VehicleVerdict

2016 Hyundai Elantra problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 387 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Elantra year — the 2016 model ranks #11 of 37 Elantra years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 22 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 110 reports (28% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

387

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

30

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

22

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Elantra years?

Elantra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted1,858 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 0 complaints1992: 46 complaints1993: 39 complaints1994: 110 complaints1995: 179 complaints1996: 138 complaints1997: 196 complaints1998: 75 complaints1999: 183 complaints2000: 259 complaints2001: 445 complaints2002: 431 complaints2003: 310 complaints2004: 209 complaints2005: 180 complaints2006: 209 complaints2007: 365 complaints2008: 424 complaints2009: 316 complaints2010: 501 complaints2011: 588 complaints2012: 917 complaints2013: 1,858 complaints2014: 548 complaints2015: 352 complaints2016: 387 complaints2017: 1,070 complaints2018: 397 complaints2019: 322 complaints2020: 324 complaints2021: 213 complaints2022: 135 complaints2023: 146 complaints2024: 93 complaints2025: 27 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Elantra NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Elantra years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Hyundai Elantra problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine11028%
Other5213%
Transmission287%
Electrical System277%
Airbags267%
Steering195%
Fuel System195%
Body & Structure185%
Speed Control174%
Brakes154%
Latches & Locks133%
Tires & Wheels123%
Lighting92%
Suspension92%
Visibility & Wipers62%
Seat Belts31%
Driver Assistance21%
Seats10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

24V146000Latches & LocksFebruary 23, 2024 · 186,588 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

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.

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. The contact's wife was driving approximately 12 MPH smelled a burning odor, as she parked at the residence she saw smoke emitting from under the hood and the vehicle ignited and began to burn. The contact stated that the engine caught on fire. The contact…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 10, 2022 · fire

“I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON A FREEWAY. THE ACCIDENT INVOLVED MY HYUNDAI, A PICK UP, AND A KIA. THE PERSON DRIVING THE KIA WAS AT FAULT. THE LANE WE WERE IN CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP DUE TO TRAFFIC AND THE PERSON IN THE KIA REAR ENDED ME WHICH CAUSE MY CAR TO HIT THE PICK UP. THE PICK UP HAD MINOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 9, 2018 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING AND ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISES WERE HEARD. THE DEALER (SPORT DURST HYUNDAI, 4507 DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL BLVD, DURHAM, NC 27707) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 15, 2018

“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. 5 MONTHS OLD, 11,000 MILES ON ODOMETER, ONLY PRIOR SERVICES WERE OIL CHANGES AT 3K &…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 5, 2016 · fire

“On [XXX] I was struck by a OVI driver at 50mph the side airbags deployed however the front airbag never deployed. The vehicle was totaled out my insurance company. The vehicle had no record or open recalls for the airbag and had been given a multiple point inspection in November 2024 with no issues…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 23, 2025 · crash

2016 Hyundai Elantra — common questions

Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 387 complaints put the 2016 model at #11 of 37 Elantra years. It is one of the Elantra years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Elantra problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (110 complaints), other (52 complaints), transmission (28 complaints).

Does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Elantra years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Elantra years to avoid are 2013, 2017, 2012, 2011, 2014, 2010, 2001, 2002, 2008, 2018, 2016, 2007, 2015, 2020, 2019, 1997, 1995, 1996, 1994, 1992, 1993. The cleanest record among Elantra years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra 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.