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2016–2021 Hyundai Tucson

2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson - Wiper Blade Replacement

By Tom Becker ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026

🔧 Easy 10–15 minutes $81 DIY

Quick answer: Wiper Blade Replacement on a 2016–2021 Hyundai Tucson is rated Easy and takes about 10–15 minutes. You'll need 2 tools for this job, and parts cost about $81. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

Total Cost
$80.97
Part Name Part Number Price Buy
Driver wiper blade, 26" Bosch 26A $32.99
Passenger wiper blade, 16" Bosch 16B $32.99
Rear wiper blade, 14" — $14.99

About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.

💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

1

Confirm your sizes and buy the blades

The third-gen (TL) Tucson takes a 26-inch driver, 16-inch passenger, and 14-inch rear blade — charts are consistent for 2016–2021. Measure the rear anyway: the 2022+ redesign changed sizes and charts disagree there, so make sure you're buying for the TL, not the NX4.

2

Park the wipers where you can reach them

This generation parks on reachable glass with no electronic service position — lift the arms by hand with the stalk off. If you own a 2022+, the procedure differs (service mode). For your 2016–2021, nothing to trigger. Lay a towel on the windshield first.

3

Remove the old driver-side blade

Press the release latch on the hook saddle and slide the old 26-inch blade down off the J-hook. The arm springs are stiff — keep one hand on the arm the whole time; a released arm snaps back hard.

4

Prep the new driver blade

Unbox the new 26-inch blade, confirm the J-hook adapter is fitted, and strip the plastic guard from the rubber edge. Match it to the old blade — 26 inches, identical saddle. If the box says 2022+ Tucson, it's the wrong generation.

5

Install the new blade and verify the lock

Slide the new blade up into the hook until the latch clicks shut. Pull hard along the arm — zero play is what you're after. Lower the arm gently to the glass by hand; never let a bare arm snap down.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker

A blade that snaps down on its own costs you a windshield. I've seen the crack — one loud pop, then a line across the whole driver's side. Both hands on the arm until it's resting on glass.

6

Passenger blade and the 14-inch rear blade

Swap the passenger side with the 16-inch blade the same way. For the rear, swing the tailgate wiper arm away from the glass, press the release tab on its rocker clip, and slide in the new 14-inch blade until it clicks. Ease the arm back down and check the blade lies flat on the rear glass.

7

Test with washer fluid

Top off the washer fluid and run the fronts and rear with the washers. Look for streak-free, quiet sweeps and a fully cleared rear window. If the long driver's blade lifts at its tip, re-seat the latch.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado

In my experience, If that 26-inch driver's blade lifts at highway speed, it's usually the wrong pressure, not a bad blade — but first check the latch, because a lazy click is the most common reason.

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • • Buying 2022+ (NX4) Tucson blades for the TL generation
  • • Assuming the rear size without measuring — newer-year charts vary
  • • Letting a stiff arm snap back onto the glass
  • • Installing the aero blade with the spoiler backward
  • • Forgetting the rear blade