Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 the check engine warning light was illuminated, and there was a ticking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where a mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a knock sensor failure. The knock sensor was replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was included in Manufacturer Campaign: CS966 for the transmission control module (TCM). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the vehicle was included and the software update was performed. After the vehicle was repaired, the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated; however, approximately 30 minutes later, the vehicle failed to exceed 35 MPH, and the check engine warning light started flashing. …
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the wrench warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they changed the rear driver's side tire and cleared the code; however, the hesitation persisted after the repair. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where they replaced the engine booster as well as eight bolts that had been fractured on the intake manifold while the booster was being replaced. Despite the second repair, the failure persisted and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and would be towed to a dealer for further assistance. …
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. …
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tuscon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would begin sputtering and the transmission would begin slipping. The transmission would also slip when attempting to accelerate after being parked or idle. There were no warning lights. While driving approximately 45 MPH the vehicle suddenly began going in reverse. The contact immediately placed the vehicle in park to turn off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle the contact attempted to drive it but failed to accelerate. The vehicle was only able to be driven in reverse. The contact reversed into the nearest parking lot. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed. The transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle lunged forward. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that when the vehicle was stopped, after depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and then lunged forward. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that soon after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle would stall upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the RPM's would loudly rev. The contact took the vehicle back to the independent used auto shop where the vehicle was purchased and was informed that they would not service the transmission or offer any additional assistance. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System) which he linked to the failure. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact called a local dealer and made an appointment for service. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that after the vehicle came to a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lurched forward but hesitated to accelerate immediately. An unknown warning light illuminated, and the check engine warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC Code: P073F (Unable to Engage Gear 1), but no repair was recommended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was pressed and released repeatedly at 1,200 RPM. The transmission warning light illuminated. Additionally, the rear driver's and rear passenger's side doors failed to open. The dealer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by email. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately accelerate as intended, before suddenly lurching forward. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was functioning as expected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 53,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. There was an update performed on the transmission control module before; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V628000 (Power Train, Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
Transmission complaints in other Tucson years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
NHTSA has 518 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, 32% of the model year's 1,625 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Hyundai Tucson transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 8,000 miles, and 77% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.