2016 Hyundai Elantra engine problems
109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2016 Hyundai Elantra — 38% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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.”
filed Jul 16, 2026
“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…”
filed Jul 14, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H-2 (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the…
26-01-033H TSB · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Mar 26, 2026This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest…
26-01-033H DN · Warranty Program/Extension · issued Mar 26, 2026
Engine problems in other Elantra years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Elantra | 3 | 14% |
| 2024 Elantra | 8 | 15% |
| 2023 Elantra | 16 | 18% |
| 2022 Elantra | 10 | 10% |
| 2021 Elantra | 13 | 10% |
| 2020 Elantra | 101 | 42% |
| 2019 Elantra | 128 | 52% |
| 2018 Elantra | 139 | 50% |
| 2017 Elantra | 286 | 38% |
| 2015 Elantra | 90 | 35% |
| 2014 Elantra | 162 | 43% |
| 2013 Elantra | 233 | 18% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Hyundai Elantra
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.