What 267 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Elantra Gt

Unknown

NHTSA ODI 11697782

Vehicle started to violently lurch when shifted into drive. A week later loud clunking sound also started when shifting into drive. Sometimes would not go into drive and had to use manual 1st, 2nd, etc. Reverse was fine, no issues. No dash lights ever came on. Auto parts store had error code P0722. Have a diagnostic appt in a week at local Hyundai dealer. We may attempt to replace input/output speed sensor to solve, but probably will let dealership do diag first. Mileage approx 84686. Very dangerous at stop lights if can not get car into drive. Crash risk is high.

NHTSA ODI 11696914

My trunk latch hasn’t worked since January. I took it in to McCarthy Olathe Hyundai in Olathe, KS on January 13th for an appointment but they didn’t have the parts available so we rescheduled. When the parts were in, my fiancé took it back on February 18th, 2025 but was told that the repair couldn’t be done since there was previous trunk damage. I explained via the telephone that the damage to my truck was minor from an incident two years prior and that it hasn’t caused any issues with opening or shutting the trunk since. But the gentleman I talked to reiterated that the recall repair to my trunk latch couldn’t be done. I recently found out that the recall was marked as completed when it was not. I don’t know what to do!

NHTSA ODI 11672112

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ODI 11671767

Bought a 2016 Elantra in 2020 with 44,000 miles on it and a clean repair/ maintenance history. Let me preface the rest of this by saying I am an ASE certified mechanic of 15 years who has been in the industry even longer. The first major issues I incurred with the vehicle happened approximately one year after purchase. The lifters started tapping and not long afterwards (about a week) I had a total engine failure on my hands. I was almost killed by a passing semi truck that was merging on to the interstate but was luckily able to avoid it and get the car on the side of the interstate where I had it towed to Ralph Sellers Hyundai in Baton Rouge Louisiana. Long story short , even though the second owner is entitled to a 5 year, 60,000 mile warranty, they made me pay for a new engine. Here we are only 19,000 miles later and the same issue is occurring; except this time due to the stress the failing engine is putting on the torque converter the transmission is now failing to do its job properly. I have been back to the dealership but they offered no help except lies (they told me my high pressure fuel pump was bad, this model doesn't even have one!!!!!) I fully intend to sue Hyundai of America unless some appeasement can be made. Do not EVER buy a hyundai, they are trash cars made to look nicer than they are. Additional details will reflect most recent incident with engine/transmission.

NHTSA ODI 11649035

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 ODI 11638816

While driving the car will stall regardless of speed or distance. Hyundai dealership states that this is due to a drop in oil pressure due to a faulty oil pump. I replaced this pump 18 months ago on 6/7/2023 with 87K miles. The car is displaying the same issue again on this date (1/14/2025) with 104K miles, and I took it to the Hyundai dealership, and they state that it is experiencing the same oil pump failure. The service department at the dealership stated that this is a known issue with these Hyundai Elantras, and this would be the third replacement of this oil pump. It was replaced once by the original owner under warranty. My contention is that this is a safety issue, because when the oil pressure dips the engine shuts off, and we lose all power to the car. This is a danger to us if this happens while driving the car.

NHTSA ODI 11635844

engine noise knocking sound, car hesitates and vibrates, reduced power...all getting worse...I try to avoid driving the car as much as possible.

NHTSA ODI 11626245

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 ODI 11619283

The transmission continues to stall. Very dangerous….as I was pulling into a gas station and the car stalled. When placed into gear the vehicle would not drive forward and began to roll backwards. The vehicle is available for inspection. Due to the sudden stall a serious accident could have occurred. I took the vehicle to a mechanic and he confirmed that all fluid levels were good but the vehicle is in need of a completely new transmission. The current transmission can’t be repaired. The vehicle showed no warning signs or lights prior to incident. Can’t drive the vehicle as it is not safe. The vehicle is parked in a garage to avoid accident. The vehicle was driven low mileage over the last year.

NHTSA ODI 11619315

I am writing to formally request an urgent investigation into a potential recall for my vehicle, a 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT. I purchased this vehicle in 2017 and completed my payments in March 2023. However, in late July, I experienced a catastrophic failure that has rendered my vehicle inoperable. While driving home from work, I suddenly experienced a complete loss of power. My car slowed down significantly, forcing me to pull over to the side of the road. Once I came to a stop, the engine failed to restart, despite the dashboard lights and radio functioning normally. It has now been over two months since my vehicle has been non-operational. After taking it to a certified repair shop for diagnosis, I was informed that the engine is seized. The estimated cost for repairs exceeds $13,000, which is financially unfeasible for me. This situation not only poses a significant financial burden but also raises serious safety concerns. A sudden engine seizure while driving can lead to dangerous situations, potentially endangering both the driver and other road users. Given the severity of this issue and its implications, I urge the NHTSA to investigate the possibility of a recall for engine-related issues affecting the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT. It is crucial that affected owners receive the necessary support and that safety concerns are addressed promptly. Thank you for your immediate attention to this serious matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

NHTSA ODI 11619234

I own a 2016 Elantra with around 140,000 miles and the car just stopped going forward the car only goes in reverse, no warning light came on, no other issues or warnings that there was something wrong with the car.

NHTSA ODI 11616877

I hear a lot of sounds from the engine of my 2016 Elantra that’s only 96600 miles. It sometimes pulls back even though I step on the gas, and when the car is not moving it shakes a lot, though there is no problem according to my mechanic.

NHTSA ODI 11612473

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI 11609328

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI 11607470

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 ODI 11604804

The sun visors on both the driver and passenger sides of the car are made of plastic (under the fabric material). Both visors no longer work properly. The plastic body of the visor has cracked and broken which causes the visor to no longer stay in the up position. The passenger side only stays in the down position. But the driver side is at an awkward position where it sticks out. It will not stay up and it does not go down. The vehicle has not been in an accident to have caused this to happen. The car has had one consistent driver within the family and the primary driver is typically the only person in the car. The broken visors are not from being abused or misused. The fact that the driver side visor protrudes and impedes the drivers view is a safety concern. If the car were to be in an accident the sun visor is at an angle that it could potentially cause face/head contusions. The passenger side visor failed roughly 3 years ago. The driver side visor failed June 2024.

NHTSA ODI 11604098

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 fix it but I am checking to see if anyone else has complained on the window motor .

NHTSA ODI 11603617

This car is consuming oil to the degree that it is empty 1,000 miles after an oil change. The engine has stalled out on the highway twice, and once on a back road. It will not accelerate properly, and won’t go over 40 mph. I had the catalytic converter replaced less than a year ago, and I am experiencing these issues all over again.

NHTSA ODI 11600226

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM fell to ZERO(0) and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the destination. 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 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11597897

I was driving down the interstate when my car completely locked up, my brakes stopped working, the steering wheel wouldn't turn, the car completely shut down, so I had to make my way off the bisy interstate luckily I didn't have an accident so I took it to a mechanic and found out the alternator went out, so it was replaced then less than a year later i had issues with the headlights not working then magically comong on while driving, and the interior lighta will work then bot work but the bulbs are new, leading to another replacement alternator, then less than about 8 months pass and I have issues with the electrical stuff again not wanting to work even when new bulbs are pit in the car, the radio turning on and off by itself and I've had to put it a third alternator in less than 3 years, it's a driving hazard and safety hazard. My driver side door handle will only open from the inside and it doesn't shut inkess the door is locked and the car has to be turned on. The belt in my 2016 hyundai elanyra looks like it's shredding and it's throwing black stuff on the inside of my hood. I've had preoffwsional mechanics look at it and the alternator is assembled correctly, and now my ball joints are all of a sudden needing to be replaced inthe front.

NHTSA ODI 11597057

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 was told that the new set of tires have 3/32 left on them and that I need a new set of tires. These tires have approximately 24,000 miles on them. The Hankook tires that I have are supposedly warranted for 70,000 miles. The tread failure at 24,000 miles means I have approximately 1/3 of the use - advertised warranty and actual life expectancy is fraud - it is no where close. It is a gimmick to prorate and hook the consumer into buying another set of tires. The dealer is trying to sell me, yet again, ANOTHER set of tires. At this point I have gone through TWO SETS of Hankook tires, within 47,000 miles. This is not normal. OEM tires on my Honda lasted twice as long before having to purchase a new set. Yet, the OEM and new set that I purchased are averaging 23,000 miles each, with a said warranty of 70,000 miles?

NHTSA ODI 11596227

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 repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11595718

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving and making turns, there was a significant amount of water leaking from behind the glove compartment onto the front passenger's side floor. The contact stated that the failure mainly occurred while making turns. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11595493

The car antenna cover flew off while I was driving. I was not speeding. Car has never been in an accident. Car has not gone through a car wash. This could have hit the car behind me had they been closer.

NHTSA ODI 11594601