2016 Hyundai Veloster problems, complaints & recalls

2016 Hyundai Veloster recalls (1)

• Recall 20V746000Dec 1, 2020128,948 vehicles
  ENGINE

  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.

  Risk: 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

• EA21003Opened Dec 22, 2021Closed Feb 5, 2024led to recall 23V877

  Engine Fires

  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 …

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

Recent 2016 Hyundai Veloster complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Oct 7, 2026100,144 miTXTowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that there was an oil odor coming from the vehicle while entering and inspecting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was…

   NHTSA complaint #11769660 · source
2. Filed Sep 15, 2026CASeats & Seat Belts

   Issue with driver side seat belt unlatching at random moments: while driving or at stand still. Local dealership has been notified at multiple oil changes and it has been looked at, however, technicians cannot recreate event.

   NHTSA complaint #11764462 · source
3. Filed Jul 17, 2026MAOther / Unknown

   Formal complaint against Hyundai Motor America for failure to provide safety recall remedies on a U.S.-conforming vehicle. Vehicle History: This 2016 Hyundai Veloster was purchased in the U.S. territory of [XXX], manufactured to meet U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Years later, it was legally relocated to the U.S. mainland and is currently registered and driven in [XXX]. The Database Issue: Official factory documents from Hyundai Puerto Rico confirm this…

   NHTSA complaint #11751038 · source
4. Filed Jun 24, 202619,000 miFLFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that gas fumes were entering inside the vehicle and exhaust fumes were present while driving the vehicle and while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on several occasions and to several dealers; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The master cylinder was replaced, and the high-pressure fuel pump was replaced due to a reported internal fuel leak, but the…

   NHTSA complaint #11746173 · source
5. Filed Jun 12, 2026NVEngine

   Complaint regarding 2016 Hyundai Veloster engine oil consumption and warranty denial. In late 2023, at approximately 70,000–80,000 miles, my vehicle began experiencing excessive oil consumption. I reported this issue to Hyundai and authorized dealerships while the vehicle was still under warranty. Since then, I have completed multiple oil consumption tests, inspections, combustion cleanings, and repeated service visits, none of which resulted in a permanent repair or…

   NHTSA complaint #11743640 · source
6. Filed Jun 8, 2026TNEngine

   2016 Hyundai Veloster with 1.6L Gamma engine experienced repeat catastrophic engine failure consistent with NHTSA Recall 20V746000 / Hyundai Recall 198 for connecting rod bearing failure. Failure #1: At 124,036 miles, engine developed loud knocking noise increasing with RPM, check engine light, and DTCs P0300 (random misfire) + P0303 (cylinder 3 misfire). Dealer repair order documented "broken intake valve on cylinder 3." Engine was replaced at my expense because Hyundai…

   NHTSA complaint #11742811 · source
7. Filed May 11, 2026SCTransmission & Drivetrain

   I was driving down the highway when I lost all power to my engine and had to coast off and exit. Prior to the incident there was no indication of a problem. White smoke began coming out of my exhaust. I brought the car to a dealership and they told me that I would need a timing job and a new turbo. They said that my car was starved for oil, regular maintenance had been kept up with on the vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11737073 · source
8. Filed Apr 28, 2026TXEngine

   I was driving on the highway when suddenly the car lost power and the engine light started flashing. I was able to coast into a gas station. The car would no longer start and I was stranded. The next day, we drove back to where the car was stranded and attempted to get it started again, but we were unsuccessful. We had the car towed to a mechanic shop where we were told that the entire engine was blown and needed to be replaced. We had the car towed to the local Hyundai…

   NHTSA complaint #11734400 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology