2016 Hyundai Elantra GT Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
29/100
#6 most-complained of 8 Elantra GT years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT has 7 complaints, a complaint index of 29, and ranks 6th worst out of 8 model years, earning a 'Good' verdict relative to other years. Engine problems dominate, making up 71% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 77,170.
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 27
- 24 city / 32 hwy
Top 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine5 (71%)
- Brakes1 (14%)
- Electrical System1 (14%)
- Structure & Body1 (14%)
What owners report
- Engine throws a rod through the engine block, destroying the engine, sometimes announced by loud knocking sounds while driving around 35 MPH.
- Vehicle stalls without warning at moderate speeds like 30 or 55 MPH, in some cases followed by a burning odor and failure to restart.
- Piston ring failure triggers the check engine light and a sudden loss of power while driving around 30 MPH, tied to a recall campaign.
- Rear seat hinge assembly pin detaches, leaving the rear seats unattached to the vehicle frame.
- Brakes intermittently fail to slow the vehicle at highway speed, requiring the driver to shift to park and restart the vehicle before braking works again.
- Instrument panel software and cluster lights fail, with stalling reported around the same time.
2016 Hyundai Elantra GT recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V307000May 14, 2026Airbags3,493 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
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.
Risk: An air bag inflator that ruptures may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or passengers, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
2016 Hyundai Elantra GT fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 32 MPG
- Combined
- 27 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,400
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other Elantra GT years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT reliable?
- Compared to other Elantra GT model years, 2016 ranks 6th worst out of 8 with a complaint index of 29 and a 'Good' verdict. It has fewer complaints than the 2017 and 2018 model years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT?
- Engine problems are the top issue, accounting for 71% of complaints, including rod and piston ring failures, with a median failure mileage of 77,170.
- Does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Elantra GT covering the driver's air bag inflator, which may rupture during deployment. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2016 Elantra GT compare to the 2017 and 2018 model years?
- The 2016 model has a complaint index of 29, well below the 2017 model's 86 and the 2018 model's 100, both rated 'Avoid'.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT?
- EPA rates it at 27 combined MPG (24 city / 32 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400.