The Lemon Index2016 Hyundai Elantra.
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 84 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 38, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 27 to 31 mpg combined. The best Hyundai Elantra year is 2015.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 300 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Hyundai Elantra year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 20K to 83K miles on the car (130 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 53K–97K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 10K–67K miles
Recalls 2
- airbags 2026
The driver's air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
- latches/locks/linkages 2024
The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Hyundai told dealers about
Hyundai sent dealers 134 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Before installing an automatic transmission, check the depth of the torque converter in the…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedThrottle control system vulnerabilities2021–2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Hyundai Elantra Gt 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2050–2400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Another car hit my car the impact caused me to hit my head on the steering wheel. It was over $10,000 worth of damage to the front passenger side of my car. I was pulling out of walmart parking lot entering into the lane
2016 Hyundai Elantra owner · NHTSA complaint 11173542
More owner reports
When I am driving after about 30 mins when I let off the gas I get a warning light for the battery,oil and engine. The car turns off and you just coast and it stalls.
NHTSA complaint 11157126
There is an engine knock upon cold start. I have taken it to have it repaired 3 times and 3 times Hyundai has refused to do anything.
NHTSA complaint 11156887
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 38; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Hyundai Elantra year by this measure is 2015.
What are the most common 2016 Hyundai Elantra problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (20%), airbags (15%) and steering (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra have?
2 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra get?
27 to 31 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Hyundai Elantra problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 20,000 and 83,300 miles. The middle report was at 56,500 miles, from 130 complaints.
Does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra cost in fuel a year?
About $2050 to $2400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra have?
1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Hyundai Elantra year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2015, 2014 and 2016.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works