Diagsheet

2016 Hyundai Tucson · symptom sheet

Brakes grind, pulse or wear early

  • 48owner reports
  • 55,000median miles
  • 3involved a crash

Newest report Jul 19, 2025 · checked Sep 9, 2026

48 of the 1,616 complaints on this car describe brake wear.

Tick what matches of 48 reports

3
2
3
4
15
1

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the ABS module (9 reports) and the pads and rotors (4 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the brakes covers the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

20V-543Sep 4, 2020
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. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause an electrical short, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

Risk and remedy
Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
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. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 195.

NHTSA investigations into the brakes on the Tucson

AQ23-002opened Nov 17, 2023
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · model years 2010 to 2021

Hyundai and kia abs module fires. Open.

NHTSA summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

None of these investigations covers the 2016 model year.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 29,000 and 76,530 miles, from the 17 reports that gave a mileage.

217
118
219
320
2521
622
323
324
325

What owners wrote

“Brakes locks and the vehicle do not move. Vehicle was parked. Recently I noticed that the vehicle was breaking by itself instead of keep moving. Until today the vehicle brakes lock and do not move.”

Filed Jul 19, 2025

“2 separate issues - oil is being consumed at alarming rate- not burning off and not leaking just disappearing at a rate of a quart every 200 miles -brake pedal is vibrating and clicking up while breaking, then goes straight to floor causing driver to release brake and then repress while stopping”

Filed Aug 23, 2022

“Sensor default, ABS on dashboard, acceleration on dashboard, oil lights default on dashboard, electrical problems, and radio default. My vehicle is still under warranty however im trying to figure out will warranty cover for all of the problems within my vehicle.”

Filed Dec 14, 2021

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 3 of 48 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

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