2016 Hyundai Elantra Problems
What owners have reported about the 2016 Hyundai Elantra, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 293 complaints with NHTSA, the 8th most of 17 Elantra model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and airbags.
293 complaints 2 recalls 8th worst of 17 Elantra years
Top 2016 Hyundai Elantra problems
Engine problems
113 complaints (39%) name the engine, most often the belts and associated pulleys and exhaust system.
Transmission problems
31 complaints (11%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission.
Airbag problems
26 complaints (9%) name the airbags.
Electrical problems
22 complaints (8%) name the electrical system, most often the rear compartment / trunk and starter assembly.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (120 of 293). The amber line is the middle value, about 55,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2016 Hyundai Elantra recalls
Inflator module
The driver's air bag inflator may rupture during deployment. An air bag inflator that ruptures may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or passengers, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge.
Recall 26V307000 · May 2026Latch
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." A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base sub-assembly, free of charge.
Recall 24V146000 · Feb 2024Get an email when your 2016 Hyundai Elantra gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2016 Hyundai Elantra, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Elantra years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2016 Hyundai Elantra problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 293 complaints with NHTSA, the 8th most of 17 Elantra model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, transmission and airbags.
What are the most common 2016 Hyundai Elantra problems?
Owners most often report problems with the engine, transmission, airbags and electrical system. 113 complaints (39%) name the engine, most often the belts and associated pulleys and exhaust system.
At what mileage do 2016 Hyundai Elantra engine problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 54,000–97,000 miles, with a middle value near 73,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra have?
2. Inflator module (26V307000); Latch (24V146000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2024, 2023 and 2022 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.