2016 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 292 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 22 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 17 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 15, 2026
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.
An air bag inflator that ruptures may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or passengers, increasing the risk of injury or death.
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, anticipated August, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 300. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V307000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, trunk lid, latchFeb 23, 2024
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
53 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 8, 2026
2016 Hyundai Elantra (75k miles) experiences severe, un-commanded Loss of Propulsive Power and a Severe Drivetrain Instability Hazard. At steady highway speeds, the automatic transmission completely loses hydraulic pressure, slips out of gear, and unexpectedly drops into a temporary "neutral." The engine suddenly revs up to high RPM on its own while losing all forward acceleration. After coasting helplessly, it violently slams back into gear, causing the vehicle to lurch forward. This also happens from a complete stop.The vehicle's OBD-II system fails to illuminate the Check Engine Light or store fault codes during these flares, providing zero warning before a loss of propulsion.This dangerous transmission slipping has occurred intermittently for several years. I repeatedly took it to an authorized Hyundai dealership to address this crash hazard. Because there was no active Check Engine Light, the dealership dismissed my concerns, refused to document it, and sent me away without a diagnosis. Recently, the service department acted in bad faith by misrepresenting my warranty terms (falsely claiming it was only 7 years) and refusing a live-data diagnostic scan. The bad faith dealership was Murdock Hyundai of Murray in [XXX], specifically the service manager Tyler as well as Krateton. The car is a verified vehicle under the Hyundai Nu 1.8L Piston Slap Class Action Settlement (TXXK Campaign). An official safety escalation case is open with Hyundai Motor America under my corporate case number XXX. I request a federal safety investigation into premature transmission pressure failure in 2016 Elantras, as this vehicle is entirely unsafe to operate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2026
My driver side window has not been working for almost 3 years now. I have taken it to 4 mechanics and they fix it but only last a couple days. They have all say they can’t really do anything about it since they need an original piece. My AC is another issue I have that I have tried fixing 3 times now. The same issue happens they fix it and it last about a week or so. The longest it has lasted was 2 weeks. The mechanics each say it needs a new compressor and I’ve bought 3 new compressor already. I’m not sure what to do anymore.
Other or unspecified, Jun 14, 2026
The car turns off while driving it without warning or anything. Place where I got it don’t want to fix it
Other or unspecified, Apr 9, 2026
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) ONCE I READ ON REDDIT THAT A TSB/EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS ISSUED. BUT I WAS TOLD THAT IT DIDN'T COVER MY VEHICLE AND IF I BROUGHT IT IN, A DIAGNOSTIC FEE AND FEE TO FIX IT WOULD BE CHARGED. SO I DO NOT OPEN THAT DOOR ANYMORE, BUT THAT IS NOT SAFE. I''M AFRAID IT WILL OPEN AT SOME POINT WHILE I AM DRIVING.
Other or unspecified, Mar 28, 2026
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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2026
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 recall was issued, I applied a small touch-up to the affected area to slow the deterioration. This was done solely to protect the vehicle and occurred long before any recall existed. Hyundai is now using that minor touch-up as a reason to deny the recall repair, even though the underlying paint defect was already present. The paint continues to peel and worsen. Hyundai's refusal to honor the recall appears unreasonable and inconsistent with the purpose of a safety/defect recall, especially since the touch-up did not cause the defect and was done years before Hyundai acknowledged the issue. I am requesting that NHTSA review Hyundai's handling of this recall and their denial of legitimate claims.
Other or unspecified, Feb 2, 2026
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 had done that in the middle of the street I would have gotten into an accident.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 16, 2025
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.
Other or unspecified, Nov 5, 2025
Unknown
Other or unspecified, Oct 21, 2025
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 belongings are inside, and if I get a flat, there is no way of opening the trunk. I’ve called their corporate office. They want to charge me a diagnostic fee, of $200.00 to check the recall. Isn’t it their legal obligation to check if the recall has taken affect?
Other or unspecified, Jul 8, 2025
My trunk latch hasn’t worked since January. I took it in to McCarthy Olathe Hyundai in Olathe, KS on January 13th for an appointment but they didn’t have the parts available so we rescheduled. When the parts were in, my fiancé took it back on February 18th, 2025 but was told that the repair couldn’t be done since there was previous trunk damage. I explained via the telephone that the damage to my truck was minor from an incident two years prior and that it hasn’t caused any issues with opening or shutting the trunk since. But the gentleman I talked to reiterated that the recall repair to my trunk latch couldn’t be done. I recently found out that the recall was marked as completed when it was not. I don’t know what to do!
Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2025
UNKNOWN
Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2024
The sun visors on both the driver and passenger sides of the car are made of plastic (under the fabric material). Both visors no longer work properly. The plastic body of the visor has cracked and broken which causes the visor to no longer stay in the up position. The passenger side only stays in the down position. But the driver side is at an awkward position where it sticks out. It will not stay up and it does not go down. The vehicle has not been in an accident to have caused this to happen. The car has had one consistent driver within the family and the primary driver is typically the only person in the car. The broken visors are not from being abused or misused. The fact that the driver side visor protrudes and impedes the drivers view is a safety concern. If the car were to be in an accident the sun visor is at an angle that it could potentially cause face/head contusions. The passenger side visor failed roughly 3 years ago. The driver side visor failed June 2024.
Other or unspecified, May 29, 2024
The following dealerships owned by Paul Peebles, Humble Hyundai, North Freeway Hyundai and Baytown Hyundai are unwilling to service the recall unless a customer schedules a return appointment to have $1,040.64 dollars of recommended repairs. On [XXX] I made an appointment for [XXX] for the recall service. When I presented, they told me that they did not have the part because they could not order it until I came in to have a photo taken of my VIN & odometer. I was told I needed to come back and gave me a 21-point estimate of required immediate attention work needed. One of the items was an alignment noting Tires - Damage/Abnormal Wear. The four tires on my car were purchased from Discount Tires on [XXX] and the alignment was done at NTB on [XXX]. So obviously, this was fraud. I became very upset on [XXX] realizing I had wasted my time and money and then to top the insult was being lied to. My sister had the same recall serviced in Austin and did not need to make two appointments for the recall. When I took my car to North Freeway Humble on [XXX] to have the recall serviced, I was told that I had been put on a DO NOT SERVICE LIST by the three dealerships owned by Mr. Peebles, Mr. John Ray, the General Manager at Humble Hyundai and Tim Shipe, Service Director of the three dealerships, Humble, North Freeway and Baytown. I would like an independent mechanic shop to service the recall. I no longer trust my car to be serviced at the above dealerships due to their dishonest business practices. Please help. I contacted Hyundai Customer Service to request an independent mechanic shop I could have the recall serviced and they told me that I needed to have the work done at a dealership. They recommended dealerships three and four hours away from my home. Please assist me in finding an intendent mechanic to service the recall. I no longer trust my car to be serviced at the above dealerships My VIN [XXX] & [XXX] need service. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, May 27, 2024
Haven't had any issues at the moment, but was wondering if the clock spring has ever been recalled on these vehicles.
Other or unspecified, Apr 23, 2024
The recall (code 256————-41D029R1) was fixed on my Hyundai Elantra today on April 23 2024.
Other or unspecified, Apr 11, 2024
I received a notice of the recall for the trunk latch function for my 2016 Hyundai elantra. I had to pay $450 out of pocket for this exact same problem in October 2022 and I want a refund. I was parked and went to open the trunk. Not only did the latch not work but also the trunk wouldn't close.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 24, 2023
A few years ago, my 2016 Hyundai Elantra hatch stopped opening. The hatch lever next to the drivers seat as well as the key fob button stopped working. I know there was a trunk latch recall number 208 from Oct. 2021. Hyundai told me there’s nothing I can do about it. I haven’t been able to get into my trunk for 3 years.
Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2023
Paint peeling off in huge sections. Clear coat is fine but the paint is coming off in large amounts down to bare metal. Car is white in color
Other or unspecified, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 17, 2023
The rear trunk latch released while traveling down highway. A Hyundai Dealer confirmed "internal trunk latch failure". Other models of Hyundai have had this problem recalled not this year. There was no warning.
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Oct 11, 2023
Clockspring Failure. 2016 hyundai elantra, 123k miles. Airbag light on, horn does not function. Likely unavailable for inspection due to being replaced soon. Inability to use horn to alert reckless drivers swerving into my lane. Airbag will not deploy if needed in an accident. The dealership seemed aware that the clocksprings go out in Hyundai's and is confident this is the issue. Warning lamp prior/at the same time as the horn stopped working.
Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2023
Trunk latch inoperable does not meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401. Similar previous recalls 21V619000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 30, 2023
This issue is the catalytic converter. Mine went bad and affected my clutch and my acceleration. This led to many safety issues!
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2023
My elentra is BLUE....the courage of the hood has faded. Wish you could see it. It has gradually faded. I purchased ii 2019
Other or unspecified, Apr 25, 2023
The trunk latch in my 2016 Hyundai Elantra is broken. I brought it to the dealer in 12/2022 and showed it to them, and it had been failing for some time. It would not open using the latch next to the drivers seat. That just did nothing. The guy at the dealer told me that there was no recall and it would cost $800 just to diagnose the problem. I can’t afford that so I didn’t have it done. It completely doesn’t work now. You can’t open it. If you are lucky and get it open then you can’t close it. It is barely closed right now. Light on panel inside the car is on saying the trunk is open. If I am driving and hit a bump it could fly open. The guy at the dealer ordered the part and told me to use painters tape to keep it shut in the meantime like I know what I am doing. It will cost me $400 to fix—I am on Social Security and don’t have $400–and I don’t have access to my spare tire if I get a flat tire. There was a recall for this exact part for 2016 Hyundai Elantras but it didn’t include my VIN number. Sounds to me like it should have. The dealership sent me on my way with my trunk still just barely closed. Use painters tape. Couldn’t even help me secure it. I need to figure out out how to secure it on my own as I need to drive in the highway. Don’t know what happens if I need the spare. I don’t know why it wasn’t included in the original recall. There were other 2016 Elantras. I am basically on my own on this. Nobody has paid a bit of interest. Dealer told me to call Hyundai. Hyundai told me to call dealer. Who’s on first? All I know is I feel like I am paying this $400 but I’m going to have to not pay something else—like groceries, cable, gas for the car, etc. I don’t understand. Why are some covered and some not?