2016 Hyundai Elantra Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 109 1 crash 2 fire

“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact's wife was driving approximately 12 MPH smelled a burning odor, as she parked at the residence she saw smoke emitting from under the hood and the vehicle ignited and began to burn. The contact stated that the engine caught on fire. The contact stated his wife did not notice any warning light was illuminated. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire with water. The fire department wrote an incident report. The police department was also on scene but did not issue a report. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The front of…”
NHTSA complaint #11469408, 2022 · fire

“WHILE DIVING MY 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA GT ON THE DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY I FELT THE ENGINE LOSE HORSEPOWER. I APPLIED THE GAS JUST TO SEE IF IT WAS THE CAR CHANGING GEARS, I HEARD THE ENGINE REV, BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO SLOW DOWN. I LOOKED DOWN AT MY DASHBOARD AND NOTICED THAT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED TO BLINK FOLLOWED BY MY OIL LIGHT. THEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STOPPED BLINKED AND CONTINUED TO STAY ON FOLLOWED BY MY BATTERY LIGHT COMING ON. I TURNED MY HAZARDS LIGHTS ON AND WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SHOULDER I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND STARTED TO SEE WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF MY V…”
NHTSA complaint #11195592, 2019 · fire

“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 ACC…”
NHTSA complaint #11016096, 2017 · crash

Unknown Or Other 53 1 crash 1 injury

“I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON A FREEWAY. THE ACCIDENT INVOLVED MY HYUNDAI, A PICK UP, AND A KIA. THE PERSON DRIVING THE KIA WAS AT FAULT. THE LANE WE WERE IN CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP DUE TO TRAFFIC AND THE PERSON IN THE KIA REAR ENDED ME WHICH CAUSE MY CAR TO HIT THE PICK UP. THE PICK UP HAD MINOR SCRATCHES AND DENTS, THE KIA HAD MINOR SCRATCHES WHERE AS MY HYUNDAI CRUSHED LIKE A CAN. MY BACK DOORS WOULDNT OPEN AFTER THE IMPACT AND MY CAR IS CONSIDERED TOTALED.”
NHTSA complaint #11111755, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“2016 Hyundai Elantra (75k miles) experiences severe, un-commanded Loss of Propulsive Power and a Severe Drivetrain Instability Hazard. At steady highway speeds, the automatic transmission completely loses hydraulic pressure, slips out of gear, and unexpectedly drops into a temporary "neutral." The engine suddenly revs up to high RPM on its own while losing all forward acceleration. After coasting helplessly, it violently slams back into gear, causing the vehicle to lurch forward. This also happens from a complete stop.The vehicle's OBD-II system fails to illuminate the Check Engine Light or st…”
NHTSA complaint #11749052, 2026

“Car just turns off randomly. This has happened at least 6 times within a month. Once on a highway. Last time it turned off a strange sound was coming out of the car also.”
NHTSA complaint #11727707, 2026

Power Train 31

“Transmission P0731 code. Vehicle will not shift into 1st gear when idle but will stay in 3 or 4 gear. Speedometer would indicate high speed when pressing on accelerator. At traffic light when light turn green car rev but would not shift into gear. Has only 130K miles. Car was towed to dealer and required a new transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11749594, 2026

“2016 Hyundai Elantra (75k miles) experiences severe, un-commanded Loss of Propulsive Power and a Severe Drivetrain Instability Hazard. At steady highway speeds, the automatic transmission completely loses hydraulic pressure, slips out of gear, and unexpectedly drops into a temporary "neutral." The engine suddenly revs up to high RPM on its own while losing all forward acceleration. After coasting helplessly, it violently slams back into gear, causing the vehicle to lurch forward. This also happens from a complete stop.The vehicle's OBD-II system fails to illuminate the Check Engine Light or st…”
NHTSA complaint #11749052, 2026

“P0420 P0441 P0014 P1326 C1260 C1688 C2130 These are the codes that's affecting my car”
NHTSA complaint #11752793, 2025

Air Bags 26 15 crash 1 fire 14 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER ROOMMATE WAS AT AN INTERSECTION, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A CURB AND INTO A POLE. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS AT THE CRASH BUT NO REPORT WAS MADE. THE OTHER DRIVER HAD INJURY TO HER HEAD. THE POLICE TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A TOW AWAY LOT AT HELMS & HILL TOWING (649 S MAPLE AVE, MONTEBELLO, CA 90640 (323) 889-4900). T…”
NHTSA complaint #11221017, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“On [XXX] I was struck by a OVI driver at 50mph the side airbags deployed however the front airbag never deployed. The vehicle was totaled out my insurance company. The vehicle had no record or open recalls for the airbag and had been given a multiple point inspection in November 2024 with no issues noted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11703406, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“My daughter and friend were in an accident, traveling 50 miles an hour and hit the center barrier on the highway. The air bags didn’t employ. The Minnesota Department of Transportation came up on the accident right away and got them safely off the highway so they wouldn’t get hit by other cars. They have provided us with the video of the accident. My daughter and friend had no protection due to air bags not deploying. She has been seen by a doctor for whip lash, neck and headache pains as symptoms. As well as being traumatized by the incident me lack of protection. We have sent the pi…”
NHTSA complaint #11458363, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Electrical System 22 2 fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11100294, 2018 · fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10854106, 2016 · fire

“The vehicle's security system malfunctioned immediately after service at Parks Hyundai of Gainesville on 05/27/26 for Recall 256 & Campaign P33. The alarm blares & emergency lights flash while I am driving on public roads. This defect first presented in the dealership parking lot upon pickup. This creates a severe safety risk: the high-decibel alarm is a major distraction, the flashing lights confuse other motorists, & the malfunction prevents me from using turn signals, violating safety protocols. I demonstrated this to the service manager on 06/10/26. While the technician acknowledged the de…”
NHTSA complaint #11743948, 2026

Steering 19 2 crash 2 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10865281, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS EXITING THE EXPRESSWAY ON MY WAY TO WORK. ON THE TURN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND I ENDED UP HALF WAY ON TOP OF THE SIDEWALK AND HALF ON THE STREET. ALMOST KILLED MYSELF. WHEN THE CAR JUMPED THE SIDEWALK, THE AXLE BROKE LEAVING EACH OF THE FRONT WHEELS FACING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, THE TRANSMISSION WAS PUNCTURED. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER. APPARENTLY AN INVESTIGATION WAS GOING TO BE CONDUCTED BECAUSE IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION YESTERDAY THAT THE INVESTIGATION WAS COMPLETE AND NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE STEERING. HOW CONVENIENT! EASY WAY TO GET OUT…”
NHTSA complaint #11176533, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“I was driving normally down the road and all of a sudden I lost control and couldn’t turn my vehicle apparently the control arm rusted from the subframe, causing me to swerve hit a curb and cause more damage to the front end. Thank God I was on a not so busy street! I could have killed myself or someone else all because this company’s metal rusted out.”
NHTSA complaint #11638816, 2025 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 18 1 crash

“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 ACC…”
NHTSA complaint #11016096, 2017 · crash

“I received confirmation from my local Hyundai dealership that my 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT is consuming over 1.8 quarts of oil every 1000 miles. The mileage is currently 70k miles. This is not the result of lack of maintenance or neglect but because of Hyundais engine design. I was told by the local dealership that I would need a total engine re build. This was the only option to fix the issue 100%. I was told that if the issue is not fixed it will result in engine failure. Hyundai is not recalling their engines or acknowledging the inherent danger this will cause. I am at my engines will if I c…”
NHTSA complaint #11709984, 2025

“While driving on the freeway at normal highway speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The engine immediately lost power, and the vehicle shut down within seconds. There was no prior warning or opportunity to take corrective action. The vehicle became completely disabled and could not be driven. This occurred late at night with limited traffic, and I was LUCKY to be near a freeway exit. I was able to coast toward the exit, but the engine seized fully, resulting in total loss of propulsion and blocking the freeway exit ramp. Law enforcement had to assist due to…”
NHTSA complaint #11707629, 2025

Structure 18 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON A FREEWAY. THE ACCIDENT INVOLVED MY HYUNDAI, A PICK UP, AND A KIA. THE PERSON DRIVING THE KIA WAS AT FAULT. THE LANE WE WERE IN CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP DUE TO TRAFFIC AND THE PERSON IN THE KIA REAR ENDED ME WHICH CAUSE MY CAR TO HIT THE PICK UP. THE PICK UP HAD MINOR SCRATCHES AND DENTS, THE KIA HAD MINOR SCRATCHES WHERE AS MY HYUNDAI CRUSHED LIKE A CAN. MY BACK DOORS WOULDNT OPEN AFTER THE IMPACT AND MY CAR IS CONSIDERED TOTALED.”
NHTSA complaint #11111755, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11100294, 2018 · fire

“The vehicle's security system malfunctioned immediately after service at Parks Hyundai of Gainesville on 05/27/26 for Recall 256 & Campaign P33. The alarm blares & emergency lights flash while I am driving on public roads. This defect first presented in the dealership parking lot upon pickup. This creates a severe safety risk: the high-decibel alarm is a major distraction, the flashing lights confuse other motorists, & the malfunction prevents me from using turn signals, violating safety protocols. I demonstrated this to the service manager on 06/10/26. While the technician acknowledged the de…”
NHTSA complaint #11743948, 2026

Vehicle Speed Control 18 4 crash 1 injury

“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 O…”
NHTSA complaint #10946816, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. During the incident, the engine's RPMs suddenly increased before the vehicle erroneously accelerated forward and crashed into a tree causing body damage to the vehicle. During the crash, no injuries were reported and no police report was taken. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the incident. The failure mileage was 58,000. The contact stated th…”
NHTSA complaint #11489763, 2022 · crash

“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space with her foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated and crashed into the tires of another vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The contact and her husband drove the vehicle to her residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they were not aware of such failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not…”
NHTSA complaint #11443875, 2021 · crash

Service Brakes 15 1 crash

“THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 7 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. AFTER TAKING MY WIFE TO WORK, I RETURNED HOME AT APPROXIMATELY 8:45 AM. I MADE A LEFTHAND TURN INTO THE DRIVEWAY (IN MOTION) AT AROUND FIVE MPH. I PRESSED ALMOST HALFWAY DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE CAR SEEMED TO ACCELERATE MOMENTARILY, SO I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD AT APPROXIMATE FIVE MPH, SO I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL EVEN HARDER. HOWEVER, INSTEAD OF STOPPING WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING ME TO RAM INTO THE LATE MODEL TRUCK PARKED IN FRONT OF…”
NHTSA complaint #11058302, 2018 · crash

“No accident has occurred as of yet (for my case). Ongoing issues with Hyundai left brake bulb and center brake bulb burning out due to over-amperage. These two are on their own 10A circuit separate from the 5A circuit for the right brakelight bulb. It appears that these two bulbs are possibly receiving 15A and therefore burning out prematurely (3 months or less). I recently replaced these two bulbs at the same time, and now my battery is shorted. To keep my battery charged, I need to pull my 15A Brake Lamp fuse while the car is parked. This has now caused my ABS light to come on, as that syst…”
NHTSA complaint #11711743, 2026

“Brake and fuel lines corroded due to failure of manufacture to coat lines completely. Lost brakes completely without warning. Confirmed by Hoffman and Burnham auto services. Also contacted Garvey Hyundai who stayed this is a problem with these vehicles. Contacted Hyundai customer service as there is a Recall issued in Canada for this problem. Hyundai stated no foreseeable recall in the U.S. Lost of brakes could be deathly, not to mention high risk of fire and death if fuel lines corroded thru”
NHTSA complaint #11531967, 2023

Latches/Locks/Linkages 13

“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was discovered that the interior emergency trunk release was inoperable, and the trunk could not be opened from inside the vehicle. The contacted stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V146000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES); but the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11619283, 2024

“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V146000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure related to the recall campaign; however, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or…”
NHTSA complaint #11595718, 2024

“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V146000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, after the recall repair was completed, the trunk latch no longer opened the trunk as designed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that a fee would be charged to complete the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,200.”
NHTSA complaint #11585500, 2024

Suspension 10 1 crash

“I was driving normally down the road and all of a sudden I lost control and couldn’t turn my vehicle apparently the control arm rusted from the subframe, causing me to swerve hit a curb and cause more damage to the front end. Thank God I was on a not so busy street! I could have killed myself or someone else all because this company’s metal rusted out.”
NHTSA complaint #11638816, 2025 · crash

“P0420 P0441 P0014 P1326 C1260 C1688 C2130 These are the codes that's affecting my car”
NHTSA complaint #11752793, 2025

“Anytime I hit a bump going at least 35 mph the back of my car jumps to one side or another. I've tried adding weight to the back of the car, less and more air in tires, new tires, but nothing seems to fix the problem. It has knocked me sideways on the roads and when on the highway or interstate it's gets worse as you are driving faster. Winter time I have to drive the least amount I can on the faster roads because it can get out of control. I read on hyundai forums that this has been a problem for this type of car. Some people said getting better shocks reduces the problem, but does not compl…”
NHTSA complaint #11424129, 2021

Wheels 10

“WE WERE DRIVING ON 1-95 HIGHWAY WHEN THE FRONT TIRE DISINTEGRATED AND CAUSED CAR DAMAGE TO FRONT BUMPER, LEFT QUARTER PANEL, RIM, WHEEL COVER, AND DRIVER SIDE WINDOW ASSEMBLY. THE TIRE NAME IS HANKOOK TIRES OPTIMA H-428. THE HYUNDAI ELANTTRA BOUGHT IN 2016 HAD ONLY APPROX. 19,000 MILES. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11121151, 2018

“MY PASSENGER RIGHT FRONT TIRE HIT A CURB AND WAS FLATTENED. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. BOTH FRONT WHEELS WERE OUT OF ALIGNMENT, SO IT WAS SUGGESTED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT WHEELS AND HAVE THEM ALIGNED AS WELL. THEY GAVE ME TWO OPTIONS FOR TIRES. ONE OPTION WHICH I CHOSE WAS THE SOLUS TA-31 2204733. BOTH FRONT TIRES WERE REPLACED AND ALIGNED. THE FOLLOWING DAY I DROVE APPROXIMATELY 17 MILES TO WORK VIA HIGHWAY. IN THE AFTERNOON, I DROVE 2 MILES TO GET LUNCH. WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVE THRU WINDOW, I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND REALIZED THAT THE DRIV…”
NHTSA complaint #11083221, 2018

“CAR PURCHASED USED FROM PARKS HYUNDAI GAINESVILLE W 30K MILES. PRE-CERTIFIED INSPECTION OF VEHICLE NOT SIGNED PROPERLY - TIRE INSPECTION IS INACCURATELY REPORT - 1,500 MILES LATER - BLOW OUT OF TIRE - RE-INSPECTION OF ALL 4 TIRES - WORN/DAMAGE - DEEMED UNSAFE”
NHTSA complaint #11075380, 2018

Exterior Lighting 9

“The vehicle's security system malfunctioned immediately after service at Parks Hyundai of Gainesville on 05/27/26 for Recall 256 & Campaign P33. The alarm blares & emergency lights flash while I am driving on public roads. This defect first presented in the dealership parking lot upon pickup. This creates a severe safety risk: the high-decibel alarm is a major distraction, the flashing lights confuse other motorists, & the malfunction prevents me from using turn signals, violating safety protocols. I demonstrated this to the service manager on 06/10/26. While the technician acknowledged the de…”
NHTSA complaint #11743948, 2026

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Available for inspection upon request. Please do! Loss of power. Reported same issues a year ago. Brought to dealership, sold on other services that did not solve problem. Opened a case with Hyundai. No solution. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Random loss of power. Hyundai rep stated it’s a problem their systems do not actually scan for so it’s common this won’t appear in inspection reports. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent servic…”
NHTSA complaint #11559634, 2023

“All 3 brake lights stopped working over the weekend & there was a recall for all other years except for 2016. This is a serious problem & Hyundai has been having major recalls on their vehicles as of recent”
NHTSA complaint #11527675, 2023

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 5

“CAR DRIVE OVER BUMPS AND UNEVEN ROADS LIKE A BOAT IN BAD WAVES STEERING LOCKS UP LIKE NO POWER STEERING IT'S VERY DANGEROUS THEY REPLACED STEERING PARTS 2 TIME THIS HAPPENED AFTER DRIVING 40 TO 70 MILES AND GOING STRAIGHT HIGHWAYS AND IN TOWN”
NHTSA complaint #11218288, 2016

“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 SE…”
NHTSA complaint #11128713, 2016

“THE RED LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE PURCHASE AND HYUDAI SERVICE HAS BEEN SAYING IT IS NOTHING BRUSHING IT OFF. I”
NHTSA complaint #11310662, 2015

Visibility/Wiper 4 1 crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10873299, 2016 · crash

“Just driving down the road and the drivers side front window fell down. I tried to push the switch for to make it go lback up because it was windy and rainy. It just made the window drop down more. I was wondering if anyone else has had this complaint . It’s pulled back up and taped but it won’t go back up and tape keeps coming loose. It’s expensive to fix . I also fixed my trunk latch which was on a recall because when I called the dealer at that time there was no recall on it. I was stuck at Walmart and it wouldn’t close. The dealer wanted over 700 to fix trunk latch so I bought the part to…”
NHTSA complaint #11603617, 2024

“Back windshield is completely bubbled and pealing. I’ve noticed this year is notorious for it.”
NHTSA complaint #11502901, 2023

Engine And Engine Cooling 3 1 injury

“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 M…”
NHTSA complaint #11140832, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“So we went to Take Five in Kenosha for an oil change on the way home the oil filter snapped off completely.”
NHTSA complaint #11541041, 2023

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10874791, 2016

Seat Belts 3 2 crash 2 injury

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11258133, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11020236, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The seat belts have failed to latch and/or unlatch on many occasions.”
NHTSA complaint #11574815, 2023

Tires 2

“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra equipped with Waterfall Tires, Tire Line: Eco Dynamic, Tire Size:195/65/R15, DOT Number: 48AEYUEN. The contact stated that while performing an oil change on the vehicle, the contact discovered that the steel belt was exposed on the front driver’s and front passenger’s side tires due to severe tread separation. The dealer that sold the contact the tires was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the tires had exceeded the 90-day warranty period. The contact was then informed that the tires were still covered under warranty through the manuf…”
NHTSA complaint #11685250, 2025

“I purchased a new vehicle, 2016 Hyundai, from a local dealer, with a current mileage of 47,000. Hankook tires were OEM with the vehicle. I religiously bring my vehicle into the dealer for all maintenance, including rotating and balancing the tires every 3,000 miles. The first set of tires FAILED (less than 3/32) at approximately 23,000 miles. The dealer indicated that I need new tires and that the tread wear failure was more than likely due to a defective set. So, they sold me another set of the same tire. I was in the dealer the other day for maintenance, oil change, tire rotation, etc. and…”
NHTSA complaint #11596227, 2024

Visibility 2

“2016 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRONT PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED. *LD *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11090709, 2018

“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?”
NHTSA complaint #11428925, 2017

Equipment 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10884151, 2016

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“No accident has occurred as of yet (for my case). Ongoing issues with Hyundai left brake bulb and center brake bulb burning out due to over-amperage. These two are on their own 10A circuit separate from the 5A circuit for the right brakelight bulb. It appears that these two bulbs are possibly receiving 15A and therefore burning out prematurely (3 months or less). I recently replaced these two bulbs at the same time, and now my battery is shorted. To keep my battery charged, I need to pull my 15A Brake Lamp fuse while the car is parked. This has now caused my ABS light to come on, as that syst…”
NHTSA complaint #11711743, 2026

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11604804, 2024

Lane Departure 1

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11397739, 2021

Seats 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11323016, 2020