2016 Hyundai Elantra · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 42owner reports
- 77,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 29, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
113 of the 292 complaints on this car are about the engine. 42 of those describe engine failure. Only stalling is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 42 reports
Engine failure on other Elantra years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2021, 2022.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (42 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2016 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Elantra
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
None of these investigations covers the 2016 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 65,000 and 92,000 miles, from the 23 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 11 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
A class action lawsuit against Hyundai Motor America (âHMAâ) alleges that certain Hyundai vehicles (âClass Vehiclesâ) were manufactured, marketed, sold, and/or leased with an engine defect that can result in sudden engine seizure, stalling, engine ...
The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs ...
Certain vehicles listed below may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or an engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage.
7 more on the 2016 Hyundai Elantra page.
What owners wrote
“Engine burned oil and had knocking sound, despite having regular oil changes. Stalked out while driving took to dealer initial said it was covered by the exerted coverage but ultimately denied. It had 111,000 miles on it. I believe this engine has the same issues as the others.”
Filed Jul 16, 2026 · 111,000 miles
“While driving on 4/24/23, engine suddenly died and it was revealed to be a blown motor, even though the car was inspected during an oil change and nothing was found to be an issue. Lack of notification or accountability regarding this issue is infuriating.”
Filed Apr 26, 2023
“Fuel Injector went bad in engine with 77k miles & they wonât honor the repair. The car had a knock sensor recall that I never received a letter on & received no warning that the engine was failing.”
Filed Oct 20, 2022 · 77,000 miles
“88,750 miles - Engine began profuse knocking suddenly when traveling down the road under 50mph. Stopped at a service center and they found no oil in the engine. Like THOUSANDS of others with the same complaint, the engine burned the oil which caused it to destroy itself LONG before the oil change interim had arrived.”
Filed Sep 6, 2022 · 88,750 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 42 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 52 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 26 reports