2016 Hyundai Elantra Problems

290 owner complaints filed with the United States safety regulator · top issue: Engine · verdict CAUTION 46/100

Source NHTSA public complaint and recall record · methodology

What breaks, by owner reports

Engine109
Unknown Or Other53
Power Train31
Air Bags26
Electrical System22
Steering19

In the owners’ words

“Engine burned oil and had knocking sound, despite having regular oil changes. Stalked out while driving took to dealer initial said it was covered by the exerted coverage but ultimately denied. It had 111,000 miles on it. I believe this engine has the same issues as the others.”NHTSA complaint, 2016 Hyundai Elantra owner
“The oil light & check engine started flashing. Took it to the auto shop. The mechanic stated that the oil level is very low and the engine has a bad lower-end knock. Removed the oil filter and found metal debris in the oil. No oil leaks were found under the vehicle at all. Oil is being burned out through the exhaust. The vehicle needs an the ngine replacement.”NHTSA complaint, 2016 Hyundai Elantra owner
“Transmission P0731 code. Vehicle will not shift into 1st gear when idle but will stay in 3 or 4 gear. Speedometer would indicate high speed when pressing on accelerator. At traffic light when light turn green car rev but would not shift into gear. Has only 130K miles. Car was towed to dealer and required a new transmission.”NHTSA complaint, 2016 Hyundai Elantra owner

Recall campaigns

ReportedComponentSummary
23/02/2024Latches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:LatchHyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the
15/05/2026Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module SAFETYHyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra and 2016 Elantra GT vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.

Questions owners ask

Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra reliable?

On the federal record it scores 46/100: 290 owner complaints (29 per year on the road) and 2 recall campaigns, 1 touching safety-critical systems.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?

The most-reported component in NHTSA complaints is Engine, with 109 of 260 categorised reports.

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The 2016 Hyundai Elantra scored 46/100 on the federal record.

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