general problems of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra - part 1

The coolant system is failing after it was fully replaced in November of 2024 and I got the car of may 2025 with only two previous owners. Coolant system failing after me only have the car for 6 months when the car sat for 5 months.

I own a 2016 Hyundai Elantra, and the engine makes a noticeable knocking or “tapping” noise when started cold. The sound resembles piston slap and usually lessens as the engine warms up, but it’s been gradually getting louder over time. It’s most noticeable for the first few minutes after startup, especially in cooler weather. I’m concerned this may indicate premature piston or cylinder wear. I’ve found many other 2016 Elantra owners reporting the same problem online, suggesting it may be a design or manufacturing issue. The vehicle has been properly maintained with the correct oil grade and regular service, so this shouldn’t be happening at this mileage. This could eventually lead to engine failure or costly repairs if the piston or cylinder surfaces deteriorate further. I’m reporting this so NHTSA can track the issue and determine if it poses a broader reliability or safety concern.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Took car for a couple of recalls was working fine, then after the recall it did not want to accelerate or work. Called dealership that did it and they refused to fix that.

The contact daughter owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart after 5 minutes. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where is it was diagnosed as engine failure and the catalytic converter failed due oil entering from the engine. The engine and catalytic converter and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was not provided.

Initial report on March 7, 2022 (approx. 94k miles), second report on Dec. 12, 2023 (approx. 111,700 miles). Third report March 27, 2024: recent event occurred on March 23, 2024 (approx. 112k miles) when my vehicle suddenly stopped moving while driving 55mph on a freeway with child passenger in the vehicle, putting both of us at risk for collision. Vehicle did not have any warning lights turn on prior to or during event. The vehicle did not move again after multiple attempts to accelerate to exit freeway safely. After shifting to neutral and back to drive, the vehicle suddenly jolted and accelerated randomly while holding foot on the gas pedal (no control over timing of acceleration). We were able to exit the freeway safely. This same issue repeated multiple times while driving us to a safe area to call for a tow truck. The vehicle was towed to dealership location it was originally purchased at on March 26, 2024. Diagnostics appointment scheduled for March 28, 2024. I have completed oil change services on this car about every 1,200 miles to keep the engine running since there was no solution for any of my previous reports to dealership (even when opening a case with Hyundai), their previous determination was to close case since the diagnostics report did not show error codes in report. Previous dealership advisor made a verbal comment that the real problem is something their computers do not scan codes for, and his recommendation was to "drive it til the wheels fall off" after paying thousands in services that did not solve the root problem. Hoping this appointment will lead to a safer outcome.

Report to NHTSA* trouble getting response from hma case manager. Delaying/not responding to multiple emails/calls/contact forms. Please advise. 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - multiple systems continuing to fail/malfunction. Multiple attempts to repair at Hyundai dealerships. Vehicle is currently at the dealer service center where it was originally purchased on January 2, 2016 (dealer number p113588 , ron carter Hyundai) now big star Hyundai. Yes - please conduct VIN inspection on this vehicle. I am waiting to hear back from dealer & hma case manager to confirm vehicle specifications relating to VIN in their system and full engine inspection results. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - first reported and diagnostics completed by dealer December 13, 2021. Problems with engine have continued and escalated to current. Latest safety risk event occurred March 23, 2024 while driving on high traffic freeway in houston, TX with child passenger. Vehicle lost ability to control speed/driving power suddenly stopped/failed resulting in tow to dealership. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - yes. Included notes in attached reports from previous dealer visits. Symptoms, reporting & attempts to repair started within warranty window. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - previous inspection reports attached. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - cel was on and off at the start of symptoms Dec. 2021. Dealer replaced map sensors and the issues continued without warning lamps. Dealer stated they could not diagnose anything without warning lamps. Dealer reported unknown diagnosis and closed case.

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 service center? dealer rep drove my car and mentioned he noticed it tries to accelerate when idle, but without a code he can’t do anything about it. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? a Hyundai dealership inspection was completed. Suggestion I buy a new engine. I declined since the multiple repairs paid for already were supposed to fix the problem, but they didn’t. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no warning lights for anything in over a year but I am still dealing with same loss of power and acceleration control issues.

There are times when I turn the key and everythings turns on, lights, radio, air/heat, dash lights but the engine does not. I have been stranded multiple times and later the car will start. Replaced starter and it was not the issue. Battery tested fine.

After my oil change 2500 mile later the drain plug fell out for no reason.

Component or system that failed or malfunctioned: engine or other I was driving my 2016 Hyundai Elantra in kissimmee, FL, 34746 when the engine suddenly lost power and the car stalled out. The rpms dropped to 0, and the car could not be restarted. I was able to coast to the side of the road, but I was nearly hit by oncoming traffic. After several minutes on the side of the road, I was able to restart the vehicle to arrive safely home. The vehicle also shuts off at stop lights, drive-through, or idle. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the loss of power while driving could have caused a serious accident. If I had been in the middle of the road or if there had been more traffic, I could have been hit by another vehicle. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? no, I have not yet taken the car to a dealer or independent service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no, the vehicle or component has not been inspected by anyone other than myself. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no, there were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. The check engine light seems to come and go. I am requesting that the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) investigate this safety problem. I am also requesting that Hyundai motor America recall all 2016 Hyundai Elantras that may be affected by this problem. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

So we went to take five in kenosha for an oil change on the way home the oil filter snapped off completely.

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.

I bought the car used from a dealer a year ago. I've made sure to keep the oil changed and have regular maintenance. I was driving home after work, and in the middle of highway 49, going 65mph in the left lane, the car stalled and came to an abrupt, jolting stop in the middle of traffic, causing several other cars to nearly hit me before I was able to get a man who was passing by to help me get the car off the road to safety until I could have it towed to a mechanic. It wouldn't crank or start. After he replaced my starter, it cranked and seemed fine. I headed home but halfway home it began knocking on the passenger side of the engine, getting worse with acceleration. The oil is at the proper level, so it's not from lack of oil. After reading online, I realized that this is a common problem with Hyundai. .

Car was turning off while I was driving it. I would be driving and the car would literally just stop. . . This is very dangerous at high speeds. Just got a call from the dealership and they said it is the engine and is $7,000 to repair. The car only has $120,000 miles on it and it has been maintained well!.

Bought the car a yr ago and transmission started slipping and stalling sometimes even engine shutting off while driving at higher speeds unable to steer and when pulling into traffic is on interstate almost got hit because I could not speed up it's also using double the fuel while driving longer distances I tried to use my warranty 2x before my warranty was up but both neither time did Hyundai in owensboro check what I booked the appt for. First one was booked to check transmission and power issue then called the day before and added oil change. When I arrived the tech retyped my order and changed the oil. Brought my keys I asked about the power/transmission issues and was told they didn't know to check that but at that point there was no time and had to reschedule. . . So I did. Waited almost 2 months booked appt for transmission / power issue and also check the fuel usage. Finish the service call quoting me over $1300 to fix the fuel issue because no one could find my warranty eventhough I had my original paperwork showing who warranty was with and also the acct number for the warranty. When I asked about transmission or power issue I was told there was no one to check that and I had to rebook but this time it was going to be 8 weeks and by then my warranty had expired. I feel like Hyundai did this on purpose because they are in cahoots with the lot I bought the car from. Now my car is getting worse and worse and scared to even drive the car im overpaying for. This was my first Hyundai and more than likely will forever be my last because the car I got was a lemon it seems, the customer service was worthless and the service even worse. I'm reporting to bbb and everywhere I can.

My 2016 Hyundai Elantra had an oil change and mechanical check up on April 14, 2023. Everything was considered to be working correctly. 2 days ago, upon turning the car on to return home, the motor completely dies without warning. This car was purchased 5 years ago and has been properly maintained. In addition, while there hasnt been an official recall with Hyundai, many people like myself have experienced this same issue in one way or another.

While driving on 4/24/23, engine suddenly died and it was revealed to be a blown motor, even though the car was inspected during an oil change and nothing was found to be an issue. Lack of notification or accountability regarding this issue is infuriating.

My Elantra stalled while driving twice the other day. The first time I occurred on a highway inter belt and the second occurred in slow moving traffic. I had the car evaluated by 2 different repair shops. Both said they could not reduplicate the problem or find any malfunctioning codes. No warning lights appeared when the car stalled. I had this happen before last fall. I had it repaired. They changed spark plugs, performed engine oil system purge, serviced fuel injector and air induction and realigned tires. Until the day before yesterday, the car performed well. In researching my car issue, I have learned that this is a top complaint of many 2016 Elantra owners.

I purchased my car 10 months ago. It has rebuilt title without any structural damage. The accident was in the body only and no one touched the engine. It was in perfect condition and it was driven without any problems for the last 10 months. Two weeks ago, I noticed a ticking noise come from the engine whenever the car accelerates. The noise wasn’t exist before, it just happen. I took the car to firestone and they stated that it is common problem in the engine appears in this model. I took it to the dealer (Hyundai of cookeville) and they state that engine require replacement and it is a harmful issue. I looked over the internet and I found that it is common problem between owners of Hyundai Elantra especially 2012 to 2016. It is worth noting to mention that there is no any warning lamp turned on to warn me that there is an issue. My car has a low mileage 90700. It is weird to breakdown its engine especially I change the engine oil before the due date. Please help me and other owners to get a recall on the engine because as stated by the dealer it is a harmful problem and requires engine replacement. I appreciate any help you can provide to save my family and other families of Elantra owners.

My transmission failed while driving, car stopped being able to accelerate, I was luckily in my neighborhood but if this happened on a major road I could’ve been seriously injured or even killed. I had to tow it to a local shop and they said they have to completely replace the transmission. No prior warnings on the dashboard or any indications my car was about to fail. I only had slight issues a week beforehand. This vehicle is unsafe and costs thousands to repair.

Car stutters at low speed.

Leaving work on 1/24/23 my car failed on the 4 lane, on the ramp coming into the town I live in, and again in the middle of a 4 way intersection. I only live 2 miles from where I work. My engine light was flashing, lost all power/acceleration, transmission would not switch and kept my rpm's really high, took multiple times to get it re-started, and engine was knocking/surging/sputtering. I got it taken to my local shop the next day and they told me my engine needs to be replaced. It was throwing 6 different timing codes and my oil was very shiney (filled with metal shavings). My car was not leaking oil, all services were kept up to date, any mechanical issues were always taken care of, and my car only had 92k miles on it. If the engine failure wasn't from the bottom of the engine, warranty won't cover it (mine was stated that failure was from the top). How is this not considered with the recalls of other Hyundai's that hold the same engine?.

Driving then while stopped at a red light out of no where the engine starts shaking like crazy, once it turned green and I took off the engine light came on then immediately turned off after accelerating. Add oil was working perfectly fine until a week later it did the same thing the. Engine light came on but seemed faulty as it would blink, shut off then be solid, and then fluctuating like crazy then all that stopped after the car was turned off. Later that day I drove it and it wasn’t accelerating properly. Next day when getting it looked at the second we started it white smoke everywhere.

The engine stalled after fluctuating power from the throttle and accelerator. The engine began making a knocking sound as I tried to bring the vehicle off to the side of the road with a loss of engine power. No warning lights or indicators displayed on the dashboard the indicated the engine was malfunctioning. This malfunction or engine defect caused a serious decrease in speed which impeded the flow of traffic leading to to the chances of being in an accident or having the engine explode without warning. This vehicles malfunction jeopardized my safety, my passengers, and the other drivers on the road.

Car suddenly started to jolts while decelerating from 25mphs -20mins. Car “stall & jolts” from park to drive. Stuck in park for a couple seconds. Dangerous , unable to go from park to drive is a safe timely manner no check engine light or trouble codes, car is maintained.

No mechanical issues . Left work one morning driving to work . Made it home turned the car off . And the car never cranked back up . Sent to shop for assessment says the motor . I have routine maintenance done . No check engine light appeared . Car had been jerking on and off.

I do know it’s the catalytic converter it causes the car to stall while driving and it’s going to cost 1500 just for the part that’s not including the labor.

Idle was rough when car was at the stop light, etc. Took car in to the dealership and they confirmed the issue. Car engine replacement has been approved by Hyundai motors. I think that the ntsb should be looking in to this as there are currently 71 cars ahead of mine, with the same issue, at this one dealership. Other Hyundai dealership must be having the same issue, this cannot be happening only at this dealership. My engine will not be replaced until April, 2023. It is now October, 2022. That is the reason why the dealership has no cars to loan, the wait list for their car loaners is four months. I am the only owner of this car. I purchased it brand new from this dealership, and have followed the advised maintenance for this car. The "customer care" (big joke) told me that I have to pay for my own rental and that they would reimburse only a portion of the rental. I seriously think that this is a recall issue.

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a hole in the engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The manufacturer offered to cover a percent of the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.