Home · 2016 Hyundai Elantra Gt · Complaints

What 267 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Elantra Gt

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (267)Crash / fire / injury (27)Engine (104)Transmission & drivetrain (25)Airbags (22)Electrical system (20)Steering (19)Body & structure (16)Fuel system (16)Speed control (16)Brakes (15)Latches & locks (13)

104 of 267 complaints match · Engine · clear filters · page 3 of 5

May 25, 2022BrakesEngine

The car stalls at low idle intermittently. The transmission is leaking badly and won't drive. One day the engine began smoking badly. If I hit a dip in the road well braking the brakes don't work at all for a second.

NHTSA ODI 11466021

Apr 20, 2022Electrical systemEngineFuel system

Engine Code: P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Severe Issue Consequences of Continued Driving - Rough running - possible Misfire - May not start In my case I was at work and it wouldn’t start at all. It ended up having to be towed. Had the battery tested and it was fine then I bought a “FIXD” sensor and it told me the problem

NHTSA ODI 11461512

Mar 20, 2022EngineFuel system

So back in November of 2020 I had a few instances where my car had issues shifting into a different gear while I pressed the gas. It was like it stalled and was suspended for a moment making a really weird noise and then got punched into the next gear super fast and made a bad noise. I was driving between 20-35 miles when these occurrences happened. I went to the Hyundai dealership and had them look at my car but they found nothing. The mechanic test drove it but they found nothing was wrong. The attendant made notes on my account about all of this so that there would be a record. He told me to come in again if I had any more issues like this. Fast forward to now March 19th 2022, there were 4 occurrences in one day, where my car felt like it was stalling differently. While I was pressing the gas pedal driving between 20- 30 miles when suddenly it felt like there was a delay like liquid trying to pass through a tube but bubbles of air were blocking it from getting the liquid to flow. Which made my car shake and feel like I was driving over a bumpy road. I feel like if there had been cars in front of me for the first few instances, I could have rear-ended them. Luckily, that was not the case. Now, for the other occurrences on March 19th, 2022 if a car would have been going faster behind me, they could have rear-ended me, especially because of the stalling in acceleration. I've made an appointment with the dealership for the end of this week but I am rrying to go in as soon as possible to get this looked at. I think its either a transmission, engine, or fuel system error just for the simple fact of pressing the gas and feeling it stall and have to force itself into a different gear.

NHTSA ODI 11457530

Mar 7, 2022Engine

at 94,000 still under my engine warrant and paid thousands on "guess repairs" for the past 3 months. Shakiness of engine upon start up followed by completely shutting down and not starting. I have taken it to an auto shop and TWO different hyundai dealerships that have charged me for thousands of dollars on things like new spark plugs, fuel injector flush, O2 sensor, even tested all fuel injectors and came back with no issues. Hyundai says codes aren't showing any issues and sending me home with the same dangerous symptoms!! Even the guy at dealership said "this is why I don't buy Hyundai." I can't find someone to help my case and I feel powerless. I have read so many similar online complaints for my same make and model and nobody is getting the help they need. It's WRONG for the consumer to have to pay for the mistakes made by a manufacturer. Please, somebody take this case on! My engine has all the issues described in the 2016 elantra engine recall, I don't understand how my VIN # does not show up under recall. I am at a dead end and Hyundai won't do anything but continue to charge me for services that are not fixing my car. Recent dealership even claimed he can't show me the diagnosis of codes because their "computers don't work that way." I know there is a lack of honesty. My Hyundai case manager denied the recalls I asked about that are true and all over the internet. It's like they are paid to try and hide public information just to continue to profit off services that don't fix your vehicle. Also, I have more documentation but max was 10 uploads here. I've been dealing with this since December 12, 2021. I also have video footage of what my car does upon start up from 3/05 and 3/06 where it smells like gasoline and entire vehicle shakes like it's going to explode. It all started during a cold front in Houston the day before my moving day to Oregon for new job and car has been CRAP since living in cold weather. ALWAYS a problem and not reliable.

NHTSA ODI 11455640

Mar 1, 2022Engine

Piston defect caused engine to seize, car was parked when engine would not start so I had it towed to Hyundai dealership where it is still. Nothing has been done to my car but was told I'm one of the persons who have been affected by the recent lawsuit that closed and I could not file a claim.

NHTSA ODI 11454738

Feb 11, 2022Engine

Have 2016 Elantra with just over 65k miles on it, 2nd owner, performed an oil change every 3k-4k miles. Recently performed an oil change and in the oil was an astonishing amount of medal from the interior of the engine. Classic signs of premature engine failure. The car shakes while it’s in idle at a stop light. Performed a 2nd oil change a few days later, and again CHUNKS of medal debris in the oil.

NHTSA ODI 11451465

Feb 8, 2022Engine

Sudden loss of power accompanied by a pinging vibration and no response when stepping on gas pedal !

NHTSA ODI 11450983

Jan 23, 2022Engine

Oil consumption is 5 quarts every 3 weeks, always do proper maintaince on car and it goes thru oil at an unbeliveble rate, and spoke to other owners that have the same problem with the same year car

NHTSA ODI 11448538

Dec 29, 2021Engine

My car suddenly lost power and would not accelerate over 20 mph. It gave no warning whatsoever. No check engine light no dash lights at all. It seemed as if it was in some type of protection mode. I took it to the dealer and was told it was my catalytic converter. They replaced the manifold catalytic converter and sent me on my way. Within 15 minutes the check engine light was on and has been on ever since. The back of my car is covered in soot and my car uses about 4 quarts of oil per 2 weeks. My car was NOT like this before. I received a letter about a recall and when I took it to the dealer I was brushed off like it didn't apply to my car. My car was doing the EXACT thing that the recall letter stated. I have kept my car maintenance up and fully feel this is a mechanical default.

NHTSA ODI 11445497

Dec 19, 2021Engine

After a 290 mile work trip in my 2016 Hyundai Elantra (with approximately 43000 miles on it and regularly maintained at the normal maintenance schedule) I stopped to get gas. When I started the engine, I heard a horrible knocking noise and immediately turned the engine off. I let the engine cool down a little then started it again to get to an important work appointment. It continued knocking the entire time with no warning lights on. After work, I started the car again to drive it to a dealership, the knocking was really bad at this point. I got about a block down the street when the oil and engine light came on and the engine completely shut down while doing about 35 mph. I coasted into a parking lot, called a tow truck, and had it towed to a local Hyundai dealer. When I explained what happened to the service writer, he mentioned that Hyundai has been having a lot of problems with their engines. We went out to the vehicle and he asked me to start it so he could hear it. At that point, the motor didn't really want to start but did, and he checked the oil. He found that there was hardly any oil in it, but there were no leaks or signs of leaks anywhere. Again, I have always had the regularly scheduled maintenance done at my local Hyundai dealer which he verified. At that point, we went back inside and he said it will likely need a new engine. Now I am stuck without a car because it is at a dealership 290 miles away needing a new engine. I have taken such good care of this vehicle, for it to have 43000 miles on it and this happen is a major problem.

NHTSA ODI 11444358

Dec 1, 2021Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the engine failed to perform as needed. The contact stated she was able to safely pull off the road and proceeded to call a tow company. The contact stated at the time of failure several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to Towne Hyundai (3170 NJ-10, Denville, NJ 07834) where they were not able to diagnose the vehicle. The contact stated that she then had the vehicle towed to Riverhead Hyundai (1800 Old Country Rd, Riverhead, NY 11901) where the vehicle remained to await a diagnostic test and repair. The failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11442232

Nov 29, 2021Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the engine made abnormal loud knocking sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine threw a rod through the engine block and destroyed the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they would cover a percentage of the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 77,170.

NHTSA ODI 11441943

Nov 23, 2021Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while her daughter was driving and approaching a stop sign, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The driver placed the vehicle in PARK and restarted the vehicle to drive to her residence; however, the failure recurred sporadically several times thereafter. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle however, the dealer was not able to determine the cause of the failure. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were metal shavings found in the engine. The mechanic recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA ODI 11441451

Nov 9, 2021Engine

I was driving the car at 25 MPH, when suddenly there was a clicking noise and the car lost power. I made it to my local service shop, but they were already closed. The next morning they called to inform me that the engine had blown and that it was a common problem for Hyundai vehicles. When the engine blew, it enabled gasoline to leak into the engine compartment. I feel that this is a serious fire hazard. Even though the care had high mileage, it was in good mechanical shape at the time of the incident. I had routine maintenance performed regularly. There were never any warning indicators that something might be wrong.

NHTSA ODI 11439894

Oct 30, 2021Engine

This cars engine has seized and stopped working. This is an unacceptable problem and it seems as though other years have a recall for this same issue. I would like my year and model added to the recall. I am furious about this situation.

NHTSA ODI 11438730

Oct 30, 2021Engine

As I was driving for my job going the speed limit I heard a slight ticking/knocking sounds I pulled over right away and it sounds like the motor is knocking, the gdi in other Hyundai models have a recall for them due to faulty connection rods making the engine fail as this one is, it is going into the dealership Monday and I will provide any documentation showing the car is stock and wasn’t abused in any way or form.

NHTSA ODI 11438778

Oct 9, 2021Speed controlEngine

I lost power while driving my 2016 Hyundai Elantra gt and also started hearing a knocking sound so I pulled over and knocking sound got real loud. A friend came and towed me home about 70 miles and the next morning I checked the oil and my oil was empty. My car has been out of commission for over a month and my mechanic says that a ball bearing is the reason for my engine failure and knocking sound.

NHTSA ODI 11436155

Aug 6, 2021Engine

Under 70,000 miles, transmission no longer works. Left me stuck in a parking lot and will not go forward. Began with pulling motion while trying to shift and rapidly declined.

NHTSA ODI 11428117

Jun 2, 2021Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. Twenty minutes later, there was a ticking sound coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle started sputtering. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the part to repair the vehicle was on backorder. the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.

NHTSA ODI 11419307

Apr 30, 2021Engine

OIL CONSUMPTION,IN THREE MONTHS OR 3K MILES, IT CONSUMES 3 LITTERS, I TOOK IT TO DEALER, THEY DID TEST AND THEY SAID YES THAT IS NORMAL, IT CANNOT BE NORMAL, IF I DRIVE ANOTHER 3K MILES WILL MOST LIKELY BURN THE ENGINE FOR SURE, I KEEP POURING OIL IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES

NHTSA ODI 11414679

Apr 29, 2021Engine

I WAS DRIVING TO NORWOOD ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD AND THE CAR BEGAN OVERHEATING SO I PULLED OVER, LET IT COOL DOWN, AND ADDED WATER TO THE RADIATOR. I DIDN'T KNOW WHY IT WOULD OVERHEAT, BUT ONCE IT COOLED, I DROVE BACK HOME. WE CHECKED THE OIL AND OTHER FLUIDS TO BE SURE IT WASN'T LOW. THE FLUIDS WERE FINE AND WE THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE THE RADIATOR. THE NEXT DAY, I WENT TO A LOCAL RESTAURANT IN EASTGATE OHIO. WHEN I PULLED INTO THE DRIVE THRU, IT FELT LIKE THE CAR WASN'T GETTING POWER AND THEN SHUT OFF. I WENT TO START IT, BUT IT WOULDN'T START. THE ENGINE WOULDN'T EVEN TURN OVER. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED BACK TO MY APARTMENT BY OUR MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND EXPLAINED THAT THE ENGINE IS LOCKED UP. I STILL OWE ON THE VEHICLE SO I PARKED IT AND HAVE BEEN TRYING TO SAVE MONEY TO GET AN ENGINE.

NHTSA ODI 11414472

Mar 30, 2021Electrical systemEngine

MY CAR IS A PUSH START N IT WILL NOT TURN OFF .. I OUT THE BOTTOM TO TURN IT OFF BUT THE ENGINE IS STILL CONSTANTLY RUNNING IT WON'T TURN OFF

NHTSA ODI 11405679

Mar 15, 2021Engine

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH I HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND, THERE WERE NOT ANY WARNING LIGHTS ON. I TURNED DOWN THE RADIO AND A/C SO I COULD HEAR IT BETTER, MOVED TO THE RIGHT LANE AND SLOWED DOWN, A RED OIL LIGHT FLASHED ON BRIEFLY AND THE KNOCKING GOT VERY LOUD. I EXITED THE HIGHWAY AT THE NEXT EXIT APPROX. 1 1/2 MILES DOWN. I PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF, HAD IT TOWED TO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP IN VENICE. 2 DAYS LATER THEY TOLD ME IT HAD NO OIL IN IT. 5 DAYS LATER THEY SAID IT NEEDED A NEW $8000 ENGINE! I HAVE ALWAYS KEPT UP WITH THE MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGES. I WAS 2000 MILES OVER THIS TIME, BUT THAT SHOULD NOT LEAVE 0 OIL IN THE CAR. APPROX. 60,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. AND IF OIL WAS GETTING LOW WHY DIDN'T ANY LIGHTS COME ON.

NHTSA ODI 11403055

Mar 3, 2021Engine

ENGINE IS CONSUMING 1.2 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES I WAS TOLD BY HYUNDAI THAT IT IS NORMAL TO HAVE THAT HAPPEN. I DON'T THINK THAT IS NORMAL AT ALL. I DRIVE MOSTLY ON HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ODI 11398836

Feb 24, 2021EngineLane Departure

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 ODI 11397739

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Working with the data? Download all 267 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Hyundai Elantra Gt verdict →