CarBrief

NHTSA has 300 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Elantra, and the engine group has the most[1][2]. The car has 2 recalls, and one of them, for a driver air bag inflator, had its final remedy still pending in the record[3][4].

300owner complaints[1]
2recalls[3]
27–31MPG combined (EPA)[5]
5★NHTSA overall rating[6]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 300 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of those, 22 mention a crash, 5 a fire and 17 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

Component group Complaints Median miles at failure
Engine[2] 118 77,170
Unknown or other[7] 54 15,000
Power train[8] 31 78,800
Air bags[9] 26 32,000
Electrical system[10] 23 59,000
Steering[11] 19 46,000
Fuel/propulsion system[12] 19 33,600
Speed control[13] 18 60,000

Engine. This is the biggest group, with 118 complaints[2]. In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 10 describe the car stalling, shutting off or losing power while driving, often with warning lights[2]. Two of the engine complaints involve fires[2].

Power train. There are 31 complaints, with no crashes, fires or injuries[8]. In a sample of 12 we read, 8 describe transmission trouble such as hard or delayed shifts, slipping, getting stuck in a gear or needing a replacement[8]. Five describe the car shutting off while driving or stopping[8].

Air bags. There are 26 complaints, and 15 of them mention a crash[9]. In a sample of 12 we read, 8 say the air bags did not deploy, or deployed late or only in part[9]. These are owner statements, and NHTSA data alone cannot confirm the cause.

Electrical system. There are 23 complaints, 2 with fires[10]. In a sample of 12 we read, 3 mention bulbs or headlights burning out or flashing, and 3 mention hard starting or no start[10].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year[3].

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions, all front-wheel drive and all on regular fuel. Combined ratings run from 27 to 31 MPG[15][5].

Version City / Highway / Combined Annual fuel cost
Elantra 1.8L, Automatic (S6)[5] 28 / 37 / 31 $2,150
Elantra 1.8L, Manual 6-spd[16] 27 / 36 / 30 $2,250
Elantra Limited 1.8L, Automatic (S6)[17] 27 / 36 / 30 $2,250
Elantra 2.0L, Automatic (S6)[18] 24 / 35 / 28 $2,400
Elantra 2.0L, Manual 6-spd[19] 24 / 34 / 28 $2,400
Elantra GT 2.0L, Automatic (S6)[20] 24 / 32 / 27 $2,500
Elantra GT 2.0L, Manual 6-spd[15] 24 / 32 / 27 $2,500

EPA's annual cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4-door sedan 5 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover[6]. Its rollover risk is 10.9%[6]. The 5-door hatchback has the same ratings and the same rollover risk[21].

Engine and size

EPA lists a 1.8L 4-cylinder rated 145 hp[22]. The 2.0L 4-cylinder is rated 166 to 173 hp depending on version[23].

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications.

Sedan GT hatchback
Length 179 in 169 in
Width 70 in 70 in
Height 57 in 57 in
Wheelbase 106 in 104 in
Curb weight 2,877 lb 2,855 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

1995: 112 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 100 complaints, 3 recalls1997: 115 complaints, 3 recalls1998: 55 complaints, 0 recalls1999: 128 complaints, 2 recalls19992000: 197 complaints, 1 recalls2001: 315 complaints, 6 recalls2002: 342 complaints, 6 recalls2003: 234 complaints, 5 recalls20032004: 182 complaints, 5 recalls2005: 137 complaints, 4 recalls2006: 155 complaints, 1 recalls2007: 267 complaints, 6 recalls20072008: 315 complaints, 7 recalls2009: 286 complaints, 4 recalls2010: 455 complaints, 4 recalls2011: 462 complaints, 8 recalls20112012: 676 complaints, 5 recalls2013: 1,345 complaints, 4 recalls2014: 396 complaints, 2 recalls2015: 263 complaints, 3 recalls20152016: 300 complaints, 2 recalls30020162017: 795 complaints, 4 recalls2018: 335 complaints, 1 recalls2019: 266 complaints, 1 recalls20192020: 262 complaints, 3 recalls2021: 161 complaints, 7 recalls2022: 159 complaints, 8 recalls2023: 169 complaints, 4 recalls20232024: 62 complaints, 2 recalls2025: 34 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 4 complaints, 2 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Elantra model year. The 2016 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951121
19961003
19971153
1998550
19991282
20001971
20013156
20023426
20032345
20041825
20051374
20061551
20072676
20083157
20092864
20104554
20114628
20126765
20131,3454
20143962
20152633
20163002
20177954
20183351
20192661
20202623
20211617
20221598
20231694
2024622
2025342
202642

The 2016 Elantra has 300 complaints and 2 recalls[3]. The 2015 model has 263 complaints and 3 recalls[3]. The 2017 model has 795 complaints and 4 recalls[3]. The 2014 model has 396 complaints and 2 recalls, and the 2018 model has 335 complaints and 1 recall[3]. So 2016 sits above 2015 and below 2014, 2017 and 2018 on complaints. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so they show what was reported, not how likely a problem is.

Should you buy a used 2016 Elantra?

The federal record shows an overall rating of 5 stars[6][21]. It also shows engine complaints that lead the file, with 118 of the 300[2][1]. Owners in the sample we read describe stalling and power loss, so ask for service records and take a long test drive. Check both recalls by VIN. The trunk latch fix is free[14], while the air bag inflator remedy was still pending in the record[4]. Fuel economy of 27 to 31 combined MPG depends on the version[15][5].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
Engine complaints lead with 118 of 300 on file with NHTSA[2][1]. In a sample of 12 engine complaints we read, 10 describe stalling or power loss[2].
Does the 2016 Elantra have recalls?
Yes, 2 recalls: a driver air bag inflator (26V307) and a trunk latch (24V146)[3][4][14]. The trunk latch fix is free, and the inflator final remedy was still pending in the record[14][4].
How many miles per gallon does a 2016 Elantra get?
EPA combined ratings run from 27 to 31 MPG depending on engine, transmission and body[15][5]. The 1.8L automatic Elantra rates 28 city, 37 highway and 31 combined[5].
How safe is the 2016 Elantra?
NHTSA rates the sedan and the hatchback 5 stars overall[6][21].
How does 2016 compare with 2015 and 2017?
2016 has 300 complaints, against 263 for 2015 and 795 for 2017[3].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 300 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra (22 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 17 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 118 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,170). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Hyundai Elantra model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 26V307, filed May 14, 2026: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Elantra, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 37 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 54 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 31 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 78,800). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 26 complaints name the air bags component group (15 crashes, 1 fires, 14 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 23 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 19 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 19 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,600). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 18 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Recall 24V146, filed February 23, 2024: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  15. EPA rating for Elantra GT, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 32 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Elantra, 1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 36 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Elantra Limited, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 36 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Elantra, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 35 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Elantra, 2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Elantra GT, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 32 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  22. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Hyundai Elantra with 1.8L 4-cylinder: rated 145 hp. www.epa.gov
  23. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Hyundai Elantra with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 166 to 173 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ELANTRA 4DR SEDAN: length 179 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 2,877 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ELANTRA GT 5DR HATCHBACK: length 169 in, width 70 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 2,855 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.