Recalls · problems · safety

2016 Hyundai Elantra: recalls and problems

2 recalls and 299 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

2recalls
299complaints
22crashes reported
5fires reported
17injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine116 · 39%
  • Unknown Or Other53 · 18%
  • Power Train31 · 10%
  • Electrical System22 · 7%
  • Air Bags22 · 7%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System19 · 6%
  • Vehicle Speed Control18 · 6%
  • Structure18 · 6%
  • Steering17 · 6%
  • Service Brakes16 · 5%

What owners report

Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System

Vehicle stalls while driving which is very dangerous. all dashboard lights go on prior to stalling. no engine light is on. knocking sound coming from engine. dealer states engine needs to be replaced. car has been serviced regularly despite that hyundai denies engine replacement. the knocking sound that engine does is common between this model and year but mysteriously there has not been engine recalls.

Engine

The motor started to make a ticking noise 5 months earlier. 5 months later at 180,000 miles a borascope finding, reveled all 4 cylinder walls were worn related to cylinder slap. called hyundai dealership and was told ithe car is too old and the milage too high for a warranty coverage.

Suspension,Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control

P0420 p0441 p0014 p1326 c1260 c1688 c2130 these are the codes that's affecting my car

Engine

Engine burned oil and had knocking sound, despite having regular oil changes. stalked out while driving took to dealer initial said it was covered by the exerted coverage but ultimately denied. it had 111,000 miles on it. i believe this engine has the same issues as the others.

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2016 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering ELANTRA, ELANTRA GT. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.