2016 Hyundai Tucson Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 Tucson
5
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (517 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 517 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (423 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 423 NHTSA complaints
Structure complaints Red flag
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (227 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 227 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (216 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 216 NHTSA complaints
Latches/Locks/Linkages complaints Check
Open and close every door, hood, and trunk; confirm all latches hold. (157 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 157 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
154 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
5
Power Train Red flag
Inability to move the vehicle while in traffic may increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical System Check
If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior Lighting Check
Failure to illuminate the trailer's turn signal lights would prevent the communication of the driver's intent, increasing the risk of a crash.
Latches/Locks/Linkages Check
If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch cannot secure the hood, the hood may unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 Tucson–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Tucson have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 Tucson. The most serious involve Power Train (16V628000) and Service Brakes, Hydraulic (20V543000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 Tucson?
The top complaint areas are Power Train (517 complaints) and Engine (423 complaints), out of 1619 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Tucson?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Power Train, which drew 517 complaints for this model-year.