Recall 16V147 affects 2,263 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles with trailer turn signals that fail to flash. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 2,263 2016 Tucson SUVs with accessory trailer hitch harnesses because the trailer turn signal lights can turn off or stay steadily lit instead of flashing when the brake lights are on. The defect can prevent other drivers from seeing the driver's intended turn and increases crash risk; Hyundai dealers will repair the harness free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The trailer hitch wiring harness on the 2016 Hyundai Tucson is the add-on wiring that links the SUV's lighting system to a trailer. It carries the brake-light and turn-signal commands from the vehicle to the trailer lights, so drivers behind the trailer see when you are stopping or turning. A small control module in that harness is supposed to translate those commands without interfering with the Tucson's own power supply circuit.
On affected Tucsons, Hyundai found a potential incompatibility between the tow hitch harness control module and the vehicle's power supply circuitry. With the engine running and the brake lights on, activating a turn signal causes the trailer turn signal lights to turn off or stay lit instead of flashing. That means the trailer does not give the clear turn signal required under the lighting standard.
There is no warning sign before failure. The owner usually sees the problem only by checking the trailer lights while the brake pedal and turn signal are both in use, or after another driver points it out.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson | Tail lights |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2,263 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
Not every 2016 Hyundai Tucson is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
When the trailer turn signals fail to illuminate, drivers behind you lose a clear signal that you are turning or changing direction, which increases crash risk. Use extra care when towing, avoid relying on the trailer lights until the harness is updated, and schedule the repair. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Hyundai Tucson is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free tow hitch harness update that fixes the trailer turn signal lighting.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 16V147 or Hyundai recall 142 when you call.
- Avoid towing a trailer until the harness update is complete if the trailer turn signals do not flash correctly.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician updates the tow hitch harness so the trailer turn signals operate correctly when the brake lights are on. Parts and labor are covered under recall 16V147. Hyundai's reimbursement plan covers qualifying owner paid repairs under the plan it submitted on November 2, 2014. If you already paid for a related tow hitch harness repair, contact Hyundai customer service and ask how to submit the claim under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 10, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 2, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 6, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| May 6, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 6, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V147?
Recall 16V147 covers 2,263 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles with an accessory trailer hitch harness defect. When the engine is running, the brake lights are on, and the turn signal is used, the trailer turn signal lights can turn off or stay lit instead of flashing. Hyundai dealers update the tow hitch harness for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Hyundai Tucson is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Tucson is included in recall 16V147. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the tow hitch harness update. Reference Hyundai recall number 142 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Hyundai dealers update the tow hitch harness free of charge. You can also call Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9640 and reference Hyundai recall number 142.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is that the trailer turn signal lights fail to show the driver's intended turn. If other drivers cannot see the trailer signal, crash risk rises. The free dealer repair updates the tow hitch harness so the trailer lighting works correctly.
What if I bought my Hyundai Tucson used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Tucson is included, then call a franchised Hyundai dealer and reference recall 16V147 or Hyundai recall number 142.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V147000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9640 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V147 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V147000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →