2016 Hyundai Elantra Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has 366 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve engine and unknown or other.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 366 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
ENGINE
102 27.9%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
46 12.6%
POWER TRAIN
26 7.1%
AIR BAGS
25 6.8%
STEERING
19 5.2%
Quick Insights
The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 27.9% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 35 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2016 Hyundai Elantra
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has 366 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 28% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra are ENGINE (102), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (46), POWER TRAIN (26).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 209 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 29 of 29 systems
ENGINE
69 Reports28% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WIFE WAS DRIVING A NEW THREE WEEK OLD 2016 ELANTRA WITH APPOX. 500 MILES ON IT. THE CAR STARTED TO LOOSE POWER AND JUST DIED. SHE COASTED TO A STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WOULD NOT RESTART. NO LIGHTS CAME ON INDICATING ANY PROBLEM TILL THE CAR QUIT RUNNING. THEN ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON AS THEY SHOULD. CALLED AAA HAD THEM TOW THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. SERVICE DEPARTMENT CHECKED THE CAR OVER AND THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE AN ALTERNATOR. SOME TIME WENT BY, AND THE SERVICE WRITER SAID THEY WERE PUTTING ME IN A RENTAL CAR AS THE REPAIR WAS GOING TO TAKE TIME. TWO DAYS LATER GET A CALL AND THE MOTOR IS RUINED AND THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE IT WITH A LONG BLOCK. THIS IS JUST GREAT. NEW CAR THREE WEEKS OLD AND IS GOING TO BE TORE APART. LUCKY IT IS A LONG BLOCK NOT A SHORT BLOCK. THE BIG BREAK COMES FROM MY WIFE DECIDING NOT TO GO TO THE MALL THAT DAY TO FINISH XMAS SHOPPING. THE MALL IS TWENTY MILES AWAY ON AN INTERSTATE. IF THIS CAR HAD DIED ON THE INTERSTATE WITH CARS GOING 70 PLUS BEHIND HER, INSTEAD OF OUR SUBDIVISION STREET. SHE STOOD A GOOD CHANCE OF BEING REAR ENDED AND IN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. PLUS NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES AND TRYING TO GET OVER TO THE SHOULDER WITH A DEAD CAR! WE WERE VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN ON A SIDE STREET WITH LITTLE OR NO TRAFFIC AND THREE BLOCKS FROM HOME. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN HORRIBLE TO HAVE HAPPENED ON AN INTERSTATE WHILE OUT OF STATE OR SOME BACK ROAD OFF THE BEATEN PATH. WE NOW WILL HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN THE CAR AT ALL AND CONSTANTLY AFRAID IT IS GOING TO BREAK DOWN AGAIN. DARN SHAME.
11/20/2015
ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. THIS OCCURRED TWICE ON THE FREEWAY AND ONCE ON A CITY STREET WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 1800 MILES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR NUMEROUS TIMES. WHEN I PICK IT UP THEY SAY "ITS BEEN REPAIRED" BUT HOURS OR DAYS LATER THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURS. I DEMANDED THAT THEY VOID THE PURCHASE CONTRACT BUT HYUNDAI REFUSED. I HAD TO RETAIN AN ATTORNEY WHO RECENTLY FILED A LAWSUIT AGAINST HYUNDAI REGARDING THIS MATTER (CASE # 15K14065).
11/24/2015
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
25 Reports10% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ON JULY 6, 2016 WE PURCHASED A 2016 ELANTRA LIMITED. WE DO LIKE THE CAR. HOWEVER, IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS, JUST OVER 2400 MILES THE NEW 2016 HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS A 2013 ELANTRA THAT WE USED TO HAVE. WE WOULD PRESS THE BRAKE, THEN PRESS THE PUSH START BUTTON. NOTHING HAPPENED, IT DIDN?T EVEN TRY TO CRANK. IT WAS AS IF THE BRAKE AND START BUTTON HAD NEVER BEEN DEPRESSED. THE CAR WOULD NOT START. IT WAS DEAD AS A DOOR NAIL. THEN WE WOULD TRY STARTING THE CAR A SECOND TIME AND THE CAR WOULD START. THESE EVENTS HAPPENED WITH A COLD START AND ALSO A WARM START. WE TOOK THE 2016 CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. BETWEEN THE 2013 AND THE 2016 MODEL YEARS IT WOULD SEEM THAT SOMETHING COULD BE FIGURED OUT TO CORRECT AND FIX THE STARTING PROBLEM. WE STILL HAVE A NEW 2016 CAR THAT HAS A STARTING PROBLEM WITH THE PUSH BUTTON START.
9/26/2015
WHEN PARKING OUR CAR, THE KEY GOT STUCK IN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND COULD NOT BE REMOVED. OBVIOUSLY, WE COULD NOT LEAVE THE CAR IN A PARKING LOT WITH THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. I LOOKED AT A VIDEO ON YOUTUBE: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=A4T6YDZKB5G AND THIS GUY'S VIDEO SAVED THE DAY. THIS OBVIOUSLY HAS HAPPENED FOR OTHER PEOPLE AND SEEMS TO BE AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. WE WILL BE TAKING THIS TO THE DEALER TO FIX, HOWEVER, SINCE IT APPARENTLY HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO OTHERS FOR YEARS I THOUGHT I SHOULD REPORT IT TO YOU. IF IT IS NOT FIXED BY HYUNDAI I WILL LET YOU KNOW. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION.
6/7/2016
AIR BAGS
21 Reports8% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA WAS WRECKED AT 501 MILES . IT WAS BOUGHT BRAND-NEW IT STRUCK A TELEPHONE POLE AT 45 MILES PER HOUR THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY HYUNDAI HAS A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG SYSTEM WHICH NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO I HAVE A CLAIM NUMBER AGAINST HYUNDAI THE CLAIM NUMBER IS 8922194. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER TO THE CLAIM AGENT IS1-714-965-3105. MY SON WHO WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT SUFFERED INJURIES DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I HAVE ASKED THE HYUNDAI CLAIM AGENT TO DO AN INSPECTION ON THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS DONE ON MAY 4TH AND NOT RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION ABOUT RECEIVING ANY INFORMATION ON WHAT HAPPENED AT THE TIME OF IMPACT . I WOULD LIKE FOR YOUR AGENCY TO LOOK INTO HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY IN THERE AIRBAGS THAT DO NOT DEPLOY . YOU MAY CONTACT ME AT[XXX] MY NAME IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
5/16/2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND EMITTED FIRE DURING THE DEPLOYMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,999.
9/13/2016
STEERING
16 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE SPORT STEERING IS OVER SENSITIVE WHICH IS A HAZARD. THE SLIGHTEST TURN OF THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO TURN ABRUPTLY. I HAVE MEASURED THAT A QUICK LANE CHANGE COULD TAKE PLACE BY MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL BY 1/4 OF AN INCH IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE SLIGHTEST MOVEMENT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND BODILY INJURY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
1/11/2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND AN ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE DEALER PERFORMED ANOTHER ALIGNMENT. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60.
5/2/2016
POWER TRAIN
16 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO 2 HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS TO BE LOOKED AT. WHEN I DRIVE MY CAR GETS STUCK IN A HIGH GEAR & GIVES ME A HARD TIME DRIVING UNLESS I ACCELERATE DRAMATICALLY TO DROP THE RPMS & THE CAR WILL DROP GEARS. I LIVE ON A VERY STEEP HILL & CAME CLOSE TO A VERY DANGEROUS ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS ISSUE. MY CAR DID NOT WANT TO MAKE IT UP MY HILL BECAUSE THE CAR MAKES A LOUD NOISE. THE DAY THIS HAPPENED IT WAS SNOWING & I HAD TO ACCELERATE TO MAKE IT UP & ALMOST CRASHED BECAUSE MY CAR WAS ROLLING BACK DOWN THE HILL & I LIVE OFF OF A BUSY INTERSECTION.
2/23/2016
I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET GOING APPROX. 30 MPH WHEN THE CAR FELT LIKE IT HAD DOWNSHIFTED INTO A LOW GEAR. THE TACHOMETER WA REVVING BETWEEN 4,000 AND 5,000 RPMS EVEN THOUGH I WAS SLOWING. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT WAS UNABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AS THE GEAR SHIFT WAS STUCK IN DRIVE. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, I PULLED THE GEAR SHIFT DOWN AS LOW AS IT WOULD GO PAST D(RIVE) AND THEN I WAS ABLE TO PUSH IT UP INTO THE PARK POSITION. ONCE I PUT THE CAR BACK INTO DRIVE AGAIN THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION WERE NORMAL.
4/13/2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
13 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY IGNITED 4/5/2016 @ ~3:45PM (SEE PICTURES ATTACHED) WHILE PARKED IN A FENCED, GUARDED, PRIVATE CORPORATION EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT, DESTROYING ITSELF & BOTH VEHICLES PARKED ON EITHER SIDE OF IT. 5 MONTHS OLD, 11,000 MILES ON ODOMETER, ONLY PRIOR SERVICES WERE OIL CHANGES AT 3K & 10K @ WALMART & JIFFY-LUBE.
4/7/2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND RESUMED DRIVING. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
7/11/2016
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
12 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ON 10/15/16 I WAS IN A MULTI IMPACT ACCIDENT. AFTER HITTING A CURB, SMALL TREE, TOOK A STOP SIGN OUT, MY CAR LANDED INTO A TREE IN BETWEEN TWO 10 IN. BUSHES. AS THE CAR SEEMED TO SETTLE I IMMEDIATELY SMELLED A CHEMICAL ODOR. I THEN SAW A SMALL WHITE WHAT I THOUGHT WAS PAPER APPEAR ON THE INNER STEERING WHEEL, SUDDENLY BLOOD WAS POURING DOWN MY FACE WHERE I COULD BARELY SEE. I THOUGHT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE BECAUSE OF THE SMELL. IT DID NOT SMELL LIKE GAS BUT MORE LIKE SULFUR. I WAS TRANSPORTED TO UCI TRAUMA CENTER WHERE I STAYED FOR FOUR DAYS. MY CAR HAD 6 AIRBAGS AND ALL FAILED EXCEPT FOR THE ONE I SAW WHEN MY CAR SETTLED. SINCE I BOUGHT THE ELANTRA I REPORTED TO HYUNDAI THAT WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND SOMETIMES WHEN I WOULD TURN LEFT THE CAR WOULD STOP, THEN ACCELERATE FULL SPEED. I HAVE THE WORK ORDER. THIS ACCELERATION WOULD HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING, SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP LIGHT AND WHEN TURNING TO THE LEFT. I HAVE SEVERAL WITNESSES WHO HAVE BEEN WITH ME WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE CAR DOES NOT REQUIRE THAT I RESTART IT, IT JUST STOPS THEN ACCELERATES. IT HAS DONE THIS THREE OR FOUR TIME A MONTH. *TR
1/20/2017
I DROVE SLOWLY THROUGH THE PARKING LOT AT WORK AND PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT. INSTEAD OF STOPPING, THE CAR SUDDENLY SWERVED, LURCHED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO THE CEMENT BASE OF A LIGHT POLE. THE CAR KEPT GRINDING INTO THE CEMENT BASE. I WAS HELPLESS TO STOP THE DESTRUCTION OF MY CAR. THE REPAIR SHOP HAS HAD MY CAR FOR ONE WEEK BUT NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE YET. THE REPAIR SHOP IS AWAITING THE DECISION FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR IS OVER $10,000. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER WHEN DRIVING MY CAR. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN THE CAR HAS TRIED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN AND WOULD LURCH FORWARD. I HAVE BEEN A SAFE DRIVER FOR MANY YEARS AND HAD NEVER GOTTEN A TICKET NOR BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE. I HAVE READ REPORTS OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR HYUNDAI CARS UNEXPECTEDLY CRASHING INTO PARKING GARAGE WALLS, OBJECTS, OR OTHER CARS. I DO NOT KNOW THE CAUSE OF THIS DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION OF THE HYUNDAI CAR BUT THE CAUSE NEEDS TO BE DETERMINED BEFORE SOMEONE IS BADLY INJURED OR KILLED.
8/18/2017
SERVICE BRAKES
10 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHEN ENTERING A FAIRLY SEVERE CURVE, LIKE A 270 DEGREE FREEWAY ON-RAMP OR OFF-RAMP TO AN OVERPASS, OR 90 DEGREE CURVES ON MOUNTAIN ROADS, AT NORMAL SPEEDS, THE ESC APPEARS TO SPORADICALLY TURN ON AND OFF AGGRESSIVELY. THE BEHAVIOR IS SEVERE. THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, HARD, ABOUT TWICE PER SECOND. HARD ENOUGH TO FEEL LIKE YOU HIT A POTHOLE. THE THROTTLE SEEMS TO BE CUT AS WELL. PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR DOES NOTHING WHILE IN THIS STATE, AS IF ITS BEEN DISCONNECTED. AFTER STRAIGHTENING OUT OF THE CURVE, THE BEHAVIOR STOPS. DISABLING VIA THE ESC BUTTON HAS NO EFFECT, THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. A TRIP TO THE DEALER (10/2015) RESULTED IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF A BAD 'LATERAL SENSOR' - THAT IT WASN'T COMMUNICATING TO THE ESC. HOWEVER THE PROBLEM APPARENTLY WAS MORE INVOLVED: THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR 17 DAYS AND HAD TWO OTHER 2016 ELANTRA GT MODELS IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WITH THE SAME ISSUE. ULTIMATELY THEY COULD NOT FIND A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM AND RETURNED THE CAR, STATING THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT A "SAFETY CONCERN". HOWEVER THEY INTENDED TO CONTINUE TROUBLESHOOTING THE ISSUE WITH ONE OF THE PROBLEM CARS BEING USED AS A "TEST MULE". THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE LIMITED TO THE 2016 ELANTRA GT. I AM NOT ENTIRELY CONVINCED OF THE "SAFETY" VERDICT. WHILE I AGREE THAT ITS FAIRLY SAFE FOR "ME", SINCE I'M AWARE OF THE BEHAVIOR AND ITS CONSISTENT, IT MIGHT BE A SURPRISE FOR ANOTHER ELANTRA GT OWNER WHOSE FIRST EXPERIENCE MIGHT BE IN THE RAIN OR SNOW. WINTER IS COMING, AND WHILE I'M AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND THEREFORE WILL TAKE CURVES SLOWER AS TO NOT ANTAGONIZE THE CAR - WHAT ABOUT OTHERS?
10/20/2015
BRAKES: SKIPPING AND SEVERE VIBRATION WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED ON TIGHT RIGHT CURVATURES (HIGHWAY ON AND OFF RAMPS). TIRES: HANKOOK P215/45R17 87H - TIRE SIDEWALL FAILURE, BUBBLING ON SIDEWALL AT 8500 MILES THEN TWO MONTHS LATER AND APROX. 10000. NO ACCIDENTS, POTHOLES, OR ISSUES THAT SHOULD HAVE RESULTED IN SIDEWALL FAILURE.
1/17/2017
WHEELS
10 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TIRE BLOW OUT ON HIGHWAY:( HANCOOK P215/45R 17 DRIVER SIDE FRONT) CAR PURCHASED NEW ONLY 377 MILES ON IT WHEN BLOWOUT OCCURRED. ROAD WAS SMOOTH SPEED WAS 60 MPH WAS TOLD BY SERVICE DEPT. NO BUBBLES WERE FOUND, PROBLEM IS THE TIRE. NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
2/15/2016
WE HAVE A BRAND NEW 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA PURCHASED JANUARY 22, 2016 AND ONLY HAS @ 4,000 MILES. THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE HAS ALREADY RECEIVED A FLAT TWO WEEKS AGO FROM TODAY AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND HAD TO PAY FOR IT OUT OF OUR POCKET. THE TIRE IS THE STANDARD HANKOOK OPTIMO. THE CAR IS DRIVEN ON THE FREEWAY AND SIDE STREETS, NORMAL EVERYDAY DRIVING. THE DAY AFTER REPLACING IT WITH ANOTHER TIRE, IT ALSO WENT FLAT. TODAY, APRIL 11, 2016, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE IS FLAT AND WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THERE IS SOMETHING GOING ON WITH THE WHEELS OR TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM TO CAUSE THIS.
4/11/2016
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
10 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I BOUGHT A NEW ELANTRA IN OCT. 2015 WITH 13 MILES ON IT. I WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT I WOULD GET NO LESS THAN 30 MILES PER GAL. I HAVE NEVER GOT MORE THAN 25 MPG I'V TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALER THREE TIME THEY DRIVE IT AND SAY THE COMPUTOR SAYS YOUR GETTING 35 TO 40MPG. I TRIED TO SHOW THEM ACTUAL DOCUMENTATION SENSE I HAVE KEPT WRITTEN RECORDS EVERY SENSE THE DAY I'VE BOUGHT THIS CAR.
4/14/2016
I DROVE SLOWLY THROUGH THE PARKING LOT AT WORK AND PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT. INSTEAD OF STOPPING, THE CAR SUDDENLY SWERVED, LURCHED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO THE CEMENT BASE OF A LIGHT POLE. THE CAR KEPT GRINDING INTO THE CEMENT BASE. I WAS HELPLESS TO STOP THE DESTRUCTION OF MY CAR. THE REPAIR SHOP HAS HAD MY CAR FOR ONE WEEK BUT NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE YET. THE REPAIR SHOP IS AWAITING THE DECISION FROM THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR IS OVER $10,000. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER WHEN DRIVING MY CAR. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN THE CAR HAS TRIED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN AND WOULD LURCH FORWARD. I HAVE BEEN A SAFE DRIVER FOR MANY YEARS AND HAD NEVER GOTTEN A TICKET NOR BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE. I HAVE READ REPORTS OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR HYUNDAI CARS UNEXPECTEDLY CRASHING INTO PARKING GARAGE WALLS, OBJECTS, OR OTHER CARS. I DO NOT KNOW THE CAUSE OF THIS DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION OF THE HYUNDAI CAR BUT THE CAUSE NEEDS TO BE DETERMINED BEFORE SOMEONE IS BADLY INJURED OR KILLED.
8/18/2017
STRUCTURE:BODY
9 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I PURCHASED THE 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT FROM VAN HORN HYUNDAI IN SHEBOYGAN WI ON 8/18/17. IT WAS SOLD AS CERTIFIED PRE OWNED - NO ACCIDENTS. THE AUTO CHECK REPORT THEY PROVIDED SHOWED A CLEAN HISTORY. I BEGAN EXPERIENCING WHAT SEEMED TO BE SUSPENSION ISSUES- CAR WOULD SKIP SIDEWAYS ON BUMPS AND HAD THE FEELING THAT IT WANTED TO FISHTAIL. I ORDERED A CARFAX REPORT AND IT SHOWED THE VEHICLE WAS IN 2 ACCIDENTS, AND AFTER MORE DIGGING, I FOUND IT WAS SOLD BY INSURANCE AUTO AUCTIONS TO JOE VAN HORN CHEVROLET IN PLYMOUTH WI. WHEN I PRESENTED THE DEALERSHIP WITH WHAT I HAD DISCOVERED, THEY CLAIMED IT WAS A MISTAKE AND THAT THEY HAD NO WAY OF KNOWING THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE SINCE IT WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED BY ONE OF THEIR OTHER DEALERSHIPS. THEY DID, HOWEVER, SHOW ME THE VEHICLE CHECK LIST FROM JOE VAN HORN WHICH SHOWS MAJOR DAMAGE TO THIS VEHICLE INCLUDING FRAME REPAIRS AND AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THEY PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BACK FROM ME FOR WHAT I PAID AND I GOT A DIFFERENT VEHICLE THAT ACTUALLY DID CHECK OUT. THIS WAS A CLEAR CASE OF FRAUD BY THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY KNEW THEY WERE FOUND OUT. I AM HAPPY THAT THEY DIDN'T GIVE ME ANY GRIEF ABOUT RETURNING THE VEHICLE, MOST DEFINITELY TO AVOID A LAWSUIT! HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE IS NOW LISTED FOR SALE AGAIN 2 DAYS AFTER I RETURNED IT WITH NO DISCLOSURE IN THE LISTING AS TO IT'S HISTORY. I BELIEVE THAT THE FRAME OF THIS VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO PREVENT IT FROM EVER BEING PROPERLY ALIGNED TO DRIVE SAFELY.
12/21/2017
STARTED ASCENDING OVER A BRIDGE WHEN CAR STARTED TO PUTTER. THEN SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE TAILPIPE. POWER FLICKERED THEN WENT OFF. WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. TURNED OFF THE CAR AND IT WAS SMOKING. LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND SAW DRIPPING FLUID THEN A SPARK. THAT IS WHEN THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE.
6/6/2018
SUSPENSION
8 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE REAR OF THE CAR IS BUMPY.I HAD 3 FAMILY MEMEBERS AT THE BACK AND TRAVELLING WAS UNCOMFORABLE FOR THEM.THEY COMPLAINTED ABOUT SHOCKS GOOD.I HAVE 4458 MILES ON MY CAR.
10/18/2015
ONE DAY AFTER PURCHASING THIS CAR MY PROBLEM BEGAN. GOING OVER SPEEDS OF 30MPH, IF I HIT ANY UNEVEN SURFACES OR BUMPS IN THE ROAD THE CAR JUST WANTS TO FISH TAIL ALL OVER THE ROAD. THIS IS A VERY SCARY THING TO HAPPEN ESPECIALLY ON THE FREEWAY. I CONSTANTLY HAVE TO KEEP A DEATH GRIP WITH BOTH HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. JUST YESTERDAY I NEARLY HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION AFTER HITTING A BUMPY PART IN THE ROAD. THANKFULLY I GOT CONTROL BEFORE IT HAPPENED. THIS WILL BE MY SECOND ATTEMPT AT THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THIS RESOLVED. DURING FIRST ATTEMPT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THESE CARS JUST HAVE SQUIRRELY SUSPENSION AND THAT'S HOW THEY DRIVE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! SOMEBODY OR A FAMILY IS GOING TO GET HURT OR KILLED IF THIS IS NOT CORRECTED. LEMON LAW IS IN MY SEARCH BAR.
5/14/2017
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
6 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHILE DRIVING THE CLOCK WILL START TO FLASH THEN THE HEADLIGHTS WILL FLASH AS THE RADIO/CLOCK FLASHES. IF HEAD LIGHTS ARE OFF THE LIGHT BY GAUGES WILL START FLASHING MAKING A CLICKING NOISE, THE BATTERY LIGHT WILL SOMETIMES COME ON AND FLASH ALSO. IF I TURN THE AIR ON THE FLASHING WILL STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 6 TIMES IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS. *TR
10/31/2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ON THE AUTOMATIC SETTING AND WHEN EITHER A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN SIGNAL WAS USED TO TURN, THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, ONCE THE TURN WAS MADE, THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 16,000.
9/25/2017
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
5 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHEN ENTERING A FAIRLY SEVERE CURVE, LIKE A 270 DEGREE FREEWAY ON-RAMP OR OFF-RAMP TO AN OVERPASS, OR 90 DEGREE CURVES ON MOUNTAIN ROADS, AT NORMAL SPEEDS, THE ESC APPEARS TO SPORADICALLY TURN ON AND OFF AGGRESSIVELY. THE BEHAVIOR IS SEVERE. THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, HARD, ABOUT TWICE PER SECOND. HARD ENOUGH TO FEEL LIKE YOU HIT A POTHOLE. THE THROTTLE SEEMS TO BE CUT AS WELL. PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR DOES NOTHING WHILE IN THIS STATE, AS IF ITS BEEN DISCONNECTED. AFTER STRAIGHTENING OUT OF THE CURVE, THE BEHAVIOR STOPS. DISABLING VIA THE ESC BUTTON HAS NO EFFECT, THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. A TRIP TO THE DEALER (10/2015) RESULTED IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF A BAD 'LATERAL SENSOR' - THAT IT WASN'T COMMUNICATING TO THE ESC. HOWEVER THE PROBLEM APPARENTLY WAS MORE INVOLVED: THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR 17 DAYS AND HAD TWO OTHER 2016 ELANTRA GT MODELS IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WITH THE SAME ISSUE. ULTIMATELY THEY COULD NOT FIND A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM AND RETURNED THE CAR, STATING THAT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT A "SAFETY CONCERN". HOWEVER THEY INTENDED TO CONTINUE TROUBLESHOOTING THE ISSUE WITH ONE OF THE PROBLEM CARS BEING USED AS A "TEST MULE". THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE LIMITED TO THE 2016 ELANTRA GT. I AM NOT ENTIRELY CONVINCED OF THE "SAFETY" VERDICT. WHILE I AGREE THAT ITS FAIRLY SAFE FOR "ME", SINCE I'M AWARE OF THE BEHAVIOR AND ITS CONSISTENT, IT MIGHT BE A SURPRISE FOR ANOTHER ELANTRA GT OWNER WHOSE FIRST EXPERIENCE MIGHT BE IN THE RAIN OR SNOW. WINTER IS COMING, AND WHILE I'M AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND THEREFORE WILL TAKE CURVES SLOWER AS TO NOT ANTAGONIZE THE CAR - WHAT ABOUT OTHERS?
10/20/2015
I PURCHASE A BRAND NEW HYUNDAI ELANTRA END OF JANUARY 2016. WHEN I START DRIVING IT THE CAR STARTED GIVING ME PROBLEMS FOR 2 AND 7 MONTHS I'VE BEEN HAVING SO MUCH PROBLEM WITH MY CAR WHEN GOING TO DEALER CONSTANTLY SINCE I HAD IT NOW I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER ON TUESDAY AND THE DEALER CALLED ME ON WEDNESDAY WITH THE MECHANIC EXPLAIN WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE CAR ON THURSDAY THE DEALER CALLED ME BACK SAYING THE CORPORATE COMPANY CAME OUT THEY HAVE TO REPLACE MY WHOLE ENGINE ON MY CAR I AM REALLY NOT HAPPY WITH MY CAR I DON'T WANT IT I WANT THEM TO TAKE THE CAR BACK I AM SO DONE AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS SO BAD THERE. THEY GAVE ME THE RUN-AROUND NORM REEVES HYUNDAI IN CERRITOS AND ALSO THE HENRY INN IN GARDEN GROVE ALSO.
9/11/2018
VISIBILITY/WIPER
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE VISIBILITY ON THIS CAR IS SO BAD. IN 40 YEARS OF DRIVING I HAD 1 ACCIDENT UNTIL I GOT THIS CAR. I HAVE HAD 3 MINOR ACCIDENTS IN LESS THAN A YEAR ALL DUE TO BACKING UP AND LOOKING OUT PASSENGER SIDE. WHEN YOU BACK UP YOU CAN'T SEE OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE IN THE FRONT DUE TO MIRROR PLACEMENT AND DOOR FRAME AND IN THE BACK DUE TO FRAME AND HEADREST IN SAME POSITION. I FEEL THIS CAR WAS DESIGNED POORLY, I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS BEFORE.
6/8/2016
The back windshield where the tinting is placed continuously peels or has bubbles in the tinting causing me not to be able to see safely or accurately.
8/25/2022
SEAT BELTS
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TAKATA RECALL THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS AND SEAT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, HOWEVER THEY WERE LATE AND DID NOT DEPLOY UNTIL THE DRIVER'S HEAD HAD HIT THE WINDOW. THE STEERING WHEEL NEVER DEPLOYED. THE CAR WAS TBONED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR BY A TRUCK GOING OVER 20MPH. THE DRIVER HEAD HIT WINDOW AND SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, NO SEATBELT DEPLOYMENT, THE CAR SPUN OUT AND UP ONTO MEDIAN AT WHICH POINT SEAT SEATBELT ENGAGED AND CAR HIT TREE HEAD ON. NO FRONTAL AIRBAGS EVER DEPLOYED. CAR HAD A 2-4" INVERSION. DRIVER HAD 7MIN LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND SUFFERED CLOSED HEAD INJURY.
8/28/2017
2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER STATES THAT AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING ACCIDENT. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAG MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. *JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAGS AND THE SEATBELT MAY NOT HAVE OPERATED AS DESIGNED A CRASH. *JS
9/30/2019
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact's son owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power locks would intermittently unlock then lock independently with the door ajar warning light illuminated. All doors were inspected after each failure warning however, each time the doors were found to be securely closed. The contact also stated that upon parking the vehicle and locking the doors, the doors were unlocked upon return to the vehicle. The contact called the dealer where she purchased the vehicle and an appointment was scheduled for an inspection. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
8/5/2021
2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR COST ASSOCIATED WITH REPLACING A TRUNK LATCH ON VEHICLE.
10/25/2022
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 48 mph, the trunk door erroneously opened. The contact stopped the vehicle to investigate the cause of the failure. The contact discovered that the trunk latch had malfunctioned and the trunk would no longer remain securely closed. The contact used a rope to secure the trunk. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 51,000.
8/29/2022
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, he looked in the rearview mirror and noticed that the trunk of the vehicle was open. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he was unable to lock the trunk using the lever on the front seat, key fob, or the button on the trunk door. The contact continued driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the next availability would be in February 2023. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
10/4/2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN AND THE MOTOR WERE OFF SYNC AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TIMING BELT WAS LOOSE, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS KEPT FOR LONGER THAN THREE WEEKS. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
6/17/2016
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND RESUMED DRIVING. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
7/11/2016
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRONT PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED. *LD *JS
4/30/2018
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL EXHAUST LEAK AND A STRONG FUEL ODOR WAS PRESENT IN THE CABIN AND TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT BECAME ILL AND NAUSEOUS DUE TO THE FAILURE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE DEALER (ABC HYUNDAI, 6825 REDWOOD ST, LAS VEGAS, NV 89118, (702) 475-8698) WAS NOTIFIED WITHIN TWO DAYS OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT IT WAS A NORMAL CONDITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, CLOSED THE CASE, AND DID NOT PROVIDE AN EXPLANATION FOR THE ODOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
10/17/2018
SEATS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
AIRBAG IN DRIVER SEAT IS BULGING INSIDE THE SEAT MAKING THE SEAT UNCOMFORTABLE AND UNSAFE. IT JUST HAPPENED FROM USE OF THE CAR SITTING IN THE DRIVERS SEAT.
5/2/2020
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
I WAS DRIVING WHEN SUDDENLY I HEAR A KNOCK IN THE ENGINE AND A GRINDING SOUND INSIDE THE ENGINE AND A MECHANIC INSPECTED IT AND SAID THAT IT IS ROD BEARING THAT THEY HAVE DAMAGE, SPEAK TO THE HYUNDAI DEPARTMENT AND THAT THEIR SYSTEM DID NOT WORK THAT THEY COULD NOT GIVE ME INFORMATION
2/24/2021
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
My vehicle started to have a slight delay when shifted from park to drive. Within a week's time the delay turned to a very hard shift which made car jump fast and hard making tires screech yet there was no check engine light. Then it started slipping out of gear on highway then it wouldn't go into the last gear and when in stop and go traffic fall out of gear when stopped then thrust really hard burning rubber when accelerating so had to distance myself far behind other cars so I wouldn't crash into them trying to accelerate after a stop. I get home safely let my vehicle rest a few hours before attempting to take car to be inspected. So I back out of drive way and my car doesn't go into drive at all and then the check engine light comes on. Now I have a friend bring scanner and the code P0722 comes up. I am disabled and on a fixed income still paying on the car. Luckily I broke down in front of my house.
8/1/2021
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The inside of my front windshield and inside of back window always get a film on them when using my air vents. It is like a gas film that forms on the mentioned windows and it is not easy to get the film off. It just smears. This has been going on for a couple of years. No one seems to know why. Filters are replaced during oil checkups. What could be causing this annoying problem?
8/13/2021
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The latch to open the trunk failed, which made the trunk fail to close. Earlier, the latch was not opening the trunk.
2/4/2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, he looked in the rearview mirror and noticed that the trunk of the vehicle was open. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he was unable to lock the trunk using the lever on the front seat, key fob, or the button on the trunk door. The contact continued driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the next availability would be in February 2023. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
10/4/2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a hole in the engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The manufacturer offered to cover a percent of the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
11/22/2022
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
Are complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Elantra a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
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Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Hyundai Elantra: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
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- Complaint entries
- 366
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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