2016 Hyundai Elantra
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 0 |
| 1992 | 29 |
| 1993 | 24 |
| 1994 | 78 |
| 1995 | 112 |
| 1996 | 100 |
| 1997 | 115 |
| 1998 | 55 |
| 1999 | 128 |
| 2000 | 197 |
| 2001 | 315 |
| 2002 | 342 |
| 2003 | 234 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2005 | 137 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 266 |
| 2008 | 314 |
| 2009 | 251 |
| 2010 | 379 |
| 2011 | 432 |
| 2012 | 651 |
| 2013 | 1310 |
| 2014 | 382 |
| 2015 | 261 |
| 2016 | 292 |
| 2017 | 764 |
| 2018 | 281 |
| 2019 | 247 |
| 2020 | 247 |
| 2021 | 129 |
| 2022 | 99 |
| 2023 | 96 |
| 2024 | 52 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
38% of complaints: engine — 111 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
The motor started to make a ticking noise 5 months earlier. 5 months later at 180,000 miles a borascope finding, reveled all 4 cylinder walls were worn related to cylinder slap.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260829
Vehicle stalls while driving which is very dangerous. All dashboard lights go on prior to stalling. No engine light is on. Knocking sound coming from engine. Dealer states engine needs to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260829
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
11% of complaints: power train — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
P0420 P0441 P0014 P1326 C1260 C1688 C2130 These are the codes that's affecting my car
NHTSA ODI report, 20260725
Also filed under SUSPENSION and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260710
9% of complaints: air bags — 26 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251120
THE 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WAS WRECKED AT 501 MILES .
NHTSA ODI report, 20160516
Also filed under STEERING
8% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear compartment/trunk and starter assembly.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
STARTED ASCENDING OVER A BRIDGE WHEN CAR STARTED TO PUTTER. THEN SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE TAILPIPE. POWER FLICKERED THEN WENT OFF. WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. TURNED OFF THE CAR AND IT WAS SMOKING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180606
Also filed under STRUCTURE
VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY IGNITED 4/5/2016 @ ~3:45PM (SEE PICTURES ATTACHED) WHILE PARKED IN A FENCED, GUARDED, PRIVATE CORPORATION EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT, DESTROYING ITSELF & BOTH VEHICLES PARKED ON EITHER SIDE OF IT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160407
7% of complaints: steering — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was driving normally down the road and all of a sudden I lost control and couldnât turn my vehicle apparently the control arm rusted from the subframe, causing me to swerve hit a curb and cause more damage to the front end.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250127
Also filed under SUSPENSION
SAFETY TIMELINE
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Hyundai 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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 256.
Campaign 24V146000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra and 2016 Elantra GT vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available.
Campaign 26V307000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Hyundai Elantra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (111 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 26V307000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V146000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.