2016 Hyundai Elantra Safety Report
2016 Hyundai Elantra: Strong crash ratings, but significant engine and powertrain reliability concerns with 278 NHTSA complaints.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra
Reliability Score
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Failure/Knocking/Stalling Numerous reports of catastrophic engine failure, loud knocking/tapping noises, excessive oil consumption, and sudden stalling while driving, leading to loss of power steering and brakes. |
High | Common | 60000-140000 miles |
| Transmission Failure/Stalling Vehicle lurching, clunking sounds, inability to shift into drive, and complete transmission failure, sometimes resulting in the car only moving in reverse. |
High | Occasional | 44000-140000 miles |
| Airbag Non-Deployment/Unintended Deployment Reports of airbags failing to deploy in significant crashes and, conversely, independent deployment of airbags without an impact, causing injury. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Trunk Latch Recall Ineffectiveness/Recurrence Despite a recall for the trunk latch preventing inside opening, some owners report the issue recurring or the recall repair being ineffective, posing an entrapment risk. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Steering Control Arm Rust/Failure Report of a control arm rusting from the subframe, leading to sudden loss of steering control and an accident. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Hyundai Elantra:
Frequent complaints about engine knocking, excessive oil consumption, sudden stalling, and catastrophic engine failure.
A significant number of complaints categorized broadly, indicating various unspecified issues or general vehicle malfunctions.
Issues with airbags failing to deploy in crashes or deploying unexpectedly without impact.
Problems related to transmission stalling, failure, and abnormal shifting behavior.
Primarily related to the trunk latch recall, with reports of the internal release failing.
Complaints including loss of steering control due to component failure.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Hyundai Elantra
Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra safe?
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra received excellent NHTSA crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall rating. However, NHTSA complaint data shows significant safety concerns, particularly with 69 engine-related complaints, including reports of sudden stalling and catastrophic failure, and 17 airbag complaints, including non-deployment in crashes. There were 22 reported crashes and 17 injuries.
What are common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
The most reported issues for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra are related to the ENGINE (69 complaints), including knocking noises, excessive oil consumption, and sudden stalls. Other common problems involve AIR BAGS (17 complaints) with deployment issues, and POWER TRAIN (13 complaints) with transmission failures and stalling.
Has the 2016 Hyundai Elantra been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra has one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 16V574000) concerning the trunk latch, which may become damaged and prevent opening from the inside, increasing the risk of injury if someone is trapped.
How does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra perform in crash tests?
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Are there any known engine issues with the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
Yes, engine issues are the most frequently reported problem for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra, with 69 complaints. These include reports of loud knocking sounds, excessive oil consumption, sudden engine stalls while driving, and catastrophic engine failures, often occurring at higher mileages.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, prospective buyers should be cautious due to numerous documented engine and powertrain failures; a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the engine and transmission, is highly recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Hyundai Elantra
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The data includes 278 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 22 reported crashes, 5 fire incidents, 17 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Hyundai Elantra an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.