2016 Hyundai Tucson: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Hyundai Tucsons, from 20,202 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2016 Hyundai Tucsons than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Brake pads1.6× usualHyundai Tucson16.4% All 2016 cars10.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 2.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
Shock absorbers: 1.7% here, against 4.3% of all 2016 cars.
By area
The share of 2016 Hyundai Tucson MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres30% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes27% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension13% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics8% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts4% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Clutch judder (manual diesel)Manual diesel
Manual diesels can suffer from clutch judder. A redesigned clutch is available.
At the viewing: Pull away gently several times and feel for judder.
If it needs doing: Clutch replacement, about £250–£600. ClickMechanic
- Bonnet catch recall
Cars built up to 15 March 2016 were recalled because the bonnet catch could fail.
At the viewing: Ask a Hyundai dealer to confirm the recall was done.
- Hesitant DCT automaticDCT automatic
The dual-clutch automatic can be hesitant and laggy pulling away.
At the viewing: Test it from a standstill and in slow traffic.
Looking at a Hyundai Tucson?
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1,259 | Tyres 14% |
| 2022 | 21,925 | Tyres 20% |
| 2021 | 16,877 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 13,095 | Tyres 29% |
| 2019 | 26,836 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 25,002 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 23,946 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 4,737 | Brakes 31% |
| 2009 | 510 | Suspension 53% |
| 2007 | 712 | Suspension 55% |
| 2006 | 843 | Suspension 55% |
| 2005 | 776 | Suspension 60% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 Hyundai Tucsons registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score