Recall 16V842 covers 6,172 2016-2017 Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles with trailer wiring that keeps brake lights on. Free repair at franchised Hyundai dealers.
Hyundai is recalling 6,172 2016-2017 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles with accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses because a tow hitch module malfunction can leave the trailer brake lights constantly illuminated. That brake-light signal can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk, and Hyundai dealers will repair the harness free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The accessory trailer hitch wiring harness on affected Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles connects the SUV's electrical system to a trailer. Its tow hitch module is supposed to send the right signal to the trailer lights, including the brake lamps, so drivers behind the trailer can tell when you are braking.
In this recall, the tow hitch module malfunctions and sends the wrong voltage output through the trailer wiring. That fault leaves the trailer brake lights constantly illuminated instead of turning on only when the brake pedal is pressed. Hyundai identified updated trailer hitch modules as the repair difference for the affected harnesses.
There is no warning sign before failure. From the driver's seat, the SUV does not give a separate alert that the trailer brake lights are staying on.
Who's affected?
The Tucson scope includes 2016 and 2017 SUVs, while the Santa Fe scope is 2017 only; both include trailer hitch and wiring components.
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson | Trailer hitches |
|---|---|
| 2016 Hyundai Tucson | wiring |
| 2017 Hyundai Tucson | Trailer hitches |
| 2017 Hyundai Tucson | wiring |
| 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe | Trailer hitches |
| 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe | wiring |
| Units affected | 6,172 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the trailer brake lights stay on while the trailer is in use, drivers behind you can misread whether you are braking, which increases crash risk. There is no warning sign for the operator, so confirm the VIN and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Hyundai Tucson or Santa Fe is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free accessory trailer hitch wiring harness replacement that addresses trailer brake lights staying on.
- Bring the recall notice, or reference recall number 16V842 when you call.
- Avoid towing a trailer until the harness is replaced; trailer brake lights can stay illuminated and confuse other drivers.
- Call Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151 with questions about recall number 16V842.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician replaces the affected accessory trailer hitch wiring harnesses tied to the tow hitch module. Parts and labor are covered under the recall, and the repair is free. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because Hyundai says owners would not have incurred expenses for the warranted repair from this condition. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 21, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 23, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| November 23, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 9, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 9, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 13, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V842?
Recall 16V842 covers 6,172 2016-2017 Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles equipped with an accessory trailer-hitch wiring harness. A tow-hitch module defect can leave the trailer brake lights constantly illuminated, which can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk. Hyundai dealers replace the wiring harness for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Hyundai Tucson or Santa Fe is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V842. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule replacement of the accessory trailer-hitch wiring harness. Reference recall number 16V842 and Hyundai recall number 153 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Hyundai says dealers will replace the affected accessory trailer-hitch wiring harnesses free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Hyundai dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is confusion for drivers behind the trailer. If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while the trailer is being used, other drivers can misread whether the vehicle is braking, increasing the risk of a crash.
What if I bought my Hyundai Tucson or Santa Fe used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner, so a used 2016-2017 Hyundai Tucson or Santa Fe still qualifies if its VIN is included. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Hyundai dealer with recall number 16V842.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V842000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-800-633-5151 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V842 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V842000 |
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)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (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 →