2016 Hyundai Elantra: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
2 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 39% about engine & cooling.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2016 Hyundai Elantra
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2016 Hyundai Elantra recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Airbags
An air bag inflator that ruptures may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or passengers, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Details 26V307000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra and 2016 Elantra GT vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated August, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 300. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 16, 2026.
- Doors & latches
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Details 24V146000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 256.
2016 Hyundai Elantra safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Paint: Certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk.
- Engine: The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to…
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2016 Hyundai Elantra safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
292 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
What a 2016 Hyundai Elantra is worth
Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.
| Mileage | Trade-in (rough) |
|---|---|
| 40,000 mi | $6,825 |
| 80,000 mi | $5,373 |
From new to now
What each Hyundai Elantra model year trades in for today at typical mileage.
Typical mileage = 12,000 miles a year; values between two published mileages are estimated in a straight line.
Other Hyundai Elantra years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator