Hyundai’s 2016 Elantra has an open investigation for faulty throttle control systems that cause engine stalling and other problems. While there are no recalls, the majority of owner complaints are serious and include power steering failure, faulty electricals, and build quality issues.
Key Points
- As per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2016 Hyundai Elantra has one ongoing investigation, 151 consumer complaints, and zero recalls.
- Most complaints concern the 2016 Elantra’s powertrain, over problems like high engine oil consumption and malfunctioning automatic gearboxes.
- Electrical issues also make up for a fair portion of the complaints. Problems include rodents chewing on wires, poor quality wiring harnesses, and faulty infotainment features.
- 2016 Elantra owners also complain of quality issues like randomly shattering sunroofs, premature brake wear, and faulty self-healing paint.
- The 2016 Elantra is one of the least reliable compact sedans with a poor reliability rating and high replacement costs.
Most of the 2016 Elantra’s Complaints are for Premature Engine Failure, Defective Airbags, and Electrical Issues
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has no recalls, but it is weighed down by over 150 consumer complaints. One-third are about the four-cylinder engine, which is notorious for component failure. Problems range from defective pistons to faulty connecting rods.
Defective piston rings also contribute to high oil consumption. Many owners also complain of engine knock due to faulty connecting rod bearings.
Also, numerous NHTSA complaints mention malfunctioning airbags that fail to deploy in a crash.
Electrical malfunctions are prevalent in the 2016 Elantra too. In addition to a glitch-prone infotainment system, the most common issue is a faulty Start/Stop button that won’t turn off. Some drivers also complain that the exterior lighting bulbs tend to wear out quickly.
The 2016 Elantra’s soy-based coated wiring draws rodents that love to nibble on the wires, which leads to various electrical issues.
2016 Hyundai Elantra Owners Also Complain of Power Steering Failure, Transmission Issues, and Poor Material Quality
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has an open investigation reviewing a possibly defective electronic throttle control system. Vehicles equipped with faulty units may experience unintended acceleration, surging, and stalling.
Many 2016 Elantra owners complain of locked and failed power steering causing dangerous situations. There have also been instances of steering wheel lock-ups.
There are numerous complaints about the automatic transmission slipping gears. Owners report the transmission getting locked in a particular gear. Eventually, the Elantra shuts down and restarts automatically.
Less common problems include malfunctioning trunk latches, peeling paint, and shattering sunroofs whose cause remains unexplained
Brakes are also quite problematic in the fifth-generation Elantra, leading to complaints of brake grinding and premature wear. Owners say they usually have to replace the brakes at around 40,000 miles.
Hyundai Elantra is a Reliable Car, But the 2016 Model is Not the One to Have Due to Too Many Serious Problems
While there are no recalls for the 2016 Elantra, the majority of reported problems are quite serious and pricey.
Also, Consumer Reports puts the 2016 Elantra in the bottom 20% for reliability, making it one of the least reliable compact cars of the year. The most prevalent issue here is engine failure, and that doesn’t come cheap. A new engine will cost between $3,000 and $4,000.
So, living with a 2016 Hyundai Elantra is not going to be cheap. We suggest you look at either the 2012–2014 Hyundai Elantras (much more reliable) or the newer 2018–2020 Elantras.
Photos: Hyundai
