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 operating the vehicle, a clicking noise was present coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who indicated the ticking noise was caused by loosened steering column bolts. The bolts were re-torqued and the failure was remedied. The contact indicated that approximately 40,000 miles later the ticking noise reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the steering column bolts had loosened again. The bolts were again re-torqued and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,037. The consumer stated the 2nd occurrence happened on 07/20/2022 at 55,053 miles.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a rattling noise and vibration coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, while parking and turning the steering wheel in either direction, there was a clicking noise coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the intermediate steering shaft was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 64,000.
When driving All the warning light is on. Also when you reduce speed or stop at the light the steering wheel turn hard to turn or move. The battery seem to be low voltage, because when you lock the car the sound of the horn sound weak. And wouldn't start.
Purchased a used 2016 Hyundai Tucson, approx. 79,000 miles. A few weeks later I noticed a rattling in the steering column when driving over railroad tracks, rough roads, etc. When sitting stationary, I could rock the steering wheel back and forth and got a clunking sound. Took to the dealership, they wanted $250 just to diagnose. Did my own investigating. With the car turned on I would hold the steering wheel with one hand and hold the steering shaft with the other and work them in opposite directions. This replicated the clunking and knocking noise I would hear while driving. I determined it was a faulty upper pinch bolt. Replaced the bold and all noise went away. Fast forward a few months later and the sound returned. Slightly at first, then the sound became very pronounced again. Tightened pinch bolt again, went away. …
The engine is consuming more than 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles. This began around 100000 miles at 1 quart per thousand miles and has since progressed to 1 quart every 500--800 miles. I found this problem when my oil pressure light came on as I was going around a curve. I checked my oil level and it was not visible on the stick. My engine was 3 quarts low 3000 miles since the last oil change. This has been going on since April of 2021. My steering column makes a significant rattling noise and jiggles up and down when going over bumps. This has been going on since about the 80000 mile mark which was around April 2020. My local shop confirmed there was something likely worn out and needing replacement, perhaps the entire steering column.
Internal engine failure; no compression cylinder. My vehicle was affected by the Tucson Dual Clutch Transmission Reprogramming recall. In higher ambient temperatures and specific operating conditions, the transmission clutch application logic can result in a delayed engagement when accelerating from a stop, and the vehicle would not accelerate. Inability to move the vehicle in traffic. The car is well maintained and in excellent shape. They estimated the cost to replace the engine at $14,000! and Hyundai Dealer Larry Miller denied any help with the repair cost.
Hi, I am an owner of 4 Hyundai vehicles and all had the steering wheel coupler failed before 100,000 miles. 2 sonata and 1 Elantra coupler was replaced under the 100,000 miles extended warranty but my 2016 Tucson with 80,000 miles is not covered. All Hyundai and Kia vehicles have this problem. Why only some models are covered and not others? The problem is the same across the board. I think Hyundai should be compel to honor repairs on all models for this common steering wheel coupler problem and not on selected model.
Pronounced rattle from the steering column (not the wheel) when going over a rough surface. Vehicle has only 49,000 miles on it. Hyundai dealer checked and determined the rattle was not a safety issue and said a small plastic piece in the steering mechanism had broken and quoted a repair cost of over $1,000. I do not believe the dealership's diagnosis, nor its' safety assessment and believe they are simply avoiding a repair that should be covered under the vehicle's soon to expire warranty!
I leased a 2016 hyundai tucson from Metcalf Auto Plaza [redacted]. Every week since then i have had to return the car for repairs. It got to a point where Neil suggested he can trade it for another but each and every vehicle i test drove to replace my car was NOT ready to be on the road but according to them every car had just got out the shop. Instead of trying to have issues resolved the mechanics decide to make "jokes" as if your pain and suffering is a joke. Since i did not want a trade in and wanted my car fixed instead Neil tried to tell me that this was my final offer which i declined because why not just fix my car? I went to talk to Neil in person September 9, 2025 about getting my car fixed and the frustrations i am having because having to return the car weekly and i havent had it for a month is outrageous. …
I am writing regarding the diagnosis provided for my vehicle [redacted] . 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 engines seizing, I need to ensure this diagnosis is absolutely correct and not a symptom of the internal defect. I request the following information be provided immediately: 1. Evidence of Overheating: Did the vehicle store any specific "overheating" codes in the ECU prior to the engine shutting off? 2. Oil Pan Inspection: Has the oil pan been removed to inspect for metal shavings or debris? …
Steering complaints in other Tucson years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the steering of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, 1% of the model year's 1,625 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Hyundai Tucson steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering 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.