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Exterior lightingPart report

2016 Hyundai Elantra Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
3%of 293 total for the year
Median mileage
33,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra, 3% of the 293 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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

“-Exterior lighting continuously burns out and I am willing to have my vehicle inspected. Lights that continuously burn out are both headlights, all blinkers, all break lights. -Since the lights burn out so frequently (sometimes as soon as you install a new bulb) I am concerned that without adequate lighting I am at risk for an accident by not being able to properly see at night, be noticed by other vehicles during rain, and risk of being rear ended due to not having adequate break lights. …”

NHTSA complaint #11503125, filed 2023-01

“The vehicle's security system malfunctioned immediately after service at Parks Hyundai of Gainesville on 05/27/26 for Recall 256 & Campaign P33. The alarm blares & emergency lights flash while I am driving on public roads. This defect first presented in the dealership parking lot upon pickup. This creates a severe safety risk: the high-decibel alarm is a major distraction, the flashing lights confuse other motorists, & the malfunction prevents me from using turn signals, violating safety protocols. I demonstrated this to the service manager on 06/10/26. …”

NHTSA complaint #11743948, filed 2026-06

“Hi... I own 11 Elantra's. 4-2013, 3-2016, 2-2018, 1-2019, 1-2020. I own a driving school. They all have a problem with burning out light bulbs, headlights ,side markers and tail lights. I am replacing bulbs 2 to 3 times a week. I also had to replace sockets because they melted. The plastic holders for the headlights and the center brake light also melted. I would like to know if there is a remedy for this or one in the process. I also have a complaint on why it so difficult to remove the headlight bulbs.”

NHTSA complaint #11302462, filed 2020-01

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202435%
202322%
202211%
202154%
20202811%
20196526%
2018166%
2017233%
201693%
201552%
2014103%
2013725%
2012173%
2011102%
201051%
200931%
2008248%
2007239%
20063825%
200564%
200421%
2003136%
2002185%
2001113%
200032%
199943%
199733%
199622%
199511%
199434%
199314%
199227%

Other parts of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra

Engine
111 complaints
Other or unknown
54 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
31 complaints
Air bags
26 complaints
Electrical system
22 complaints
Fuel system
20 complaints
Steering
19 complaints
Body and structure
18 complaints
Vehicle speed control
18 complaints
Brakes
15 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
13 complaints
Suspension
10 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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