2016 Hyundai Elantra problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 299 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra, filed between 2015-09-26 and 2026-08-29. The most common problem areas are the engine (116, 39%), power train (31, 10%) and air bags (26, 9%). Owners reported 22 crashes, 5 fires and 17 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Hyundai Elantra complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 116 | 39% | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 53 | 18% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Power train | 31 | 10% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 26 | 9% | 15 | 1 | 14 |
| Electrical system | 23 | 8% | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 19 | 6% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 19 | 6% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Structure | 18 | 6% | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 18 | 6% | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 16 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 13 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 10 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 10 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 9 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 5 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 116 complaints
- 116 complaints of 299 (39%) name the engine.
- 14 of them also name the power train; owners reported 1 crash and 2 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra covers this system.
Power train: 31 complaints
- 31 complaints of 299 (10%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 14 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra covers this system.
Air bags: 26 complaints
- 26 complaints of 299 (9%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 2 of them also name the electronic stability control (esc); owners reported 15 crashes, 1 fire and 14 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Hyundai Elantra; the recall, campaign 26V307000, says: “The driver's air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.”
Electrical system: 23 complaints
- 23 complaints of 299 (8%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 7 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 19 complaints
- 19 complaints of 299 (6%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 12 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra covers this system.
Steering: 19 complaints
- 19 complaints of 299 (6%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 4 of them also name the suspension; owners reported 2 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2017 | 14 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 23 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 36 |
| 2022 | 41 |
| 2023 | 40 |
| 2024 | 34 |
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2026 | 20 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names ELANTRA, ELANTRA GT, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Hyundai Elantra recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra's most common problem areas are the engine (116 of 299 complaints), power train (31 of 299 complaints) and air bags (26 of 299 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra have?
NHTSA has 299 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra, including 22 reported crashes and 5 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra's problems?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.