Paint/Trim
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
What Owners Say
"rust forming at peeled paint locations"
Anonymous A., NJ (2016 Hyundai Elantra SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
2016
Hyundai Elantra
EPA MPG:
31 mpg
EPA MPG:
31 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle.
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Reliability
Overall Reliability
The 2016 Elantra has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Hyundai Elantra owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Transmission Major
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
What Owners Say
""At 95000 miles needed entirely new $4,240 transmission""
Anonymous, (2016 Hyundai Elantra SE 1.8-L 4 Cyl)""After 3 months of problems, transmission was replaced by dealer at no charge'""
Anonymous, MD (2016 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition 2.0-L 4 Cyl)Noises/Leaks
Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
What Owners Say
"The undercarriage is made of cheap plastic under The front end to keep water and things from getting up inside. The plastic clamps that held it have been replaced at least a half a dozen times if not more and so we had to just take the whole thing off. Because it was rattling all the time."
Anonymous A., (2016 Hyundai Elantra Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)"For the last few years we've had a squeak in the dashboard and have not been able to figure out where it comes from because if you push on it it will stop for a little bit so it hasn't really been resolved."
Anonymous A., (2016 Hyundai Elantra Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)Exhaust
Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
What Owners Say
"Antenna cover gone. hard to replace"
Anonymous, AL (2016 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition 1.8-L 4 Cyl)Electrical Accessories
Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
What Owners Say
""Erratic inability to start. Totally unpredictable so very frustrating! None of any of Canadian weather, down time, gas, battery, alternator, spark plugs etc were the issue but incurred costly replacements that did not solve the problem. Even a portable battery starter at times failed to get it started. Car was towed multiple times over 2 years PLUS left at dealership for 5weeks to secure a diagnosis (where the issue failed to occur)! I even tailed another 2016 Hyundai & spoke with that driver. He had the same issue and just kept having the car towed to his mechanic! Finally (during an episode in Feb2025) our regular mechanic came to clients house with a diagnostic computer scanner. (When we had phoned him to advise it had happened again, he instructed us to leave the key in the on position.). When he arrived, his equipment found the Hyundai had error code P1691 which indicates an issue with the immobilizer antenna, responsible for communicating with the cars key transponder to authorize engine start. The replacement smart key Ignition Antenna Assembly cost C$53 plus labour. Car was repaired 03Feb2025 and works perfectly ever since.""
Anonymous A., ON (2016 Hyundai Elantra Unsure Unsure)Brakes
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
What Owners Say
"Service Mgr stated axle had to replaced. Np problems were noted prior to being notified"
Anonymous, FL (2016 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition 1.8-L 4 Cyl)Climate System
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
What Owners Say
"Failed and requires replacement"
Anonymous, NC (2016 Hyundai Elantra Unsure Unsure)Engine Major
Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
Engine Minor
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
In-car Electronics
Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
Suspension/Steering
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
Engine Cooling
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Transmission Minor
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Drive System
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
Engine Electrical
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
Body Hardware
Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
Fuel System/Emissions
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability
This Car
0
100
Hyundai Elantra
vs. Similar Cars
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Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability
information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for
about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential
trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes,
to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
AIR BAGS
May 14, 2026
An air bag inflator that ruptures may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or passengers, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
Dealers will inspect and replace the air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated August, 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.
For more information:
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
26V307000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
3493
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Feb 23, 2024
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
24V146000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
186588
Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
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""peeling paint covered under recall starting with 2017 model year. Paint started peeling in large pieces in 2022, mfg will not address. The issue on this vehicle looks identical to mfg photos in recall bulletin.""
Anonymous A., NJ (2016 Hyundai Elantra SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)