2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. This model year has 280 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2016 Hyundai Elantra Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Transmission / Drivetrain
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 108 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 50 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 28 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 26 | 15 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 21 | — | 2 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 19 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 17 | 4 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 17 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 280 most recent complaints
THE BACK DOOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOES NOT LATCH PROPERLY. THE DOOR WILL TRY TO CLOSE BUT YOU HAVE TO KEEP SLAMMING THE DOOR UNTIL IT WILL FINALLY LATCH. I ONCE DROVE A FEW FEET AND THE DOOR HAD TO BE HELD SHUT. IT FINALLY CLOSED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED LAST YEAR (2025) …
Car just turns off randomly. This has happened at least 6 times within a month. Once on a highway. Last time it turned off a strange sound was coming out of the car also.
So I have a suspicion oh a connecting rod, might be a bearing but it’s making a tik tik noise, no other issue than that, no engine light no nothing, been doing it for a while but car still goes great
Issue: Hyundai recall denial for paint peeling defect My vehicle qualifies for the Hyundai paint-peeling recall, and the paint deterioration matches the defect described by Hyundai. Despite this, Hyundai has denied my recall repair twice. Approximately 2 1/2 years before the r…
My car turned off while it was in drive. The oil pressure light flashed on for a second then disappeared. The car did not have anything else seem like it is wrong. I was put in dangers way because it turned off right before I was about to turn onto a very busy street and if it ha…
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who informed the contact of a Manufacturer's Extended Warranty Coverage for the failure and r…
No accident has occurred as of yet (for my case). Ongoing issues with Hyundai left brake bulb and center brake bulb burning out due to over-amperage. These two are on their own 10A circuit separate from the 5A circuit for the right brakelight bulb. It appears that these two bulb…
I received confirmation from my local Hyundai dealership that my 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT is consuming over 1.8 quarts of oil every 1000 miles. The mileage is currently 70k miles. This is not the result of lack of maintenance or neglect but because of Hyundais engine design. I was…
While driving on the freeway at normal highway speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The engine immediately lost power, and the vehicle shut down within seconds. There was no prior warning or opportunity to take corrective action. The vehicle be…
Engine turns off unexpectedly when driving. all power steering and brakes stop working when engine itself off. entire engine, drive train, and vehicle shakes while driving. Transmission is a replacement as first one failed after 90 days of purchase. paid labor for replacement and…
On [XXX] I was struck by a OVI driver at 50mph the side airbags deployed however the front airbag never deployed. The vehicle was totaled out my insurance company. The vehicle had no record or open recalls for the airbag and had been given a multiple point inspection in November …
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her daughter attempted to adjust the front driver's side seat while the vehicle was turned off, the front Driver-side air bag had independently deployed. No warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact'…
The coolant system is failing after it was fully replaced in November of 2024 and i got The car of may 2025 with only two previous owners. Coolant system failing after me only have the car for 6 months when the car sat for 5 months.
Unknown
Vehicle started to violently lurch when shifted into drive. A week later loud clunking sound also started when shifting into drive. Sometimes would not go into drive and had to use manual 1st, 2nd, etc. Reverse was fine, no issues. No dash lights ever came on. Auto parts store ha…
I own a 2016 Hyundai Elantra, and the engine makes a noticeable knocking or “tapping” noise when started cold. The sound resembles piston slap and usually lessens as the engine warms up, but it’s been gradually getting louder over time. It’s most noticeable for the first few minu…
The trunk latch was recalled. I supposedly got it fixed in July 2024. It was functioning at the time it was supposedly fixed. It Does say it’s a safety issue.Now it is not working, exactly the symptoms of the recall, not open from the inside. There isn’t a key hole to open it. My…
My fuel pump comes up and my check engine light saying that it needs to be replaced when I fill up my car it automatically resets my mileage for AAA and trippy and it will tell me that I have no gas even though I just filled up or it will say I’m full when I know I’m empty so it’…
No incident as of yet, however there are multiple Hyundai vehicle owners whose air and lights have come on after having the vehicle for at least 5 years. Other manufacturers have issued recall notices on this matter, but not Hyundai.
Paint delamination has exposed bare metal on hood/roof/trunk. Corrosion is spreading, which can compromise crashworthiness and latch integrity. Additional peeling near the window trim near the roof is beginning to corrode. This part of the vehicle is structural and could comprom…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra.
Recalls for 2016 Hyundai Elantra
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2016 Hyundai Elantra — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has 280 NHTSA owner complaints, 22 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (108 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?▾
#1: Engine Problems (108 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (50 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (28 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?▾
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has 22 crash-related complaints and 5 fire reports out of 280 total NHTSA complaints. 17 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?▾
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The largest issue: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Hyundai Elantra?▾
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Elantra reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2016 Hyundai Elantra
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.