2016 Hyundai Elantra Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. Part of Generation 5 — 2011–2016.

20152017
Complaints
380
per 10K Sold
18.2
US Sales
208,319
Crashes
30
Fires
6
Injuries
22
Fatalities
—
Recalls
1

Worst 2016 Hyundai Elantra Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1105 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:75,001 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:2
#227 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:60,748 mi
#326 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:37,036 mi
Crash-related:15
Fires:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra.

Engine Problems
105
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Avg Miles
75,001
Transmission / Drivetrain
27
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
60,748
Airbags
26
complaints
Crashes
15
Fires
1
Avg Miles
37,036
Electrical Faults
19
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
2
Avg Miles
46,375
Steering Defects
19
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
—
Avg Miles
38,435
Fuel System
18
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
46,523
Unintended Acceleration
17
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
—
Avg Miles
70,033
Brakes
15
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
24,200
Body Structure
15
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
62,250
Wheel Issues
10
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
17,837
Latches / Locks
9
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
81,240
Suspension Failures
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
31,254
Headlight/Taillight Failures
8
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
48,255
Electronic Stability Control
5
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
17,550
Wipers & Visibility
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belt Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:Latch
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Structural Problems
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Starter Assembly
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Wiring: Rear Compartment/Trunk
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Belts And Associated Pulleys
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication:Filter/Screen
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Gasoline Fuel System
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Lane Departure: Warning
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Tailgate:Latch
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Latches/Locks/Linkages:Tailgate:Latch Plate
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2016 Hyundai Elantra

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~186,588 vehicles.

24V146000Latches/locks/linkages:trunk Lid:latch
~186,588 affected

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."

Other Hyundai Elantra Years

1992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025

2016 Hyundai Elantra — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has 380 NHTSA complaints, 30 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Engine Problems with 105 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
Top reported problems: Engine Problems (105 complaints, avg 75,001 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (27 complaints, avg 60,748 mi); Airbags (26 complaints, avg 37,036 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 56,553 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
NHTSA complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra include 30 crash-related reports, 6 fire reports, 22 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 186,588 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Hyundai Elantra reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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