2016 Hyundai Elantra Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 8%of 293 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 64,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra, 8% of the 293 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,500 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When I attempt to start the car the engine turns but won't turn over. The car does this more often in very cold weather. Even in warm weather it will start sometimes and sometimes I have to try multiple times and sometimes it will not start at all. There are no check engine or other indicators that there is an issue with the car. The only other thing that may or may not be related that is different from what I normally expect is that sometimes the while driving, the car will not accelerate in a timely manner. There is a bit of a hesitation as if the fuel output is not increasing. …”
NHTSA complaint #11311658, filed 2020-02, 72,000 miles“Front headlights need replacing one monthly. Had it repaired at the dealership while still under factory warranty. I was told it was a wiring issue but several months after the problem still persists. The front highbeams and daylights have been replaced for going out (no longer working) 12 times in 2 years.”
NHTSA complaint #11382810, filed 2020-12, 46,000 miles“While driving the clock will start to flash then the headlights will flash as the radio/clock flashes. If head lights are off the light by gauges will start flashing making a clicking noise, the battery light will sometimes come on and flash also. If I turn the air on the flashing will stop. This has happened about 6 times in the last two weeks.”
NHTSA complaint #10920146, filed 2016-10, 20,000 miles“Started ascending over a bridge when car started to putter. Then smoke came out of the tailpipe. Power flickered then went off. Was able to coast to the side of the road. Turned off the car and it was smoking. Looked underneath the car and saw dripping fluid then a spark. That is when the car caught on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11100294, filed 2018-06, 72,000 miles“The car does not turn over when you initially start car you have to turn the key back and try starting again it has been consistently doing this for over a year and no mechanic can figure out what the problem is. Other than that there is no issues with the driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11317982, filed 2020-03, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026704Dec 19, 2025In 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…
- 11027035Dec 15, 2025Upon 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…
- 11027034Dec 15, 2025In 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…
- 11027033Dec 15, 2025This bulletin provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.
- 11000788May 10, 2024A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer…
- 11000314May 9, 2024A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer…
- 10251282Feb 12, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
- 10251276Feb 1, 2024This bulletin provides the service procedure to: 1) Upgrade the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module) to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system…
- 10251275Feb 1, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
- 10249707Jan 22, 2024Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 5% |
| 2024 | 17 | 30% |
| 2023 | 25 | 25% |
| 2022 | 19 | 19% |
| 2021 | 31 | 23% |
| 2020 | 27 | 11% |
| 2019 | 37 | 15% |
| 2018 | 43 | 15% |
| 2017 | 112 | 15% |
| 2016 | 22 | 8% |
| 2015 | 23 | 9% |
| 2014 | 47 | 12% |
| 2013 | 155 | 12% |
| 2012 | 126 | 19% |
| 2011 | 51 | 12% |
| 2010 | 48 | 13% |
| 2009 | 24 | 9% |
| 2008 | 31 | 10% |
| 2007 | 32 | 12% |
| 2006 | 16 | 10% |
| 2005 | 10 | 7% |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% |
| 2003 | 10 | 4% |
| 2002 | 13 | 4% |
| 2001 | 21 | 7% |
| 2000 | 33 | 17% |
| 1999 | 18 | 14% |
| 1998 | 2 | 4% |
| 1997 | 10 | 9% |
| 1996 | 14 | 14% |
| 1995 | 14 | 13% |
| 1994 | 16 | 21% |
| 1993 | 3 | 13% |
| 1992 | 9 | 31% |
Other parts of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra
111 complaintsOther or unknown
54 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
31 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsFuel system
20 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
13 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsWheels
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology