights go OFF and ON briefly (1-3 seconds) causing a dangerous situation as visibility of road is lost. This condition was initially observed at night, after using the…

   NHTSA complaint #11757119 · source
4. Filed Jul 23, 2026WVDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   All the warning lights in the day lit up. Brake, LDWS, AEB, outside air temperature won’t read and the a/c blows hot. $486 to diagnose at dealer and they state that it’s an electrical issue due to a bad vacuum pump. I can’t get an answer as to whether the vacuum pump safety campaign was completed or not. Dealer wants $1500 to replace.

   NHTSA complaint #11752545 · source
5. Filed Apr 17, 2026PAElectrical System

   Took vehicle to dealership and had it diagnosed for the electrical system faults cause all the dashboard warning lights came on. Shop said it could be bad vacuum pump.

   NHTSA complaint #11731943 · source
6. Filed Apr 8, 2026VAElectrical System

   Three power window regulators have failed on my 2016 Hyundai Tucson within a six-month period. The front driver and front passenger windows both failed first and required replacement. The rear driver-side window has now also failed and is currently stuck in the open position. When the failures occur, the window will move up slightly but then drop back down or will not stay closed, indicating a failure of the regulator mechanism rather than normal wear. The fact that multiple…

   NHTSA complaint #11729862 · source
7. Filed Mar 28, 2026PAElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   All dash warning lights are on and dash lights have a intermittent bright light surge. Hard to shut off engine and have to disconnect battery for electric power to shut off. Very noticeable hesitation in acceleration starting to drive

   NHTSA complaint #11727692 · source
8. Filed Mar 23, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   I am writing regarding the diagnosis provided for my vehicle [XXX] . I was informed today that the engine failure is being attributed to a "water hose failure" rather than the engine defects covered under the active safety recall/settlement regarding Connecting Rod Bearing failure. As there were no coolant leaks before or after the vehicle was towed to your dealership. I am formally requesting a re-evaluation and more detailed evidence. Given the known history of these…

   NHTSA complaint #11726365 · source
9. Filed Jan 10, 2026MSElectrical SystemEngine

   My 2016 Hyundai Tucson experienced engine failure consistent with known Hyundai engine defects. After reporting multiple battery outages, rapid oil consumption, and limited acceleration ability, outstanding warranties were checked and updated. However, the issues persisted, and the engine failed suddenly while I was driving. Hyundai denied warranty coverage without proof of the issues being unrelated to the warranty. This presents a serious safety hazard due to unexpected…

   NHTSA complaint #11710087 · source
10. Filed Nov 6, 2025WIElectrical SystemEngine

    car often does not accelerate when hitting the gas. Was turning onto highway from a stop car did not accelerate causing other vehicle to swerve to avoid hitting me as my car would not move. Couple seconds later it moved

    NHTSA complaint #11698032 · source
11. Filed Oct 27, 2025NCFire1 injuredElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    As I was driving I was stopped & told my car was on fire. I immediately stopped & hopped out & less than 30 seconds later half of the hood caught heat/fire & flew into the windshield breaking it. At least half The car is burnt to ashes

    NHTSA complaint #11695722 · source
12. Filed Oct 5, 2025CAElectrical SystemEngine

    While driving, on multiple occasions all warning lights will come on and the car will start to lose power. The headlights constantly go off and come back on randomly. Turn the blinker on and the rear window wipers intermittently come on. The vehicle has been towed to the dealership so many times and we either get “can’t duplicate” or needs oil change, which had just been done. Now we are being told that we need a second engine replacement. Unfortunately this time it will not…

    NHTSA complaint #11691476 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology