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.
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
Engine, Nov 27, 2023
There are times when I turn the key and everythings turns on, lights, radio, air/heat, dash lights but the engine does not. I have been stranded multiple times and later the car will start. Replaced starter and it was not the issue. Battery tested fine.
Engine, Nov 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the emission valve sensor needed to be replaced. The contact's son diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved the DTC code: P0017 (Crankshaft Position). The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the emission valve sensor, variable valve timing (VVT), VVT intake, camshaft position sensor, timing chain, and camshaft sprockets; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
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!
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 25, 2023
Component or System that Failed or Malfunctioned: Engine or other I was driving my 2016 Hyundai Elantra in Kissimmee, FL, 34746 when the engine suddenly lost power and the car stalled out. The rpms dropped to 0, and the car could not be restarted. I was able to coast to the side of the road, but I was nearly hit by oncoming traffic. After several minutes on the side of the road, I was able to restart the vehicle to arrive safely home. The vehicle also shuts off at stop lights, drive-through, or idle. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The loss of power while driving could have caused a serious accident. If I had been in the middle of the road or if there had been more traffic, I could have been hit by another vehicle. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, I have not yet taken the car to a dealer or independent service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, the vehicle or component has not been inspected by anyone other than myself. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, there were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The check engine light seems to come and go. I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigate this safety problem. I am also requesting that Hyundai Motor America recall all 2016 Hyundai Elantras that may be affected by this problem. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Engine, Sep 8, 2023
AFTER MY OIL CHANGE 2500 MILE LATER THE DRAIN PLUG FELL OUT FOR NO REASON
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 27, 2023
So we went to Take Five in Kenosha for an oil change on the way home the oil filter snapped off completely.
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
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 13, 2023
Brake and fuel lines corroded due to failure of manufacture to coat lines completely. Lost brakes completely without warning. Confirmed by Hoffman and Burnham auto services. Also contacted Garvey Hyundai who stayed this is a problem with these vehicles. Contacted Hyundai customer service as there is a Recall issued in Canada for this problem. Hyundai stated no foreseeable recall in the U.S. Lost of brakes could be deathly, not to mention high risk of fire and death if fuel lines corroded thru
Service brakes, Engine, Jul 9, 2023
I bought the car used from a dealer a year ago. I've made sure to keep the oil changed and have regular maintenance. I was driving home after work, and in the middle of highway 49, going 65mph in the left lane, the car stalled and came to an abrupt, jolting stop in the middle of traffic, causing several other cars to nearly hit me before I was able to get a man who was passing by to help me get the car off the road to safety until I could have it towed to a mechanic. It wouldn't crank or start. After he replaced my starter, it cranked and seemed fine. I headed home but halfway home it began knocking on the passenger side of the engine, getting worse with acceleration. The oil is at the proper level, so it's not from lack of oil. After reading online, I realized that this is a common problem with Hyundai..
Exterior lighting, Jun 19, 2023
All 3 brake lights stopped working over the weekend & there was a recall for all other years except for 2016. This is a serious problem & Hyundai has been having major recalls on their vehicles as of recent
Engine, May 31, 2023
I do know it’s the catalytic converter it causes the car to stall while driving and it’s going to cost 1500 just for the part that’s not including the labor
Structure, May 26, 2023
The paint on the roof right above the windshield is peeling off. I've gone online and seen pictures of other white elantras with paint peeling. I was told by Crestmont Hyundai that my car is not part of any recall. I had the car at Crestmont Hyundai on April 28 for a recall for an anti-rust undercoating and the pictures that were taken do not show any type of damage to the area.
Engine, May 24, 2023
Car was turning off while I was driving it. I would be driving and the car would literally just stop... this is very dangerous at high speeds. Just got a call from the dealership and they said it is the engine and is $7,000 to repair. The car only has $120,000 miles on it and it has been maintained well!
Steering, May 13, 2023
As I was driving all of a sudden my power steering light and traction control light would pop on my car and my wheel would lock up on my making it extremely difficult to navigate. Would happen randomly at different speeds and scenarios. Once turned on when I was getting on the Delaware Memorial Bridge, another time on a highway, and happened while I was turning. Brought it 4 times to a dealership and the techs have done nothing to actively fix the problems. It’s very upsetting bc I take pictures of it because I feel like nobody believes me and I feel unsafe driving this car.
Engine, Apr 26, 2023
While driving on 4/24/23, engine suddenly died and it was revealed to be a blown motor, even though the car was inspected during an oil change and nothing was found to be an issue. Lack of notification or accountability regarding this issue is infuriating.
Engine, Apr 26, 2023
My 2016 Hyundai Elantra had an oil change and mechanical check up on April 14, 2023. Everything was considered to be working correctly. 2 days ago, upon turning the car on to return home, the motor completely dies without warning. This car was purchased 5 years ago and has been properly maintained. In addition, while there hasnt been an official recall with Hyundai, many people like myself have experienced this same issue in one way or another.
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?
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Apr 24, 2023
My Hyundai Elantra started completely shutting off while I was driving. This happened on multiple occasions like in slow traffic and while going high speeds on the highway. This is scary and dangerous when my toddler child is in the car. I took it to 3 different mechanics and no one can find any codes or anything wrong with it---but it continues to happen and put my life and my daughters life at risk. I have seen so many people complaining of the same thing--but nothing has happened? This last dealership has had my car for 3 weeks (and counting) but still cannot find the issue. I have about 125,000 miles on the car.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 19, 2023
My Elantra stalled while driving twice the other day. The first time I occurred on a Highway inter belt and the second occurred in slow moving traffic. I had the car evaluated by 2 different repair shops. Both said they could not reduplicate the problem or find any malfunctioning codes. No warning lights appeared when the car stalled. I had this happen before last fall. I had it repaired. They changed spark plugs, performed engine oil system purge, serviced fuel injector and air induction and realigned tires. Until the day before yesterday, the car performed well. In researching my car issue, I have learned that this is a top complaint of many 2016 Elantra owners.
Engine, Apr 2, 2023
I purchased my car 10 months ago. It has rebuilt title without any structural damage. The accident was in the body only and no one touched the engine. It was in perfect condition and it was driven without any problems for the last 10 months. Two weeks ago, I noticed a ticking noise come from the engine whenever the car accelerates. The noise wasn’t exist before, it just happen. I took the car to firestone and they stated that it is common problem in the engine appears in this model. I took it to the dealer (Hyundai of Cookeville) and they state that engine require replacement and it is a harmful issue. I looked over the internet and I found that it is common problem between owners of Hyundai Elantra especially 2012 to 2016. It is worth noting to mention that there is no any warning lamp turned on to warn me that there is an issue. My car has a low mileage 90700. It is weird to breakdown its engine especially I change the engine oil before the due date. Please help me and other owners to get a recall on the engine because as stated by the dealer it is a harmful problem and requires engine replacement. I appreciate any help you can provide to save my family and other families of Elantra owners.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 22, 2023
Disk brake backing plates rusted through, flaking. Could lodge in brake pads.