VehicleVerdict

2016 Hyundai Elantra GT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

9

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Elantra GT years?

Elantra GT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted73 complaints2013: 6 complaints2014: 10 complaints2015: 1 complaints2016: 9 complaints2017: 30 complaints2018: 73 complaints2019: 17 complaints2020: 9 complaints
Elantra GT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Elantra GT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine667%
Brakes111%
Electrical System111%
Seats111%

Does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V307000AirbagsMay 14, 2026 · 3,493 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An air bag inflator that ruptures may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or passengers, increasing the risk of injury or death.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 13, 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor inside and outside the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was later towed to the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 1, 2023

“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated that the instrument panel software was previously replaced by an independent mechanic as the instrument cluster lights were inoperative. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. There…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 15, 2021

“The contact's wife owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated that while attempting to install a safety seat, he noticed that the rear seat hinge assembly pin had detached and the rear seats were not attached to the frame of the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure and the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · March 17, 2022

“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, the braked malfunctioned, and the vehicle failed to slow down. The contact shifted to park and turned off the vehicle to avoid crashing into the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 1, 2022

2016 Hyundai Elantra GT — common questions

Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Hyundai Elantra GT years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Elantra GT years to avoid are 2018, 2017. The cleanest record among Elantra GT years belongs to 2015.

How safe is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.