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2016 Hyundai Elantra recalls and problems

The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has 2 safety recalls and 294 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
294
Crashes / fires
22 / 5
Injuries / deaths
17 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Hyundai Elantra vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Hyundai Elantra recalls

Recall 26V-307: Air Bags

Reported May 14, 2026 · 3,493 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

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.

Recall 24V-146: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Feb 23, 2024 · 186,588 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

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.

2016 Hyundai Elantra problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine112
Unknown or Other54
Power Train31
Air Bags26
Electrical System22
Steering19
Fuel/Propulsion System19
Vehicle Speed Control18
Structure18
Service Brakes15
Latches/Locks/Linkages13
Suspension10

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 16
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys — 1
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
  • Lane Departure › Warning — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 54,964 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Hyundai Elantra complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Nov 11, 2026
For the past 2 years my car has been stalling on me while driving usually under 50 miles a hour, have had it to 5 different mechanic's and put thousands of money into it and none one can figure out what's wrong, the throttle body, camshaft and crankshaft position sensors and few other parts have been replaced to fix it but its still doing it. The engine is burning oil fast and it seems to do it more often when it gets low on oil. One mechanic was a Hyundai dealership that said it was crankshaft as well but I had it replaced. I don't feel safe when it just dies while i am driving. Also I took…
Unknown or Other · reported Oct 1, 2026
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, I returned to the dealership because the trunk still would not open. The dealership told me the issue was “trunk lid damage” from a prior accident and advised me to replace the trunk lid at my own expense. I…
Engine · reported Aug 29, 2026
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 has not been engine recalls.
Engine · reported Aug 29, 2026
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.
Engine · reported Jul 16, 2026
Engine burned oil and had knocking sound, despite having regular oil changes. Stalked out while driving took to dealer initial said it was covered by the exerted coverage but ultimately denied. It had 111,000 miles on it. I believe this engine has the same issues as the others.

Other Hyundai Elantra years

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Compare all Hyundai Elantra years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra: 26V-307 (air bags), 24V-146 (latches/locks/linkages). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?

Owners report engine problems most often (112 reports), followed by unknown or other (54). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 54,964 miles.

Are Hyundai recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.