2016 Hyundai Elantra engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 29, 2026MAEngine

   The motor started to make a ticking noise 5 months earlier. 5 months later at 180,000 miles a borascope finding, reveled all 4 cylinder walls were worn related to cylinder slap. Called Hyundai dealership and was told ithe car is too old and the milage too high for a warranty coverage.

   NHTSA complaint #11760536 · source
2. Filed Aug 29, 2026NJEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Vehicle stalls while driving which is very dangerous. All dashboard lights go on prior to stalling. No engine light is on. Knocking sound coming from engine. Dealer states engine needs to be replaced. Car has been serviced regularly despite that Hyundai denies engine replacement. The knocking sound that engine does is common between this model and year but mysteriously there has not been engine recalls.

   NHTSA complaint #11760525 · source
3. Filed Jul 16, 2026OHEngine

   Engine burned oil and had knocking sound, despite having regular oil changes. Stalked out while driving took to dealer initial said it was covered by the exerted coverage but ultimately denied. It had 111,000 miles on it. I believe this engine has the same issues as the others.

   NHTSA complaint #11750822 · source
4. Filed Jul 14, 2026SCEngine

   The oil light & check engine started flashing. Took it to the auto shop. The mechanic stated that the oil level is very low and the engine has a bad lower-end knock. Removed the oil filter and found metal debris in the oil. No oil leaks were found under the vehicle at all. Oil is being burned out through the exhaust. The vehicle needs an the ngine replacement.

   NHTSA complaint #11750263 · source
5. Filed May 10, 2026NCEngine

   Car randomly will not start or will start but have no RPM's. Last year showed a crank shaft sensor code and had it replaced but car is doing it again.

   NHTSA complaint #11736854 · source
6. Filed Feb 15, 2026FLEngine

   So I have a suspicion oh a connecting rod, might be a bearing but it’s making a tik tik noise, no other issue than that, no engine light no nothing, been doing it for a while but car still goes great

   NHTSA complaint #11718092 · source
7. Filed Jan 9, 2026AZEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I received confirmation from my local Hyundai dealership that my 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT is consuming over 1.8 quarts of oil every 1000 miles. The mileage is currently 70k miles. This is not the result of lack of maintenance or neglect but because of Hyundais engine design. I was told by the local dealership that I would need a total engine re build. This was the only option to fix the issue 100%. I was told that if the issue is not fixed it will result in engine failure.…

   NHTSA complaint #11709984 · source
8. Filed Dec 29, 2025CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving on the freeway at normal highway speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The engine immediately lost power, and the vehicle shut down within seconds. There was no prior warning or opportunity to take corrective action. The vehicle became completely disabled and could not be driven. This occurred late at night with limited traffic, and I was LUCKY to be near a freeway exit. I was able to coast toward the exit, but the engine…

   NHTSA complaint #11707629 · source
9. Filed Dec 20, 2025CAEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Engine turns off unexpectedly when driving. all power steering and brakes stop working when engine itself off. entire engine, drive train, and vehicle shakes while driving. Transmission is a replacement as first one failed after 90 days of purchase. paid labor for replacement and waited over 6 weeks without a vehicle. Now replaced oem transmission slips out of gear. making vehicle difficult to drive as the transmission and engine sputter and make ride jerky. car has turned…

   NHTSA complaint #11706316 · source
10. Filed Nov 16, 2025NCEngineOther / Unknown

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11699685 · source
11. Filed Oct 30, 2025CTEngine

    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,…

    NHTSA complaint #11696626 · source
12. Filed Mar 18, 2025LAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11649035 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology