2016 Hyundai Tucson · symptom sheet

Engine knocking or ticking

67owner reports
85,000median miles
$4,800median quote
0involved a crash

Newest report Jul 28, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

67 of the 166 reports of engine failure on the 2016 Tucson describe engine knock.

Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (166 reports)

Tick what matches of 67 reports

a knocking noise from the engine

it got louder over time

oil consumption came with it

the dealer called it normal

the engine needed to be replaced

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the knock sensor (12 reports), the rod bearing (9 reports) and the engine (8 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the engine covers the 2016 model year as of Sep 19, 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.

NHTSA summary

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitionersâ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODIâs evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan as

EA21-003opened Dec 22, 2021

Engine · model years 2012 to 2017

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

NHTSA summary

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY

What owners paid

9 of the 67 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,000 to $8,300.

$2,000$4,800$8,300

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

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 70,000 and 111,000 miles, from the 39 reports that gave a mileage.

117

118

119

620

521

1022

1823

824

1225

526

What owners wrote

“My catalytic converter caught on fire a couple months back then I hit a code for the knock sensor replaced it and it started to act up again I canât go over 49 burning oil took it to Hyundai now they are saying my engine is going out and Iâm still panting carmart got the car”
Filed Aug 14, 2025

“Misfire, excessive oil consumption, engine knocking, loss of power/acceleration, gas smell, excessive gas consumption”
Filed Jun 9, 2025

“UNKNOWN FULLY Engine knocking out of the blue and then died. Car went limp while driving down the road. Starts and is loudly knocking. Throws codes P0011 and P0326 Cannot drive vehicle. I have not notified hyundai yet. There were no warning lights. Car ran perfectly fine. No issues. Then the engine just died.”
Filed Oct 27, 2023

“Engine began ticking and knocking and needs complete replacement confirmed by independent service center. No warning lights came on, regular maintenance has been performed, including oil changes at dealership.”
Filed Aug 9, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 67 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.