2016 Hyundai Elantra: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Hyundai Elantra? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 280 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2016 Hyundai Elantra Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2016 Hyundai Elantra trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2016 Hyundai Elantra Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra has 280 owner complaints, 22 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Elantra
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 280
- Crash-related complaints
- 22
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 28
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 24 / 34
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Hyundai Elantra Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Hyundai Elantra
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for known issues such as stalling, knocking, or excessive oil consumption.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, airbag, and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine for known issues such as stalling, knocking, or excessive oil consumption.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, airbag, and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Hyundai Elantra, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 280 complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra, issues appear concentrated in the engine, with 108 reports. Transmission, airbag, and electrical problems also appear frequently. However, the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems account for the largest share of complaints (108 out of 280).
- Transmission/drivetrain issues were reported 28 times.
- Airbag malfunctions were noted in 26 complaints.
- Electrical faults were cited in 21 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Airbag Malfunctions
All 2016 Hyundai Elantra Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2016 Hyundai Elantra Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Hyundai Elantra Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 280 owner complaints, 22 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2016 Hyundai Elantra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Hyundai Elantra, NHTSA complaints include 22 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 280 total complaints. 17 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. A major recall area is LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Hyundai Elantra?▾
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Hyundai Elantra based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.