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's daughter owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that his daughter took the vehicle for routine maintenance for an oil change however, the contact's daughter was informed that gasoline was seen in the oil. No warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that he took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that no fuel was seen in the oil. The contact then stated that he took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that gasoline was in the oil. The contact was concerned for his daughter's safety while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000. The VIN was not included.
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.
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
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. …
Car is burning engine oil at the rate of one quart a week after normal city driving. Usual and frquent oil changes and almost dry when going in for every 3000 miles oil change. Took to a private (non-Hyndai) mechanic shop Christian brothers in Colorado and told that perhaps that my car had some engine damage or problems due to burn of engine oil and not leaking. Next car began to have engine check light go on and off with never staying on for more than one day. Called Hyundai dealership and told that light had to be on solid and complete for inspection. This week car starting misfiring and dragging when acclerating. Black smoke coming out of exhaust and check engine light illuminated and stayed on. Could not get into delaership until November of 2022 and currently September of 2022. …
Car started to not accelerate when pressing on gas pedal the RPMs would not raise or lower during this time it could be on a hill or on a flat surface at any type of stops whether it was a stop sign or a stoplight it didn't matter how much gas you gave the car it would not move and then it would start bouncing what I would describe as hopping the car would start jerking constantly until you released off the gas and gave it more gas until it would finally go this was happening on highways or on city streets while driving down a highway my engine made a funky sound and it turns out my engine rods blue I went to the dealership they told me my car was safe to drive I continued driving my car until it started not shifting this was 3 days after going to the dealership. I called the dealership back told them I was bringing my car to them due to the issues it was having. …
The vehicle does not accelerate entering roadway, transmission replaced in 2022, catalytic convertor replaced in 2024. Several instances occurred when entering highway vehicle lost power and failed to merge safely, ultimately requiring hasty exit to roadside to avoid collision. The vehicle was purchased used but has been a safety risk since purchase date. Originally diagnosed transmission, then catalytic convertor, then knock control sensor. Engine oil is replaced more often than routine maintenance and refilled in between oil changes. Autonation Hyundai Mall of Georgia originally assisted with transmission replacement Feb 2022, catalytic convertor was replaced in Mar 2024. The vehicle has been parked for considerable time while insurance and car payments continue. …
The Hyundai engine is defective and consumes oil at a rate of 5 quarts every 3,000 miles. It ran completely out of oil and left me stranded on the highway in rush hour traffic 3 hours from home. Several people were put at risk! No warning lights; no check engine and no oil light until the car stalled completely. I was able to add oil and get the car in limp mode to the dealership where they ran oil consumption tests, and it failed due to being 106k miles. The car was returned to me and I was told to watch the oil. Weeks later the car broke down again in the middle of the road. The spark plug tips were burnt completely off and there was a dime sized hole in a valve. Multiple mechanics outside of Hyundai agree that both the plugs and the valve damage are a direct result of the defective engine. …
There have been several incidents where my Hyundai Tucson could have caused a major accident with another vehicle. The first time, I was driving down a hill and I barely could control the car. It began to jerk and I had to gradually steer it into another lane out of traffic. Another time, the oil just began to spout out from under the car while I was driving. It's still difficult keeping oil in the car, but the mechanic says there's no leak. Lastly. my engine light has been blinking off and on , and the mechanic changed the spark plugs and a number 2 coil, but I am still having engine problems. I was given the engine code P1326 from their diagnosis. Since purchasing the car with only about 43000 miles, I have had to replace the transmission, catalytic converter. get a tune up, spark plugs and a coil, and get the drivers side window fixed. …
I had my top engine block (not sure why not a full engine replacement) replaced under warranty June 2023. Shortly after the fix my AC unit stopped working. Once I got my AC unit fixed, about 1.5 months after my engine was not performing. My car would not turn over and when it did, it was in limp mode and would not run properly. I had it towed to dealership who could not find the issue until after they took out of the bay and went to move it, it wouldn't start. They replaced the crankshaft positioning sensor and it wasn't covered under the extended warranty. The top engine block only has 10k warranty which is fast approaching. Took car home and when accelerated past 60 car shakes and when i brake car shakes. Now car cabin smells of gas. All cars with KM are having multiple issues. Dealership not calling back regarding gas issue and has not responded to if they touched my tires. …
Fuel System complaints in other Tucson years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, 3% of the model year's 1,625 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Hyundai Tucson fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 12,000 miles, and 70% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.