← New search

2016 Hyundai Veloster

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Veloster years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Veloster are substantially higher than the model-year median of 85.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
Compare all Veloster years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

108 reports with mileage · 114 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 132 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

15 crash reports4 fire reports11 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

16 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineCrashInjury

Incident Description: I purchased a 2016 Hyundai Veloster (VIN: KMHTC6ADXGU255844) in May 2025. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle began exhibiting serious mechanical issues, including engine knocking, excessive oil consumption, stalling, misfiring, and loss of power. Despite these ongoing issues, the vehicle is listed as havin…

Read full complaint

Incident Description: I purchased a 2016 Hyundai Veloster (VIN: KMHTC6ADXGU255844) in May 2025. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle began exhibiting serious mechanical issues, including engine knocking, excessive oil consumption, stalling, misfiring, and loss of power. Despite these ongoing issues, the vehicle is listed as having Recall 198 completed. However, the symptoms associated with that recall continued and progressively worsened. The vehicle ultimately stalled in traffic while I was making a turn, resulting in an accident. In a separate incident, after exiting the vehicle and believing it to be in PARK, the vehicle moved unexpectedly and ran over me, causing serious physical injuries including fractures. Prior to these incidents, the vehicle had ongoing mechanical issues that were not properly resolved. The vehicle also required repeated jump-starts and became unreliable to operate. Additionally, there are discrepancies in the service records. The vehicle was towed to a dealership on or about June 8, 2025 and remained there until approximately July 15, 2025. However, the documentation provided reflects only a limited number of service days and consolidates multiple visits into a single summary. Due to these inconsistencies and the continued presence of failure symptoms, I am unable to verify that recall-related repairs were properly performed. These incidents raise serious concerns about engine failure and possible unintended vehicle movement, both of which present significant safety risks.

NHTSA ODI #11730509

Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2026
Electrical System

The climate control knob and AC system failed due to an apparent wiring defect. This is a known issue affecting hundreds or thousands of Hyundai Veloster owners. The failure causes loss of climate control and creates a safety issue due to a lack of defrosting and cabin airflow, as well as electrical fires. I have spent thousand…

Read full complaint

The climate control knob and AC system failed due to an apparent wiring defect. This is a known issue affecting hundreds or thousands of Hyundai Veloster owners. The failure causes loss of climate control and creates a safety issue due to a lack of defrosting and cabin airflow, as well as electrical fires. I have spent thousands of dollars trying to get this fixed, and mechanics are turning me away.

NHTSA ODI #11709321

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine

02/??/22 immediately after purchase, the vehicle’s alternator died and had to be replaced. 12/06/22 catalytic converter blew with no warning while driving. Car was towed to mechanic. 12/07/22 repairs were approved, costing $1,748.66. Shop informed us this repair was due to a recall (campaign 22-01-023H-2) From 12/22 through …

Read full complaint

02/??/22 immediately after purchase, the vehicle’s alternator died and had to be replaced. 12/06/22 catalytic converter blew with no warning while driving. Car was towed to mechanic. 12/07/22 repairs were approved, costing $1,748.66. Shop informed us this repair was due to a recall (campaign 22-01-023H-2) From 12/22 through 07-23 I opened many cases with Hyundai, who closed cases without explanation. During this time I am required to refill vehicle’s oil every month to stop engine knocking and prevent break down. 06/23 I was finally able to set an appointment to start the first step of the recall. 07/10/23 I arrived for my appointment to start oil monitoring, but was told to reschedule and come back later. 07/19/23 I arrived for my rescheduled appointment. Dealer made me pay for oil that was used and instructed me to return in 1,000 miles. After 1,000 miles I returned and left my car at the dealer for a few days. When I returned Hyundai staff told me the recall was “only for the original owner.” I was also told the recall was “already fixed” and there was “nothing wrong” with the car. I self advocated, stating again that the oil was depleting rapidly and what I had gone through. Staff told me to “drive the car until it breaks down, then Hyundai will cover the costs of repair.” I mentioned how that is unsafe, but was sent away. 11/24/23 vehicle completely broke down out of state in a dark and unfamiliar area at nighttime. Vehicle was towed, requiring engine repairs. 11/27/23 I opened a case with Hyundai regarding these issues. A few weeks later I was told the case was closed since they “had to believe the dealer and not the client.” 02/05/24 alternator died, vehicle required a tow to the mechanic. 02/06/24 repairs were approved for almost $1,000. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle as it is unreliable, breaks down without warning lights- which only appear after break down, and the manufacturer refuses to take accountability for these issues.

NHTSA ODI #11570541

Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2024
Electrical System

I have done a lot of research on my car when it started having issues with major oil burning/consumption (I took it in because I had an engine recall and they did their testing and said no recall for my car). And since 2021, I haven't had a consistent working heater and a/c because a wiring issue. Which I have spoke to hyundai o…

Read full complaint

I have done a lot of research on my car when it started having issues with major oil burning/consumption (I took it in because I had an engine recall and they did their testing and said no recall for my car). And since 2021, I haven't had a consistent working heater and a/c because a wiring issue. Which I have spoke to hyundai on a few occasions and told me "you just need a new hvac control head unit" which I had already replaced. The harness connector was fried, had that replaced by someone I know. May be not to standards, but it would usually work with most vehicles. I have replaced the head unit 3 times now, and the wiring harness 3 times. And it eventually fries the knob control for my blower speed. I have an 16 month old child and its a safety issue. The wires keep frying (my resistor has been replaced a few times thinking that was the issue), telling me the wires are not capable of the output for something so simple. In my research, this has happened to thousands of other velosters around the year of mine. And one was a mechanic and said it is a safety issue. It can catch on fire, and this should be a recall on all cars. I've also read how hyundai has told people with recalls, their cars were fine (after testing) then the engine blows and they're incompetent and so not care to help its consumers. Please help me somehow?

NHTSA ODI #11567726

79,000 miles · Sep 25, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45–55 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over, looked under the hood, and notice that an unknown fluid was boiling. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed her about unkn…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45–55 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over, looked under the hood, and notice that an unknown fluid was boiling. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed her about unknown recalls. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the radiator was empty. The vehicle was not repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) due to owner neglect. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA ODI #11546393

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine

Me and my who is currently pregnant was driving at a highway running 40mph when my car suddenly stalled. The engine died and my car is like on neutral. Thank god i was able to maneuver it to the sidelane and no one was injured. There were no warning lights whatsoever. I had to call a tow truck to bring it to my house. And since …

Read full complaint

Me and my who is currently pregnant was driving at a highway running 40mph when my car suddenly stalled. The engine died and my car is like on neutral. Thank god i was able to maneuver it to the sidelane and no one was injured. There were no warning lights whatsoever. I had to call a tow truck to bring it to my house. And since im very scared to use it again. And up to now the car is still not working, i wonder if its the engine or the alternator that caused the engine to die.

NHTSA ODI #11477486

111,000 miles · Mar 19, 2021
Electrical System

THE DASH TOUCH SCREEN IS UNRESPONSIVE

NHTSA ODI #11403832

50,000 miles · Feb 27, 2021
Electrical System

THE PLUG BEHIND THE AC CONTROL PANEL (THE BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH) HAS MELTED BECAUSE THE CURRENT ISN'T BEING CONDUCTED PROPERLY. THIS ISSUE STARTED MONTHS AGO WHEN I NOTICED THE AC CONTROL KNOB WAS GETTING STUCK & STOPPED WORKING ON THE NUMBERS. THIS LAST WEEK I SMELT SMOKE COMING FROM THE AC CONTROL PANEL, WHICH IS WHAT LED ME TO …

Read full complaint

THE PLUG BEHIND THE AC CONTROL PANEL (THE BLOWER MOTOR SWITCH) HAS MELTED BECAUSE THE CURRENT ISN'T BEING CONDUCTED PROPERLY. THIS ISSUE STARTED MONTHS AGO WHEN I NOTICED THE AC CONTROL KNOB WAS GETTING STUCK & STOPPED WORKING ON THE NUMBERS. THIS LAST WEEK I SMELT SMOKE COMING FROM THE AC CONTROL PANEL, WHICH IS WHAT LED ME TO REMOVE THE CONSOLE TO SEE BEHIND. APPARENTLY, THIS IIS A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT OF THE 2012-2016 VELOSTERS & SOME PEOPLE HAVE HAD THEIR DASH SET ON FIRE BEFORE. I FEAR FOR MY SAFETY IF THE CAR WERE EVER TO SET FIRE BECAUSE OF THIS DESIGN FLAW & I WERE DRIVING. I, & OTHER PEOPLE, COULD DIE FROM THIS. HYUNDAI HAS NEVER ISSUED A RECALL OR ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11398190

80,000 miles · Sep 7, 2020
Electrical System

THE METAL COMPONENTS OF THE AIR CONDITIONER/HEATER BLOWER SWITCH MELTS ON THE INSIDE CREATING A FIRE HAZARD.

NHTSA ODI #11353581

54,866 miles · Mar 29, 2020
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

I HAVE HAD 4 HVAC CONTROL HEADS BURN OUT BETWEEN A 2012 VELOSTER AND MY CURRENT 2016 VELOSTER I PURCHASED AFTER THE 2012 WAS TOTALLED. THE PART IS BURNING OUT BECAUSE IT OVERHEATS AND IS A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE IT CAUSES EVEN GREATER DAMAGE AND RISK OF INJURY IN THE FUTURE IF NOT ADDRESSED.

NHTSA ODI #11319659

Official recalls

1

20V746000 · Engine

Dec 1, 2020

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA21003 · Engine Fires

Opened Dec 22, 2021 · Closed Feb 5, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.  During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types.  The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement.  Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia.  The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio.  The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V-568, 17V-226, 20V-746, and 21V-727; and Kia recalls 17V-224, 19V-120, 20V-750, and 21V-844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires.  In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V-877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines.  The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS.  It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension.  For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied.  Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates.  To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years.  In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires.  Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis.  Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023).  The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.  To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.