2016 Hyundai Veloster engine problems

Related recalls

• 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.

What owners say

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 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. Filed Apr 11, 2026OKCrash1 injuredTowedElectrical SystemEngine

   Incident Description: I purchased a 2016 Hyundai Veloster (VIN: [VIN removed]) 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…

   NHTSA complaint #11730509 · source
6. Filed Mar 16, 2026CAEngine

   I was driving on 8 east freeway when all of a sudden my car lost complete power. Engine light flashing, and couldn't pick up any speed. The truck in back of me almost hit me cause my car wouldn't go. Prior to this incident, my car was and has been working perfectly. . My mom had it towed back home and got a mechanic to check the code and it gave a P1326 code which is exact code for a previous recall on these cars. I contacted Hyundai Corporate and the rep told me to take it…

   NHTSA complaint #11724579 · source
7. Filed Mar 16, 2026OKCrash1 injuredEngine

   TRAUMATIC CRITICAL FAILURE At [XXX] (XXX), in p/u spot, put car in P, got out, reached in to grab wallet when car lunged into R, as if being driven. Ran over & drug me until it hit another car to stop it. serious pain in L ribs (previously broken & healed 5 yrs prior), felt like sternum re-broken from accident prior year, broken & healed. Back pain. Onlookers horrified & called 911. Taken by ambulance to Baptist Medical Center3300 [XXX] . I told ER Dr about injuries. CT Scan…

   NHTSA complaint #11724524 · source
8. Filed Mar 12, 2026CAEngine

   When changing vehicle oil it has been noticed that there is contaminants appearing to be metal bits/glittery could possibly be rod bearing material. Also have noticed fluctuating idle

   NHTSA complaint #11723898 · source
9. Filed Mar 2, 2026FLEngine

   I was instructed by Hyundai USA to tow my Veloster to West Palm Beach Hyundai dealership specifically for the rod bearing diagnostic after I reported huge amount of smoke coming from the engine, engine oil leak, failed thermostat, and failed water pump, all while I was driving to work. I have repeatedly asked for Hyundai USA to send me a copy of the technician's notes, oil pressure test results, and bearing clearance measurements, part of Hyundai's TSB 21-GI-009H. Hyundai…

   NHTSA complaint #11721436 · source
10. Filed Jan 12, 2026TXEngine

    As I was driving to work one day my 2016 Veloster suddenly lost power on the expressway at expressway speeds. Now that in itself is very dangerous seeing as how there were big rigs around me. Luckily I managed to make it off of the expressway traveling slower than I turtle.i was almost rear ended on various occasions. I parked right away and left to work. I came back later that day and cranked her over and it started,but now with the check engine light blinking. So I…

    NHTSA complaint #11710343 · source
11. Filed Dec 10, 2025ALEngine

    On March 2024, I had my veloster towed to a certified Hyundai service dealer because it suddenly began losing power, the oil light came on, the engine light flickered, and it began making a whining noise, and then the engine died and wouldn’t crank again. It took them weeks to diagnose it, and they told me the turbo was out in it, and quoted me an absurd amount to replace it. I had the turbo replaced, as well as some gaskets, the coils and spark plugs. It ran fine after that…

    NHTSA complaint #11704302 · source
12. Filed Dec 9, 2025125,367 miNCEngine

    The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle then stalled at a stoplight. The vehicle was restarted and immediately driven to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine compression was abnormal and advised the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle…

    NHTSA complaint #11703931 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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