Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Hyundai Tucson owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that all four automatic windows failed to operate as needed. The front driver's side window started failing and an appointment was scheduled with the dealer to repair the window. While testing the windows in the dealer parking lot after the repair, the front passenger's side window fractured, and the dealer agreed to cover the cost of the repair free of charge. Over time, the rear windows started to lower independently, and the vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle intermittently failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lunge forward while accelerating. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. …
While back out of my driveway in my 2016 hyundai tucson, it suddenly accelerated on its own out of control rendering me helpless and just along for the ride. Finally stopped while in reverse the car went across the street crashing violently into my neighbors boat and engine was still reving until I shut it off after the crash. Both my car and neighbors boat had major damage.
My catalytic converter caught on fire a couple months back then I hit a code for the knock sensor replaced it and it started to act up again I can't go over 49 burning oil took it to Hyundai now they are saying my engine is going out and I'm still panting carmart got the car
Drove into a parking space, with the foot pressing on the brake pedal, the car suddenly and without warning rapidly accelerated uncontrolled causing the vehicle to accelerate past the end of the parking space causing property damage.
The vehicle severely shudders, jerks, and hesitates from a stop and while making a turn, during both acceleration and deceleration, making it entirely unsafe to drive. The vehicle has been completely un-driveable for the past 6 days. The check engine light illuminated, and on 4/9/26, the dealer documented a failed transmission judder test and kept the car, issuing a loaner. A temporary software patch failed after two weeks. Upon return, the dealer reported they were unable to recreate the problem, recommended returning when the vehicle demonstrates the problem more frequently, and refused to mechanically repair the dual-clutch transmission under my active original-owner 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, basically instructing me to continue to drive a seriously un-safe vehicle. …
car is in limp mode,will not accelerate.Oil consultant over a few years.Dealership has requested new engine twice and denied by Hyundai USA.i have to put flashers on just to get on highway so im not killed.I will drive down the street and back and my engine will be extremely hot for hours.I am limited to my hometown only.I can not go out of my hometown due to heat of engine and blowing hoses and water pumps which has happened.This car is a danger and I am in financial burden to high repairs and excuses from dealerships.i have spent over 16,000 dollars and 3 catalyc converters later due to clogging ,in result to oul consumption.This car is a lemon and has ruined my life for the last 3/4 years.lots of stress and financial expenses only to have the same problem
"On [redacted], my 2016 Hyundai Tucson (VIN [redacted] ) experienced severe engine power loss and mechanical noise under load while driving uphill, creating a dangerous safety situation. This occurred 2 days after a dealer visit (February 19, 2026) where an open KSDS Service Campaign (TSB HCE22-14-E600-TL, Issue 10D021) - directly related to engine monitoring - was left incomplete. The dealer subsequently denied an engine evaluation citing mileage over 150,000, despite the open campaign having no mileage restriction and despite a prior verbal commitment to cover repairs. Multiple follow-up attempts by phone, email, and WhatsApp have been ignored."
1. My car will randomly not accelerate when the gas is being pressed. This has almost got me killed when making a left hand turn on more than 1 occasion now. The car also struggles with random shifting and power issues while going up steep hills at high speeds. 2. The front passenger side door and the rear drivers side passenger door just randomly stopped working with a week of each other. The rear wont open from the inside or outside. The front passenger side opens if you shake the handle back and forth multiple times (essentially trying to open it multiple times till it opens)
When accelerating, like taking off from a red light or through a turn, my car begins to shake like it's unable to change gears correctly, and sometimes leads to the car stalling in the middle of the street and intersection putting my in danger of being hit from other drivers. It's also happened that when I press the gas after being stopped at a light, my car RPM goes up but I don't move and then the car jolts forward quickly. This has been happening for years and when I take it to Hyundai they tell me "that's just how the car runs" which seems incredibly unsafe.
The vehicle will not accelerate properly. Several times, I have been on the interstate, and the vehicle would barely increase in speed. Several instances have let to life threatening situations. Numerous times, I have gone to get on the interstate, and the vehicle would slow to nearly a stop, and even when having no other choice but to floor the gas pedal, it still would not accelerate. I've been forced to go off the road, in the middle of the interstate, so many times I've lost track. It's dangerous, and needs to be addressed immediately. I'm considering a lawsuit.
Acceleration complaints in other Tucson years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA has 112 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, 7% of the model year's 1,625 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Hyundai Tucson acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Hyundai Tucson acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 8,000 miles, and 69% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.