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Hyundai Elantra

EPA MPG: 31 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2016 Elantra has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
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.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"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)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

""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)
Rust

"rust forming at peeled paint locations"

Anonymous A., NJ (2016 Hyundai Elantra SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

""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)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Failed and requires replacement"

Anonymous, NC (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

Rotors

"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)

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

Other electrical system problem

""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)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Antenna cover gone. hard to replace"

Anonymous, AL (2016 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition 1.8-L 4 Cyl)

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.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

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.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

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.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil 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.

2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
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
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
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