215 complaints reported

2016 Hyundai Tucson Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
215
Crashes
0
Fires
9
Injuries
1

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Dec 2026

Numerous issues with this vehicle. Now, when having oil change, told by the hyundai service center that it is using excessive oil and may need a new engine. In researching this problem, have discovered hyundai has had several problems with excessive oil consumption in their many of their hyundai vehicles, including the 2016 Tuscan

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2025
May 2026

While driving under normal conditions, my engine experienced a sudden and catastrophic failure. The check-engine light illuminated, the vehicle began shaking violently, and I was forced to pull over immediately due to safety concerns. There was no prior warning and no oil pressure or oil warning light activated at any time before or during the failure. After stopping safely, I checked the oil level and found it lower than expected. I added oil as a precaution, but the condition did not improve and the vehicle became inoperable and required towing. The engine assembly remains intact and available for inspection upon request. This failure posed a serious safety risk, as the loss of engine function occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion, creating the risk of stalling or loss of control. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealership. Hyundai Motor America denied warranty and goodwill assistance, citing mileage and alleged insufficient maintenance documentation, despite the vehicle being within the 10-year powertrain period and despite the nature of the failure. Routine maintenance was performed throughout ownership; however, some historical service records are unavailable due to the age of the vehicle and changes in service locations over time. Multiple facilities no longer retain records from that period. Notably, no oil warning indicators never activated, which raises concern regarding the failure mechanism. Hyundai has acknowledged widespread engine issues in this engine family involving oil consumption, bearing failure, and sudden engine seizure. The symptoms and progression of this failure closely align with those known defect patterns. This complaint is submitted to document a sudden engine failure presenting a clear safety concern and to assist in identifying potential defect trends. This car has undergone previous engine repair, AC condenser and entire turbo by their service department previously 2022 & 2024 respectively.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Nov 2025
Feb 2026

Excessive oil consumption caused engine failure on December 17, 2025. My truck stopped and I was stranded on Highway I55 South for 4 hours. Hyundai and the Extended warranty has denied fixing my truck. It is still at [XXX] Hyundai as of today. Hyundai’s failure to properly diagnose or repair this issue when it was first reported under warranty has caused financial burden, diminished vehicle value, loss of use and inconvenience, and emotional distress and stress. This is a legitimate safety concern. I am demanding resolution of an ongoing excessive oil consumption defect in my 2016 Hyundai vehicle. This defect began while the vehicle was under warranty and has continued despite proper maintenance and compliance with Hyundai’s service requirements. I expect Hyundai to honor its legal and contractual obligations without further delay. Please contact [XXX] [XXX] Hyundai) @ [XXX] for details regarding repairs, oil consumption tests, etc. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2025
Feb 2026

The engine, specifically cylinder # 3, has had a catastrophic failure at 114,000 miles. Engine repair shops and engine experts have determined the only fix is a complete engine replacement. Cost estimates are $8500 for a new engine + labor estimated at $2000. Scrap value is estimated at $1000 - $1500 The dealer from whom we bought the car in late 2015 said it is out of warranty. This is unacceptable. Please, please issue a recall on the engine of this vehicle. The vehicle is available for inspection if requested. Failure was catastrophic Problem has been confirmed by engine experts The car is not drivable to a manufacturing facility The engine has not been inspected by police nor our insurance company There we no warning lamps or messages Symptoms include shuddering at initial acceleration beginning at 75,000 miles Dealer said there was no problem and recommended and performed a transmission fluid change

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2026
Jan 2026

I have diligently maintained the vehicle with all scheduled services performed at the Rick Case Hyundai dealership. My maintenance records show a documented history of proper oil changes and other essential services. These records confirm that the vehicle was regularly serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The diagnostic report from the dealership indicates bad piston and heat marks, but there is no evidence to suggest this was caused by a lack of proper maintenance.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2025
Jan 2026

The car has been diagnosed with internal engine failure by both an independent service center and a dealership service center. The issue was described as a rod timing issue causing knocking, leading to failure of the engine. A light was not on for a majority of the issue but did start flashing before car became completely undrivable. The car was sold to me with this issue and has been driven for nearly 3 years with a power loss issue that was dismissed as turbo lag or other issues. Driving a car with this issue that does not alert with a check engine light is a major threat to driver and passenger safety as it can result in engine seizure and vehicle fires. The engine issues began at the least before 58,000 miles, with total failure occuring at roughly 96,000 miles. Hyundai is known for this issue, particularly in turbo model engines. Only once during ownership of the car did the check engine light come on prior to engine failure. When checked, it was described as a catalytic converter issue. The service center also did an oil change on the car, and the light went off. The check engine light did not come on again for more than a year. The check engine light did not come on until after the issue was diagnosed by the independent service center it was taken to in January 2026.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Aug 2026
Jan 2026

There is a major problem with certain year Hyundai vehicles from 2016-2021 with the engine burning oil and clogging up the exhaust. My moms vehicle has been at dealership for evaluation and combustion cleaning multiple times and the problem still continues. There has been times where she is driving car and it starts to bog down and loose power which is a safety issue especially if on highway. The vehicle is burning oil, occasionally have to add oil. The engine light does come on at times. The car has been at dealership for recommended oil consumption test at every 1000 miles and has not passed. Combustion cleaning done each time and sent on way. Called and made complaint with Hyundai corporate and and got no where. The tech department at Hyundai factory gave dealership recommendations to do which were completed and still having same issue. The factory was only willing to cover 70% off the cost of new catalytic convertor and my mom to be responsible for remaining balance. Hyundai claimed that the convertor was out of warranty 8 years/80,000 miles even though this has been going on for past 2 years. This is not a problem caused by consumer but an issue with factory. Hyundai not living up to there 10 year/100,000 mile warranty as they advertise. There are facebook groups with people having same problems as we are with dealership not really doing anything other than combustion cleaning as advised by factory and corporate not doing anything either. I believe this is a major safety/defect issue with engines in these Hyundai Vehicles . What happens when someone is on the highway and the vehicle bogs down and another vehicle comes from behind and slams into you?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Apr 2022
Jan 2026

On my husband's way home from work he explained to me that the car had a "hiccup" and then an engine light blinked on, then it died at an intersection. He was pretty close to home so he got it started again and drove it home. He replaced spark plugs and coil packs and it still had a misfire. We took it to an auto repair shop where they did a scan and told us it had a dead hole in cylinder 2 and that it needs a full engine replacement. The car also had an oil change just before Thanksgiving. My husband checks oil regularly and added a quart a month before the oil change and it seems to consume more oil then it should.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2026
Dec 2025

My motor has a knocking/tapping noise that is obnoxiously loud. My oil level is always changed on time every 3k miles. I have 146,257 miles on my vehicle. I was informed from my mechanic shop that many of the 1.6L motors have issues. I have never had an engine noise then boom its knocking. I was informed not to drive my car to further damage the vehicle. I do not drive it but now am stuck in a loan for a vehicle I cannot drive. I had zero warning for this matter.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Feb 2025
Nov 2025

Engine failure at 67k, Hyundai denied warranty

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2024
Nov 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to Auto Zone, and a scanner was used to diagnose the vehicle. And it was determined that the catalytic converter had failed. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with oil intrusion into the catalytic converter. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil, and an abnormal sound was coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled again. The contact was adding seven quarts of oil for every 3,000 miles driven. In addition, the catalytic converter failed to function as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was concerned that the engine could fail. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Nov 2024
Nov 2025

Brought vehicle in on 07/10/25 to dealership with very low oil, it was determined vehicle was burning oil and combustion cleaning was recommended. Hyundai Corp. denied claim due to 2nd owner. We are not 2nd owner had to transfer title upon my father's death, vehicle owned by family. Hyundai then approved claim and combustion cleaning was done. We were then told by dealership to bring in vehicle every 1000 to check oil. On 2nd 1000 check it was determined to be burning oil and needed engine replacement. Hyundai Corp. denied claim this time stating gross maintenance neglect from 01/2018-06/2019 period but only 3084 miles were put on between oil change. This was not brought up during combustion denial. Also Hyundai stating out of warranty which expired 08/24/25 but issues started in 07/2025. I have asked Hyundai Case Manager to provide written proof in owner's manual where it shows we did not maintain vehicle in accordance to manual.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Oct 2025
Nov 2025

total engine failure. per dealership mechanic, random misfires on all cylinders with a dead miss on 4

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2025
Oct 2025

The engine sometimes stalls and does not accelerate in relation to the pressure applied to the gas pedal. This has caused me scenarios where I am waiting to make a left turn and putter into the lane of opposing traffic, instead of accelerating through the turn. Another symptom of the engine is burning engine oil excessively. I am not aware if the issues are related or not.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2024
Sep 2025

Dear NHTSA, I am submitting this complaint to report a recurring issue with oil consumption in my Hyundai vehicle, which I understand is a known problem affecting this particular engine type and model. I am the original owner and have been a loyal Hyundai customer for many years. I have followed all recommended maintenance, including regular oil changes. Despite this, my vehicle has developed excessive oil consumption that has not been resolved through standard service procedures. The dealership has contacted Hyundai for approval to perform a combustion chamber cleaning, but based on my research and feedback from other owners, this procedure does not effectively address the root cause of the issue. My concern is that this problem may be indicative of a broader mechanical defect that could impact engine performance and safety. My 10-year warranty is nearing expiration, and I am worried that delays in resolving this issue may result in the loss of warranty coverage for necessary repairs. I believe this issue warrants further investigation, as it appears to be affecting multiple vehicles with the same engine configuration. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter and consider whether a broader safety investigation is warranted. Thank you for your attention. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2025
Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Sep 2025
Jul 2025

Me and my daughter were headed back home from a family trip and we were stranded on the side of the road luckily we had family tailing us!! My engine light came on while we were still in the city in Savannah so we stopped by an autozone and changed the spark plugs so the engine light stopped blinking but when we got about 20 miles from home it stopped going we had to pull over it started smoking and it was really hot but the temperature had never moved we had it towed home!! I keep my maintenance up regularly on my car I had 2 mechanics check it out they both said the piston is breaking the spark plugs and it’s something down in the motor that’s doing it I should not have any motor issues at all with my car!! Especially when I do my part at keeping it up I was quoted 7,738 to fix my car which I don’t have both mechanics said the engine in those cars are no good and it’s been recalls on them just not my model it’s not right I’m out of a car and no way to work or no way for my kids to get around they have to ride in Lyfts and Ubers with strangers I feel like my car should be fixed because I did my part at keeping it up and I’m still out of car and frustrated due to the companies negligence!!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jun 2025
Jul 2025

My 2016 Hyundai Tucson has a severe engine defect that causes excessive oil consumption and poses a safety risk while driving. It constantly throws the P1326 engine issue, which is the knock sensor.The issue is not due to any misuse or neglect on my part. The vehicle consumes approximately one quart of oil per week, and I have been advised by two different Hyundai dealerships not to invest any money into repairs because the engine should be replaced under Hyundai’s extended engine warranty (15 years/150,000 miles).Despite multiple attempts to get the issue resolved over the past year, Hyundai continues to deny the engine replacement, leaving me with no resolution and forcing me to drive an unsafe vehicle.The engine burns an excessive amount of oil and needs frequent refilling to prevent damage.The vehicle has stalled and runs rough at times, creating a safety concern.Both Hyundai dealerships I’ve visited confirmed that this is a known issue and advised me not to spend money on repairs since the engine qualifies for replacement under the extended warranty.Hyundai corporate continues to deny coverage and has not repaired or replaced the engine despite the clear warranty terms.The issue has persisted for nearly a year, and the vehicle continues to deteriorate.I believe this defect poses a serious safety hazard because the engine can fail without warning while driving. The excessive oil consumption also increases the risk of engine seizure, stalling, or fire. I am currently forced to operate the vehicle in unsafe conditions due to Hyundai’s inaction. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this ongoing engine defect and Hyundai’s repeated denial of warranty coverage for affected Tucson models. Owners should not be forced to drive unsafe vehicles or pay for repairs that should be covered under Hyundai’s extended

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Dec 2024
Jul 2025

Engine has rod knock and low power due to rod bearing failure. There was never an illuminated oil light or message of any sort prior to failure. this vehicle has had oil changes regularly and never been an issue till now. With Hyundai not having a recall on this engine, and seeing many other reviews about this same issue it is a very dangerous issue leaving people stranded and loosing power in times where serious harm issues could occur and this issue is very costly being that the engine will have to be replaced. As a consumer taking care of the vehicle and still the engine failing due to the lack of integrity of Hyundai I believe Hyundai should step up and make it right and take care of the people who have spent there hard earned money on these cars and are now left in the dark.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jan 2025
Jul 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled and shuddered. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle remained at the residence. A dealer was contacted and made the contact aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2024
Jun 2025

Vehicle is showing KSDS-related engine warning behavior and the Hyundai dealership performed a diagnostic scan. The service manager told me, “I don’t recommend you driving it,” due to a potential engine safety issue. However, Hyundai Motor America’s National Consumer Affairs team is refusing to authorize towing or a loaner/rental until after a full diagnosis is completed. The dealership cannot complete the diagnosis unless the vehicle stays on-site, but I am unable to safely leave it because Hyundai is refusing transportation assistance and I was told not to drive it. This forces me to drive a vehicle they identified as unsafe in order to complete the required inspection. This involves KSDS/engine failure risk, which has been associated with stalling, loss of power, and possible fire hazards. Being advised not to drive while being denied towing or transportation creates a serious safety concern for myself and my children. I am requesting NHTSA document this incident because Hyundai is creating a safety hazard by refusing support for a vehicle they identified as unsafe to operate.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jun 2025
Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and was unable to accelerate above 35 MPH, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the engine knock sensor and catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the vehicle was consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was provided with Goodwill assistance. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jun 2025
Jun 2025

I bought this car with 85,000 miles on it and at 94,000 miles i began hearing a knocking sound in the engine, even with completing the first two oil change intervals within my ownership. no check engine light or warning signs came on, even with the knock sensor update. the engines performance declined immensly, acting as if it was going to seize, and burning through 1qt oil/500 miles with no leaks. i had to continuously buy oil to keep the oil tank full, as no dealerships near me had any availability for 3 months from the time i called, to the time i got into an appointment. i took the vehicle to the dealership to have the engine replaced under class action warranty. the dealership took 4 months to replace the engine, the first 2 denying approval until it was inevitably approved. during those 2 months i was not provided with a loaner car, and due to my age i was unable to rent a car. i still had to continue to pay a car payment and insurance on a car that was undriveable. hyundai cooperate would go 5/14 days at a time without contacting me, even with me calling everyday to try and get an update. there was not any clarity, communication, or updates on the process. once my engine was replaced my catalytic converter had clogged due to the pervious oil burning issue prior to the engine replacement. hyundai told me the engine and exhaust system have nothing to do with each other, and the only thing they could do was have me replace the part with an oem part (a 5k replacement) and we could “file for reimbursement” but there’s no guarantee i would be reimbursed. i have been put out of thousands of dollars and the ability to drive my car for 6+ months due to hyundais negligence of this known issue. i can not get out of my loan as i owe on it more than the car is worth so i am stuck with a car i don’t feel safe in, and has continuous issues that compromise safety. this company needs to be seriously looked into and held accountable.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jul 2023
Jun 2025

The exhaust manifold and turbocharger assembly have cracked, causing exhaust gases—including carbon monoxide—to leak into the cabin. This issue was confirmed by diagnostic testing at Burns Hyundai. The defective component is still installed on the vehicle and has been inspected upon request, costing me over $200 without any suggested reimbursement after I already told them the problem before testing. The cracked exhaust manifold allows carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle’s interior, posing a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to both the driver and passengers. Additionally, the vehicle’s engine performance has been negatively affected, which could lead to unexpected failures while driving. Yes. Burns Hyundai conducted diagnostic testing and confirmed the issue, identifying cracks in both the exhaust manifold and turbocharger assembly. Despite this confirmation, Hyundai corporate has refused to cover the repair under warranty. The vehicle has been inspected and diagnosed by a Hyundai dealership service center (Burns Hyundai), and the issue has been reported to Hyundai corporate for review. No inspections have been conducted by law enforcement or insurance representatives at this time. Yes. Prior to the diagnosis, I experienced engine performance issues, including reduced power and inefficiencies, which I reported to Burlington Hyundai in 2021, when the vehicle was still under warranty. At that time, the exact cause was not properly addressed. The problem has since worsened, leading to the recent discovery of the cracked manifold. No specific dashboard warning lights were illuminated for this issue.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: Jun 2019
May 2025

Excessive oil consumption

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 HYUNDAI TUCSON, Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
Incident: May 2025

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Hyundai Tucson has 215 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.