Problems · by component
2016 Hyundai Elantra GT power train problems
25 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT cite power train, 9% of all 267 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
25
9% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the power train
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Vehicle started to violently lurch when shifted into drive. A week later loud clunking sound also started when shifting into drive. Sometimes would not go into drive and had to use manual 1st, 2nd, etc. Reverse was fine, no issues. No dash lights ever came on. Auto parts store had error code P0722. Have a diagnostic appt in a week at local Hyundai dealer. We may attempt to replace input/output speed sensor to solve, but probably will let dealership do diag first. Mileage approx 84686. Very dangerous at stop lights if can not get car into drive. Crash risk is high.”
“Bought a 2016 Elantra in 2020 with 44,000 miles on it and a clean repair/ maintenance history. Let me preface the rest of this by saying I am an ASE certified mechanic of 15 years who has been in the industry even longer. The first major issues I incurred with the vehicle happened approximately one year after purchase. The lifters started tapping and not long afterwards (about a week) I had a total engine failure on my hands. I was almost killed by a passing semi truck that was merging on to the interstate but was luckily able to avoid it and get the car on the side of the interstate where I had it towed to Ralph Sellers Hyundai in Baton Rouge Louisiana. Long story short , even though the second owner is entitled to a 5 year, 60,000 mile warranty, they made me pay for a new engine. Here we are only 19,000 miles later and the same issue is occurring; except this time due to the stress the failing engine is putting on the torque converter the transmission is now failing to do its job properly. I have been back to the dealership but they offered no help except lies (they told me my high pressure fuel pump was bad, this model doesn't even have one!!!!!) I fully…”
“The transmission continues to stall. Very dangerous….as I was pulling into a gas station and the car stalled. When placed into gear the vehicle would not drive forward and began to roll backwards. The vehicle is available for inspection. Due to the sudden stall a serious accident could have occurred. I took the vehicle to a mechanic and he confirmed that all fluid levels were good but the vehicle is in need of a completely new transmission. The current transmission can’t be repaired. The vehicle showed no warning signs or lights prior to incident. Can’t drive the vehicle as it is not safe. The vehicle is parked in a garage to avoid accident. The vehicle was driven low mileage over the last year.”
“I own a 2016 Elantra with around 140,000 miles and the car just stopped going forward the car only goes in reverse, no warning light came on, no other issues or warnings that there was something wrong with the car.”
“*4th report to NHTSA* Trouble getting response from HMA case manager. Delaying/not responding to multiple emails/calls/contact forms. Please advise. 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Multiple systems continuing to fail/malfunction. Multiple attempts to repair at Hyundai dealerships. Vehicle is currently at the dealer service center where it was originally purchased on [XXX] (Dealer number P113588 , Ron Carter Hyundai) now Big Star Hyundai. Yes - PLEASE conduct VIN inspection on this vehicle. I am waiting to hear back from dealer & HMA case manager to confirm vehicle specifications relating to VIN in their system and full engine inspection results. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - First reported and diagnostics completed by dealer [XXX]. Problems with engine have continued and escalated to current. Latest safety risk event occurred [XXX] while driving on high traffic freeway in Houston, TX with child passenger. Vehicle lost ability to control speed/driving power suddenly stopped/failed resulting in tow to dealership. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed…”
“Bought the car a yr ago and transmission started slipping and stalling sometimes even engine shutting off while driving at higher speeds unable to steer and when pulling into traffic is on interstate almost got hit because I could not speed up it's also using double the fuel while driving longer distances I tried to use my warranty 2x before my warranty was up but both neither time did Hyundai in Owensboro check what I booked the appt for. First one was booked to check transmission and power issue then called the day before and added oil change. When I arrived the tech retyped my order and changed the oil. Brought my keys I asked about the power/transmission issues and was told they didn't know to check that but at that point there was no time and had to reschedule... So I did. Waited almost 2 months booked appt for transmission / power issue and also check the fuel usage. Finish the service call quoting me over $1300 to fix the fuel issue because no one could find my warranty eventhough I had my original paperwork showing who warranty was with and also the acct number for the warranty. When I asked about transmission or power issue I was told there was no one…”
Showing 6 of 25 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.