The vehicle dossier US · 2016

2016 Hyundai
ELANTRAProblems & recalls

292 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 114 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

From the original manufacturer documents

What did the manufacturer do?

These reviewed documents are associated with this model-year. Check the stated engine, build-date, VIN and coverage conditions before assuming they apply to the car you’re considering.

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 292 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components114 reports
Engine113 reports
Transmission & drivetrain31 reports
Air bags26 reports
Electrical system22 reports
Fuel system20 reports
Steering19 reports
Body & structure18 reports
Brakes15 reports
Suspension10 reports
Visibility6 reports
See original component labels
ENGINE111
UNKNOWN OR OTHER53
POWER TRAIN30
AIR BAGS26
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM20
STEERING19
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM19
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL18
STRUCTURE:BODY16
SERVICE BRAKES15
SUSPENSION10
WHEELS10
EXTERIOR LIGHTING9
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES9
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)5
VISIBILITY/WIPER4
SEAT BELTS3
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH2
STRUCTURE2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS1
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER1
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM1
SEATS1
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:FILTER/SCREEN1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH PLATE1
TIRES1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
TIRES:TREAD/BELT1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 12 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Aug 29, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

54,964 miles is the median among 123 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 19,000–80,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

2 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

May 14, 2026 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULECampaign 26V307000

Reported concern

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra and 2016 Elantra GT vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Dealers will inspect and replace the air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated August, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 300. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 16, 2026.

Manufacturer campaign: 300

Read campaign 26V307000 at NHTSA
Feb 23, 2024 Safety recallLATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCHCampaign 24V146000

Reported concern

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Manufacturer’s stated response

Dealers will replace the trunk latch base sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 256.

Manufacturer campaign: 256

Read campaign 24V146000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

131 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Aug 26, 2026 Warranty Program/ExtensionZ05 OLCertain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. This warranty extension only app…NHTSA ID 11037233

Certain vehicles may exhibit excessive paint peeling or bubbling of the primer/paint film on the exterior metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. This warranty extension only applies to factory-applied paint and does not cover collision-related paint repairs or vehicles with a salvaged title. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for certain white paint colors under these conditions from 3 years and 36,000 miles, to 10 years with unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

Campaign / software reference: Z05

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Original document reviewed: 10 years / unlimited miles

Read coverage & conditions
Original manufacturer PDF
Apr 28, 2026 Warranty Program/Extension26-BD-002H TSBCertain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles ha…NHTSA ID 11032529

Certain Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has been extended to 10 years/unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use and is valid for original and subsequent owners. The warranty extension does not apply to any vehicle that has ever been declared a total loss or sold for salvage by a financial institution or insurer or has a branded or similar title under any state’s law.

Campaign / software reference: Z05

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032529 at NHTSA
Apr 28, 2026 Warranty Program/Extension26-BD-002H DNSome Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has b…NHTSA ID 11032528

Some Hyundai vehicles with exterior white paint may exhibit peeling or bubbling on metal body panels: hood, fender(s), roof, door(s), quarter panel(s), and tailgate/trunk. The paint warranty coverage for affected vehicles has been extended to 10 years/unlimited miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

Campaign / software reference: Z05

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032528 at NHTSA
Apr 10, 2026 OtherDTN DLThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN…NHTSA ID 11032523

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during deployment, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin. To date, Hyundai is aware of three people who have died while driving a Hyundai vehicle with one of these substandard replacement airbag inflators that deployed in what likely would have been a survivable crash. NHTSA has issued a public advisory urging vehicle owners and service professionals to have vehicles inspected if there is reason to believe that a non-genuine replacement airbag may have been installed. Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, prior airbag deployments, or unknown repair histories may present a higher risk. NHTSA strongly cautions against self-inspection by vehicle owners and recommends inspection by trained technicians.

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032523 at NHTSA
Apr 10, 2026 OtherDTN DCSThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co.…NHTSA ID 11032522

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached announcement, provided by NHTSA, for more details.

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032522 at NHTSA
Mar 26, 2026 Warranty Program/Extension26-01-033H TSBThis 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 latest version.NHTSA ID 11030331

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 latest version.

Campaign / software reference: T6G

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11030331 at NHTSA
Mar 26, 2026 Warranty Program/Extension26-01-033H DNThis 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 version.NHTSA ID 11030330

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 (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version.

Campaign / software reference: T6G TXXM

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11030330 at NHTSA
Dec 19, 2025 OtherP33 OLIn response to this trend, we engineered a software upgrade that addresses the social media theft method and made it available to owners of eligible models free of charge at authorized Hyundai dealers since early 2023. In addit…NHTSA ID 11026704

In response to this trend, we engineered a software upgrade that addresses the social media theft method and made it available to owners of eligible models free of charge at authorized Hyundai dealers since early 2023. In addition to the anti-theft software, we’ve developed a new zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade that can be installed at the ignition cylinder location to provide additional protection against the social media theft method. Because your Hyundai vehicle with the VIN listed above (“Subject Vehicle”) was not factory-equipped with an engine immobilizer and was previously eligible for the software upgrade, you are now eligible until March 31, 2027 to have the ignition cylinder protector installed — if you request it — at no cost to you through an authorized Hyundai dealership.

Campaign / software reference: P33

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11026704 at NHTSA
Dec 15, 2025 Other25-01-089H DCSUpon customer's request ONLY, the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-089H provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows. Th…NHTSA ID 11027035

Upon customer's request ONLY, the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-089H provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows. This repair procedure is being provided in addition to the previous Anti-Theft software provided under Service Campaign 993 (TSB 24-01-009H-1).

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11027035 at NHTSA
Dec 15, 2025 Other25-01-089H DNIn addition to the Anti-Theft software provided under Service Campaign 993 (TSB 24-01-009H-1), a zinc reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade is being made available to customers upon request. This supplemental …NHTSA ID 11027034

In addition to the Anti-Theft software provided under Service Campaign 993 (TSB 24-01-009H-1), a zinc reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade is being made available to customers upon request. This supplemental security measure is to be installed at the ignition switch location and provides additional protection against the social media theft method. Vehicles not equipped with an immobilizer during production at the factory are eligible. The repair procedure shall be performed and claimed upon customer request only. Any future repairs to these vehicles in which an installed ignition cylinder protector impacts required parts and/or labor, shall be covered by HMA. Please see TSB 25-01-089H for details.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11027034 at NHTSA
Dec 15, 2025 Other25-01-089H TSBThis bulletin provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.NHTSA ID 11027033

This bulletin provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11027033 at NHTSA
Nov 6, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions25-BD-012H TSBThis bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensat…NHTSA ID 11025476

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11025476 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Nov 12, 2021 ClosedThrottle control system vulnerabilitiesDP21003

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2007-2016 Hyundai Santa Fe, MY 2006-2015 Hyundai Sonatas are all part of the subject population. The petition was originally filed as a Vehicle Owner Questionnaire that can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under reference (ODI) number 11439675.On November 12, 2021, ODI opened Defect Petition DP21-003 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. ODI performed trend analyses of the VOQs related to vehicle speed control issues for all the subject vehicles and found that none of the 52 Model/Model Year Hyundai/Kia vehicles demonstrated any actionable trend that warranted an investigation.Petitioners submitted 1119 VOQs and non-VOQ cases in which sudden uncommanded acceleration (SUA) or loss of motive power (LOMP) incidents were alleged.For the 1119 reports, 220 were incidents involving crashes, from which 69 subject Hyundai-Kia vehicles were inspected by Hyundai/Kia dealer technicians, Hyundai/Kia engineers, and/or third-party representatives.ODI found the inspections identified no vehicle defects related to the ETC system.Of the 220 crash-involved reports, 13 Event Data Recorder (EDR) records were downloaded successfully and 11 of those indicated driver error: (i.e.) pedal misapplication.A condition where the accelerator pedal is mistakenly applied instead of the brake pedal when the driver wants to stop the vehicle.In addition, ODI reviewed a scientific journal paper published in Forensic Science International in 2016 by Mr. Park et al ., as well as related test videos. ODI does not believe there is any evidence of uncontrollable SUA occurrences in any of the tests reviewed. NHTSA's Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) reviewed the allegations regarding the potential noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124.Based on the information provided, the Agency concludes there is insufficient information for us to determine if a possible non-compliance exists.Finally, both Hyundai and Kia informed ODI that all their vehicles manufactured after 2012 were equipped with an ETC management system, in which the engine speed will go to idle when the system sees signals from both the brake pedal and accelerator pedal at the same time; this is commonly known as the brake-throttle override system.After thoroughly assessing the material submitted by the petitioner, information already in NHTSA's possession, information submitted by Hyundai and Kia in response to an Information Request letter, and the potential risks to safety implicated by the petitioner's allegation, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. After full consideration of appropriate factors, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA?s reasons for denial of the petition will be published.

Recorded closure: Jun 20, 2023

Find investigation DP21003

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