2016 Hyundai Elantra MPG
Across its 5 EPA-rated versions, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra returns 24–28 mpg city, 34–37 highway and 28–31 combined.
The most efficient pairs the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, at 31 mpg combined. The thirstiest version uses the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and front-wheel drive and is rated 28 mpg combined. That matches the best gasoline version of the 2015 model.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra | 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 37 | 31 | Regular · 282 g CO₂/mi |
| Elantra Limited | 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 36 | 30 | Regular · 295 g CO₂/mi |
| Elantra | 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 36 | 30 | Regular · 290 g CO₂/mi |
| Elantra | 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 35 | 28 | Regular · 315 g CO₂/mi |
| Elantra | 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 28 | Regular · 319 g CO₂/mi |
2016 Hyundai Elantra fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on regular gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.36 a gallon, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra costs about $2,110 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (31 mpg combined), or roughly 14 cents a mile.
The thirstiest priced version (28 mpg combined) comes to about $2,330 a year, $230 more.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2016 Hyundai Elantra specs
2016 Hyundai Elantra buyers could choose between 2 engines, according to EPA records: 1.8 L 4-cyl and 2.0 L 4-cyl. It came with automatic and manual transmissions, with front-wheel drive. The EPA classes it as a midsize car.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L | 4 | Automatic (S6); Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 3 |
| 2.0 L | 4 | Automatic (S6); Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 2 |
2016 Hyundai Elantra problems
Owners have filed 293 complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Elantra with NHTSA, the U.S. vehicle-safety agency, as of October 2026.
Engine is the most-reported area (28% of component mentions), followed by power train (8%) and air bags (7%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 26 complaints a year: more than the 2015 (22 a year) and fewer than the 2017 (76 a year).
That ranks 12th of 17 Hyundai Elantra model years (2008–2024), counting from the most complaints per year.
Of the 293, 22 mention a crash, 5 a fire and 16 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 111 | 28% |
| Unknown or other | 54 | 14% |
| Power train | 31 | 8% |
| Air bags | 26 | 7% |
| Electrical system | 22 | 6% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 19 | 5% |
| Steering | 19 | 5% |
| Structure | 18 | 5% |
| Vehicle speed control | 18 | 5% |
| Service brakes | 15 | 4% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 13 | 3% |
| Suspension | 10 | 3% |
| Wheels | 10 | 3% |
| Exterior lighting | 9 | 2% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 5 | 1% |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | <1% |
| Seat belts | 3 | <1% |
| Tires | 2 | <1% |
| Visibility | 2 | <1% |
| Equipment | 1 | <1% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | <1% |
| Gasoline fuel system | 1 | <1% |
| Lane departure | 1 | <1% |
| Seats | 1 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
Vehicle stalls while driving which is very dangerous. All dashboard lights go on prior to stalling. No engine light is on. Knocking sound coming from engine. Dealer states engine needs to be replaced. …
Transmission P0731 code. Vehicle will not shift into 1st gear when idle but will stay in 3 or 4 gear. Speedometer would indicate high speed when pressing on accelerator. …
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. …
2016 Hyundai Elantra recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra.
The most recent, campaign 26V307000 from May 2026, concerns air bags.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Elantra years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26V307000 | May 14, 2026 | Air bags | 2015–2016 |
| 24V146000 | February 23, 2024 | Latches/locks/linkages | 2015–2016 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA crash-tested 1 version of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra; the best overall score is 5 out of 5 stars.
| Version tested | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-door FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Crash-test photos: NHTSA (public domain). NHTSA can reuse a test for later model years of the same design.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Hyundai Elantras can be compared fairly. Among other 2016 models in the EPA's midsize cars class, the 2016 Nissan Altima (31 mpg), 2016 Chevy Malibu (30 mpg) and 2016 Honda Accord (30 mpg) come closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 32 | 1,314 | 93 | 4 |
| 2014 | 31 | 386 | 30 | 2 |
| 2015 | 31 | 262 | 22 | 3 |
| 2016 | 31 | 293 | 26 | 2 |
| 2017 | 35 | 769 | 76 | 4 |
| 2018 | 35 | 284 | 31 | 0 |
| 2019 | 35 | 252 | 31 | 1 |
Every Hyundai Elantra model year compared →
Similar 2016 models
FAQ
Is the 2016 Elantra a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has 26 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (12th most of 17 model years), 2 recall campaigns, a best overall crash rating of 5 stars and up to 31 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2016 Elantra problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are engine (111), power train (31) and air bags (26). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2016 Elantra have?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Elantra get?
The EPA rates the versions at 28–31 mpg combined (24–28 city, 34–37 highway).
How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Elantra per year?
About $2,110 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, up to about $2,330 for the thirstiest version, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average regular gasoline price of $4.36 a gallon (EIA).