Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced issues with the brakes on the driver's side. The vehicle was taken to both an independent mechanic and a dealer, where technicians from both locations diagnosed a brake system issue. Later, while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the contact noticed a yanking sensation before the vehicle began slowing down on its own. The contact drove the vehicle back to her residence, where she noticed a burning smell. Once stopped, she observed smoke and discovered that the brake caliper had caught on fire. The contact extinguished the fire herself using a garden hose, and the vehicle was subsequently towed to the dealer. …
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while coming to a stop at approximately 2 MPH at a traffic light, the vehicle rolled forward, failing to come to a complete stop, and collided with the rear bumper of the vehicle in front. The contact stated that the "four-way braking" warning light and another unknown light were illuminated. The contact stated that there was damage to the rear bumper of the vehicle in front. The police were called but no report was written and there were no injuries. The contact had driven the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with an issue with the ABS related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and needed to be taken to a manufacturer dealer for repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
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 contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the starter had failed and needed to be replaced. The starter was replaced. The independent mechanic also informed the contact that the brake pedal needed to be replaced, and the rear trailing arm was corroded and could fracture while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The independent mechanic stated that the suspension front spring and coil spring could damage the tire overtime. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,861.
Driving vehicle home from work a 7 mile commute driver front rotor and passenger rear rotors caught fire. Called fire department to ensure preventive measure of entire car catching fire. It appears both corners have fused pads to rotors creating high friction. No check engine lights or ABS light notifications on dash to warn of issue. Brakes and rotors replaced approximately 2 years ago and 25k miles with zero issues. Brake master reservoir is only low about 1 ounce of fluid with no signs of fluid leak on floorboard or firewall of vehicle. Abs module appears to have no fluid residue or leaks either. Have not checked fuses as of yet for failure.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that the brake pedal made an abnormally loud grinding sound while depressed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic the next day. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the vehicle rear brakes had failed; and both the rear brakes and rotors were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the brake pedal inadvertently engaged, with the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the hydraulic unit assembly for the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
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
I have a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon Limited Turbo which I bought USED in August of 2018. The same week I left the lot I returned multiple times complaining that the car was hesitating and seemed like the transmission was having problems. The car would hesitate to go from a stop, several times leaving me and my infant (at the time) in the middle of intersections crossing traffic and unable to move. It almost got us SLAMMED multiple times. I explained this to them and they just kept telling me it was because of the turbo. I said NO ONE in their right mind would manufacture a car that goes fast at the cost of safety. That was insane to me but they kept sending me home. I returned over and over and over again for the entire 1st year I had the car with no resolution. …
Three weeks ago my dash board lit up like an orange Christmas Tree, with "ABS failure" warnings. I found the Hyundai recall notice in our car file. It said that when the dash warnings appeared, the danger of an engine fire was imminent and that should contact the Dealer that I bought the car from (Hyundai Motors- Naples, Florida-USA). I did so. personally. An appt. was scheduled. This morning (Fri. 11/15/24)upon arrival, a pleasant young woman informed me that Hyundai sent out lots of notices like this, but they didn't apply to my vehicle. I showed her the recall notice with my car's Vin number printed on it. She went back to her boss who told her "We fixed that for him three years ago," Now, I am not certain of anything, but I NEVER brought the car in for an ABS system fix three years ago. I didn't know that I even had an "ABS" system until three weeks back, when the dash board lit up. …
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge.
Brake complaints in other Tucson years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the brakes of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, 3% of the model year's 1,625 complaints. The component named most often is fluid (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Hyundai Tucson brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 20V-543 (control unit/module, Sep 4, 2020). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2016 Hyundai Tucson brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries to brakes 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.