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
292 reports, newest first.
Engine, Jul 8, 2024
This car is consuming oil to the degree that it is empty 1,000 miles after an oil change. The engine has stalled out on the highway twice, and once on a back road. It will not accelerate properly, and won’t go over 40 mph. I had the catalytic converter replaced less than a year ago, and I am experiencing these issues all over again.
Engine, Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM fell to ZERO(0) and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 26, 2024
I was driving down the interstate when my car completely locked up, my brakes stopped working, the steering wheel wouldn't turn, the car completely shut down, so I had to make my way off the bisy interstate luckily I didn't have an accident so I took it to a mechanic and found out the alternator went out, so it was replaced then less than a year later i had issues with the headlights not working then magically comong on while driving, and the interior lighta will work then bot work but the bulbs are new, leading to another replacement alternator, then less than about 8 months pass and I have issues with the electrical stuff again not wanting to work even when new bulbs are pit in the car, the radio turning on and off by itself and I've had to put it a third alternator in less than 3 years, it's a driving hazard and safety hazard. My driver side door handle will only open from the inside and it doesn't shut inkess the door is locked and the car has to be turned on. The belt in my 2016 hyundai elanyra looks like it's shredding and it's throwing black stuff on the inside of my hood. I've had preoffwsional mechanics look at it and the alternator is assembled correctly, and now my ball joints are all of a sudden needing to be replaced inthe front.
Tires, Jun 24, 2024
I purchased a new vehicle, 2016 Hyundai, from a local dealer, with a current mileage of 47,000. Hankook tires were OEM with the vehicle. I religiously bring my vehicle into the dealer for all maintenance, including rotating and balancing the tires every 3,000 miles. The first set of tires FAILED (less than 3/32) at approximately 23,000 miles. The dealer indicated that I need new tires and that the tread wear failure was more than likely due to a defective set. So, they sold me another set of the same tire. I was in the dealer the other day for maintenance, oil change, tire rotation, etc. and was told that the new set of tires have 3/32 left on them and that I need a new set of tires. These tires have approximately 24,000 miles on them. The Hankook tires that I have are supposedly warranted for 70,000 miles. The tread failure at 24,000 miles means I have approximately 1/3 of the use - advertised warranty and actual life expectancy is fraud - it is no where close. It is a gimmick to prorate and hook the consumer into buying another set of tires. The dealer is trying to sell me, yet again, ANOTHER set of tires. At this point I have gone through TWO SETS of Hankook tires, within 47,000 miles. This is not normal. OEM tires on my Honda lasted twice as long before having to purchase a new set. Yet, the OEM and new set that I purchased are averaging 23,000 miles each, with a said warranty of 70,000 miles?
Latches/locks/linkages, Engine, Jun 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V146000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure related to the recall campaign; however, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Structure, Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving and making turns, there was a significant amount of water leaking from behind the glove compartment onto the front passenger's side floor. The contact stated that the failure mainly occurred while making turns. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Structure, Jun 15, 2024
The car antenna cover flew off while I was driving. I was not speeding. Car has never been in an accident. Car has not gone through a car wash. This could have hit the car behind me had they been closer.
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.
Engine, May 20, 2024
Took car for a couple of recalls was working fine, then after the recall it did not want to accelerate or work. Called dealership that did it and they refused to fix that.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V146000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, after the recall repair was completed, the trunk latch no longer opened the trunk as designed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that a fee would be charged to complete the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,200.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V146000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the dealer would not perform the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to the dealer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the trunk independently opened. The contact pulled over and was able to close the trunk. The contact related the failure to the NHTSA Campaign. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Apr 23, 2024
The recall (code 256————-41D029R1) was fixed on my Hyundai Elantra today on April 23 2024.
Engine, Apr 18, 2024
The contact daughter owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart after 5 minutes. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where is it was diagnosed with engine failure, and that the catalytic converter failed due to oil entering from the engine. The contact was informed that the engine and catalytic converter and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was not available.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 11, 2024
*4th report to NHTSA* Trouble getting response from HMA case manager. Delaying/not responding to multiple emails/calls/contact forms. Please advise. 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Multiple systems continuing to fail/malfunction. Multiple attempts to repair at Hyundai dealerships. Vehicle is currently at the dealer service center where it was originally purchased on [XXX] (Dealer number P113588 , Ron Carter Hyundai) now Big Star Hyundai. Yes - PLEASE conduct VIN inspection on this vehicle. I am waiting to hear back from dealer & HMA case manager to confirm vehicle specifications relating to VIN in their system and full engine inspection results. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - First reported and diagnostics completed by dealer [XXX]. Problems with engine have continued and escalated to current. Latest safety risk event occurred [XXX] while driving on high traffic freeway in Houston, TX with child passenger. Vehicle lost ability to control speed/driving power suddenly stopped/failed resulting in tow to dealership. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes. Included notes in attached reports from previous dealer visits. Symptoms, reporting & attempts to repair started within warranty window. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Previous inspection reports attached. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - CEL was on and off at the start of symptoms Dec. 2021. Dealer replaced MAP sensors and the issues continued without warning lamps. Dealer stated they could not diagnose anything without warning lamps. Dealer reported unknown diagnosis and closed case. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the trunk failed to open when the trunk lever was pulled from inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V146000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Apr 4, 2024
I just know that my vehicle has a high use of engine oil. I took it to the dealer about a year and half ago to have it checked but they said that was normal but the more I read up on this it sounds like it is not normal. Also the clear over spray paint on all 4 door handles has come off and the rear hatch top window spoiler has completely peeled off also.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 1, 2024
Bought the car a yr ago and transmission started slipping and stalling sometimes even engine shutting off while driving at higher speeds unable to steer and when pulling into traffic is on interstate almost got hit because I could not speed up it's also using double the fuel while driving longer distances I tried to use my warranty 2x before my warranty was up but both neither time did Hyundai in Owensboro check what I booked the appt for. First one was booked to check transmission and power issue then called the day before and added oil change. When I arrived the tech retyped my order and changed the oil. Brought my keys I asked about the power/transmission issues and was told they didn't know to check that but at that point there was no time and had to reschedule... So I did. Waited almost 2 months booked appt for transmission / power issue and also check the fuel usage. Finish the service call quoting me over $1300 to fix the fuel issue because no one could find my warranty eventhough I had my original paperwork showing who warranty was with and also the acct number for the warranty. When I asked about transmission or power issue I was told there was no one to check that and I had to rebook but this time it was going to be 8 weeks and by then my warranty had expired. I feel like Hyundai did this on purpose because they are in cahoots with the lot I bought the car from. Now my car is getting worse and worse and scared to even drive the car im overpaying for. This was my first Hyundai and more than likely will forever be my last because the car I got was a lemon it seems, the customer service was worthless and the service even worse. I'm reporting to BBB and everywhere I can.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 27, 2024
Initial report on March 7, 2022 (approx. 94K miles), second report on Dec. 12, 2023 (approx. 111,700 miles). Third report March 27, 2024: Recent event occurred on March 23, 2024 (approx. 112K miles) when my vehicle suddenly stopped moving while driving 55mph on a freeway with child passenger in the vehicle, putting both of us at risk for collision. Vehicle did not have any warning lights turn on prior to or during event. The vehicle did not move again after multiple attempts to accelerate to exit freeway safely. After shifting to neutral and back to drive, the vehicle suddenly jolted and accelerated randomly while holding foot on the gas pedal (no control over timing of acceleration). We were able to exit the freeway safely. This same issue repeated multiple times while driving us to a safe area to call for a tow truck. The vehicle was towed to dealership location it was originally purchased at on March 26, 2024. Diagnostics appointment scheduled for March 28, 2024. I have completed oil change services on this car about every 1,200 miles to keep the engine running since there was no solution for any of my previous reports to dealership (even when opening a case with Hyundai), their previous determination was to close case since the diagnostics report did not show error codes in report. Previous dealership advisor made a verbal comment that the real problem is something their computers do not scan codes for, and his recommendation was to "drive it til the wheels fall off" after paying thousands in services that did not solve the root problem. Hoping this appointment will lead to a safer outcome.
Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V146000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park(P), the trunk failed to lock when the contact attempted to close the trunk lid. The contact used a rope to keep the trunk closed. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Seat belts, Mar 1, 2024
The seat belts have failed to latch and/or unlatch on many occasions.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 11, 2024
For the past three years I have had to add oil to my car proir to the 3000 mile mark that is recommended. As of the past year, I have had to add oil every 1000 miles. I have had several oil changer businesses tell me that they see this issue all the time with Hyundai vehicles. My car is used to get me to work, doctor appointments, children to school/appointments, grocery store. I live seven minutes from my work. I live three minutes away from the store I grocery shop at. And two minutes from my children's school. I am now starting to hear noises in the engine and I'm fearful this has caused further damage to my car. If I had been made aware of this persistent issue at the time of purchase, I would not have chosen this vehicle. The car never indicates that I'm low on oil. If it runs low prior to the 1000 mile mark it makes an awful rattling noise. My car has been taken into the Hyundai dealership where I live and the issue hasn't been fixed, because they can't fix it. I am very surprised there has not been a recall of these vehicles for this reason.
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.
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 12, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Available for inspection upon request. Please do! Loss of power. Reported same issues a year ago. Brought to dealership, sold on other services that did not solve problem. Opened a case with Hyundai. No solution. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Random loss of power. Hyundai rep stated it’s a problem their systems do not actually scan for so it’s common this won’t appear in inspection reports. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Dealer rep drove my car and mentioned he noticed it tries to accelerate when idle, but without a code he can’t do anything about it. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A Hyundai dealership inspection was completed. Suggestion I buy a new engine. I declined since the multiple repairs paid for already were supposed to fix the problem, but they didn’t. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lights for anything in over a year but I am still dealing with same loss of power and acceleration control issues.