2016 Hyundai Elantra Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has a complaint index of 50, ranking 11th worst out of 21 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate at 42% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 72,000 miles, plus two recalls covering airbags and trunk latch defects.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #11 of 21 Elantra years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 292
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 22
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 17
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30
- 27 city / 36 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 17 / 0
Top 2016 Hyundai Elantra problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine123 (42%)
- Other54 (18%)
- Structure & Body32 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain31 (11%)
- Electrical System27 (9%)
- Airbags26 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires22 (8%)
- Fuel System20 (7%)
- Brakes19 (7%)
- Steering19 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Driver's airbag inflator can rupture during deployment and emit fire, sometimes during low-speed crashes around 25 mph.
- Some airbags failed to deploy at all during moderate-speed impacts, including a crash at 45 mph.
- Airbag curtains have deployed unexpectedly or failed to deploy properly during side-impact and multi-impact collisions.
- Owners report sudden engine surging or lurching at low speed, causing the car to crash into fixed objects.
- Electrical fires have occurred with the vehicle parked and unattended, in some cases destroying the car.
- Poor outward visibility from mirror and door frame placement was blamed for repeated low-speed backing collisions.
2016 Hyundai Elantra recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.
- NHTSA 24V146000Feb 23, 2024Structure & Body186,588 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch
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."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
2016 Hyundai Elantra fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 27 MPG
- Highway
- 36 MPG
- Combined
- 30 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,150
- 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 Elantra has a complaint index of 50 and ranks 11th worst among 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems account for 42% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 72,000 miles.
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
- Engine issues lead at 42% of complaints, followed by structure and body problems (11%), transmission and powertrain issues (11%), and electrical system complaints (9%).
- Does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra have a recall?
- Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls: one for a driver's airbag inflator that may rupture during deployment, and one for a trunk latch that may become damaged and prevent opening from inside.
- How does the 2016 Elantra compare to other Elantra years?
- The 2016 model's complaint index of 50 is worse than years like 2018 (40, Good) and 2022 (20, Best), but better than 2013 (100, Avoid) and 2017 (95, Avoid).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
- The 2016 Elantra gets 30 mpg combined (27 city / 36 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,150 according to the EPA.