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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.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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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

What owners actually said

222 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 4, 2024
Engine

There is a recall for 2016 Velosters that is for the engine rods failing. The 2015 to 2016 Hyundai Veloster has been recalled for connecting-rod bearings in the engine that could wear out prematurely and damage the engine1. The 2016 Hyundai Veloster has had several engine-related issues, including excessive oil consumption, goin…

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There is a recall for 2016 Velosters that is for the engine rods failing. The 2015 to 2016 Hyundai Veloster has been recalled for connecting-rod bearings in the engine that could wear out prematurely and damage the engine1. The 2016 Hyundai Veloster has had several engine-related issues, including excessive oil consumption, going into limp mode, hesitating at acceleration, knocking sound in the engine, poor acceleration, stalling, failure in the timing chain tensioner, rough idling, and oil leaks. Which is exactly what is happening to my car currently. Told me I was not eligible. But I'm not understanding why.

NHTSA ODI #11575270

Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2024
Engine

Cylinder one lost compression. My mechanic pulled the engine apart and found the valve broke, a piece of the valve broke off. Compression test was only at 30 lb. in cylinder one. cylinder two had 120 lb., cylinder three had 130 lb., cylinder 4 had 149 lb. This Car had oil changes done every 3k to 4k miles with full synthetic. Ne…

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Cylinder one lost compression. My mechanic pulled the engine apart and found the valve broke, a piece of the valve broke off. Compression test was only at 30 lb. in cylinder one. cylinder two had 120 lb., cylinder three had 130 lb., cylinder 4 had 149 lb. This Car had oil changes done every 3k to 4k miles with full synthetic. Never raced and always driven properly. 121k miles and the engine was basically done. Having the entire engine rebuilt for 5k$ now. I was having to add about a quart of oil every 500 miles before the valve broke.

NHTSA ODI #11573531

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 …

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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

129,000 miles · Feb 2, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that while driving onto the drivew…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that while driving onto the driveway at the residence, the vehicle was vibrating violently and then stalled. The contact turned off and later attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle started momentarily and then stalled. The contact stated there was cloud of smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that prior to the engine failure, he became aware that the vehicle was consuming approximately 1 quart of engine oil every two weeks. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

NHTSA ODI #11569566

130,000 miles · Feb 1, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the connecting rod bearings. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #11569261

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…

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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

73,200 miles · Jan 2, 2024
Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made knocking sounds. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while driving. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where Service Campaign 993 (Inspect & Anti-Theft S…

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The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made knocking sounds. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while driving. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where Service Campaign 993 (Inspect & Anti-Theft Software Upgrade) was performed, and the engine was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 73,200.

NHTSA ODI #11563121

Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 2023
Engine

On 11/21/2023, I took my vehicle to Musser's Automotive in Tipp City, Ohio & I was informed of an Internal Oil Consumption & recommendation for warranty coverage.

NHTSA ODI #11558221

Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2023
Engine

After previous complaint I filed, my engine continued to decline. Began burning a quart of oil approximately every 240 miles and has now almost completely lost power. It will not go above 25 miles per hour. I can not drive it anywhere except within two miles of my house where the speed limit is 25mph. EXCEEDINGLY DANGEROUS! …

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After previous complaint I filed, my engine continued to decline. Began burning a quart of oil approximately every 240 miles and has now almost completely lost power. It will not go above 25 miles per hour. I can not drive it anywhere except within two miles of my house where the speed limit is 25mph. EXCEEDINGLY DANGEROUS! It will die while driving and crank right back up but then die again. As contained in my previous complaint - Check engine light has been flashing since last December, Oil light comes on approximately every 240 miles. Other model years of this car have been recalled due to oil issues - but not this one. Yes the engine has been inspected and everyone agrees the engine is bad but Hyundai refuses to do anything about it due to the car not being included in the previous recall years. PLEASE inspect it. Anytime you want. It's not like I can drive it anywhere. I would drive it straight to a junk yard, but am still paying on it. You should know, if you don't already, that Hyundai is regularly giving owners of cars that have been included in the recall, the runaround on repairing anything. There are multiple facebook groups with literally THOUSANDS of people complaining about the same or similar issues with their Hyundai vehicles and nothing is being done. The MOST disreputable company I have ever dealt with - from the dealer all the way up to corporate. READ SOME OF THESE STORIES TO GET A TRUE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEM... [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11550416

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…

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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

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.