2016 Hyundai Elantra recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra and 293 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (111), unknown or other (54), power train (31). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 27–31 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2016 ranks #10 of 14 Elantra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (351). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Latches/locks/linkages · trunk lid · latch
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
I am reporting a recall remedy failure involving my 2016 Hyundai Elantra under Hyundai Recall 256 / NHTSA Recall 24V‑146 (trunk latch pawl defect). The McCarthy Olathe Hyundai dealership in Olathe, KS marked the recall as “completed,” but the trunk latch still does not open and the defect persists exactly as described in the recall notice. After the recall was marked complete,…
Vehicle stalls while driving which is very dangerous. All dashboard lights go on prior to stalling. No engine light is on. Knocking sound coming from engine. Dealer states engine needs to be replaced. Car has been serviced regularly despite that Hyundai denies engine replacement. The knocking sound that engine does is common between this model and year but mysteriously there ha…
The motor started to make a ticking noise 5 months earlier. 5 months later at 180,000 miles a borascope finding, reveled all 4 cylinder walls were worn related to cylinder slap. Called Hyundai dealership and was told ithe car is too old and the milage too high for a warranty coverage.
Safety ratings
2016 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra.
Elantra
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 1.8 L
Regular
Elantra
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Elantra GT
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Elantra GT
Man 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra, most recently for air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module (05/15/2026). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
Based on 293 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (111), unknown or other (54), power train (31).
Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra safe?
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2016 a good year for the Hyundai Elantra?
The 2016 ranks #10 of 14 Elantra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (351). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra range from 27 to 31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2016 Hyundai Elantra in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: ELANTRA, Elantra.