2016 Hyundai Tucson · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

166owner reports
92,000median miles
$2,800median quote
1involved a crash

Newest report Jul 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026

429 of the 1,620 complaints on this car are about the engine. 166 of those describe engine failure.

Narrower sheets: Engine knocking or ticking (67 reports)

No recall on this systemas of Oct 2, 2026

1 crashin 166 reports

1 person hurtin these reports

4 firesin 166 reports

NHTSA investigation1 covering the 2016

Tick what matches of 166 reports

a knocking or ticking noise first

the engine seized

oil light or low oil

the engine was replaced

it was covered by a warranty or extension

I was denied coverage

Engine failure on other Tucson years

201471 reports 201564 reports 2016166 reports 2017265 reports 2018116 reports 201992 reports 202027 reports

Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.

What this problem usually is

These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.

Read the full explainer · Which cars report it most

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (162 reports) and the turbo (16 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the engine covers the 2016 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Tucson

DP22-003opened Sep 12, 2022

Engine · model years 2010 to 2022

Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.

EA21-003opened Dec 22, 2021

Engine · model years 2012 to 2017

Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.

What owners paid

23 of the 166 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,000 to $8,500.

$1,000$2,800$8,500

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 72,856 and 111,000 miles, from the 80 reports that gave a mileage.

Is this a known problem?

The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 12 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson that deal with this problem. Newest first.

Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.

Service campaign24-01-068HAug 19, 2024
Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
Service bulletin22-01-023H-2Jul 11, 2023
A class action lawsuit against Hyundai Motor America (âHMAâ) alleges that certain Hyundai vehicles (âClass Vehiclesâ) were manufactured, marketed, sold, and/or leased with an engine defect that can result in sudden engine seizure, stalling, engine ...
Service bulletin22-01-023H-2Nov 3, 2022
Certain vehicles listed below may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or an engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage.
Service bulletin22-01-023H-2Nov 3, 2022
Certain vehicles may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or engine may exhibit abnormal noise, or no crank/no start condition related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage.

8 more on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson page.

What owners wrote

“Engine was burning more oil between oil changes. Auto shop diagnosed engine as blown engine after scoping each valve. 126,000 miles”
Filed Feb 29, 2024 · 126,000 miles

“I have 3 issues. #1. The transmission fails to shift only at certain times resulting in high RPM's on level road. #2. Engine has knocking noise at idle after having the engine knock sensor installed. #3 right, rear passenger door will not open from inside, or outside in spite of inside latch being manually opened or attempting to open with key fob activation.”
Filed Jun 18, 2023

“Engine is burning oil, car dealership has confirmed the engine is in fact burning oil and that I do need a new engine. Oil consumption test has been completed, and I was told to check my oil daily and to add oil. Hyundai will not approve an engine replacement. There are no lights or warnings at all.”
Filed Apr 25, 2023

“Massive oil consumption issue that lead to a knocking motor and my wife and kids stranded on the side of the interstate.”
Filed Feb 14, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 1 of 166 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. 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. How reports land on this sheet.

Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found