Photo: Zytonits / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2016 Hyundai Elantra: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Elantra years.
559 owner complaints, most about engine. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Elantra?The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has 559 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag transmission problems: hard shifting, delayed engagement from park to drive, failure to engage gear, and speed sensor codes, primarily noted in 2016 models with automatic transmissions.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Hyundai Elantra vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Elantra years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Elantra?
Across the 31 Elantra model years we track, complaint volume runs from 60 (1998) to 2,622 (2013). With 559 complaints, the 2016 Elantra sits above the model's median of 267.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 Elantra
latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch
Campaign 24V146000Hyundai 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."
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 26V307000Hyundai 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 owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain.
- RecurrentTransmission problems
Hard shifting, delayed engagement from Park to Drive, failure to engage gear, and speed sensor codes, primarily noted in 2016 models with automatic transmissions.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Elantra. See the full Elantra owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Elantra listings typically run $9,966–$20,299.
Other Elantra model years
Compare every Elantra year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Elantra against its rivals
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