2016 Hyundai Elantra Engine
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
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
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.
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.
engine noise knocking sound, car hesitates and vibrates, reduced power...all getting worse...I try to avoid driving the car as much as possible.
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.
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.
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 with engine failure, and that the catalytic converter failed due to oil entering from the engine. The contact was informed that 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 available.
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 just know that my vehicle has a high use of engine oil. I took it to the dealer about a year and half ago to have it checked but they said that was normal but the more I read up on this it sounds like it is not normal. Also the clear over spray paint on all 4 door handles has come off and the rear hatch top window spoiler has completely peeled off also.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the emission valve sensor needed to be replaced. The contact's son diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved the DTC code: P0017 (Crankshaft Position). The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the emission valve sensor, variable valve timing (VVT), VVT intake, camshaft position sensor, timing chain, and camshaft sprockets; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
AFTER MY OIL CHANGE 2500 MILE LATER THE DRAIN PLUG FELL OUT FOR NO REASON
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.
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
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
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!
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.
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 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.
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?
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
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.
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The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has 71 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.