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2016 Hyundai Veloster engine problems

142 complaints (63% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 83,000. 7 crashes reported.

owner complaints
142
of this car's complaints
63%
typical mileage
83,000
crashes
7
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Hyundai Veloster engine problems in other years

201220132014201520162017201920202021

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Knocking 49Stalling 46Check engine light 41Engine failure 29Loss of power 17Oil consumption 10Overheating 7Misfire 5

Related recalls

EngineReported December 1, 2020 · 128,948 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 20V746000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Engine FiresOpened December 22, 2021, closed February 5, 2024

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

EA21003

What 2016 Hyundai Veloster owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Engine · 90,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle shut off with several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was coasted off to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts and driven to the residence in LIMP Mode. The following day, the vehicle was driven to the dealer where the technicians failed to diagnose or duplicate the failure. The dealer performed an oil change, and the vehicle resumed normal operation; however, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and there was a milky substance inside the radiator which was the result of an oil leak. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Engine · IL

2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Gamma 1.6L T-GDI Engine failure with only 70,579 miles on it. Died while driving in the middle of a busy intersection with no warning. Luckily was not hit. Car was towed to same mechanic that has serviced since purchased. No oil leaks found. Oil was full of metal particles. Engine has run low on oil multiple times even after changing oil interval to every 3000 miles. Contacted Hyundai and was informed that our VIN is not part of their class action settlement for 2012 - 2017 Veloster Gamma 1.6 liter GDI, only difference is that we have a Turbo Gamma engine, otherwise everything is the same. We are continuing to reach out to Hyundai to get this resolved.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine · 100,144 miles · TX

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 informed that engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that there was oil leaking from the vehicle while at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone and email, and several cases were opened. The failure mileage was approximately 100,144.

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · Engine · NV

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 resolution. The oil consumption has continued and worsened over time. I am required to frequently add oil between services, raising serious concerns about engine reliability, safety, and potential engine failure. Despite ongoing documentation and repeated attempts to resolve the issue, Hyundai has not identified or corrected the root cause and has instead relied on temporary measures that have not fixed the problem. Throughout this process, my concerns have often been dismissed or minimized. Customer service has been inconsistent and at times unhelpful, despite a clear and documented history of complaints and repair attempts. Communication has been lacking and I have repeatedly had to advocate for proper attention to my case. These issues were first reported while the vehicle was under warranty, and Hyundai has had multiple opportunities to properly diagnose and repair the defect. Based on the documented history of ongoing oil consumption and repeated unsuccessful repair attempts, I believe Hyundai should honor its warranty obligations. I am requesting a full review of my case, acknowledgement of all warranty-period complaints, and approval of an engine replacement or other permanent repair at no cost to me. I am seeking accountability, fair treatment, and a lasting resolution to an ongoing engine defect.

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Engine · TN

2016 Hyundai Veloster with 1.6L Gamma engine experienced repeat catastrophic engine failure consistent with the federal safety agency 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 stated VIN was not covered under Recall 198, despite failure mode matching the recall. Failure #2: Hyundai replacement engine failed at 164,410 miles (40,374 miles on replacement engine). Identical symptoms returned: loud metallic knock that increases with RPM, same DTCs P0300/P0303, misfire cylinder 3. Vehicle is currently inoperable. Safety Concern: the federal safety agency Recall 20V746 states connecting rod bearings "may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage" and "can increase the risk of a fire." Both of my engines suffered catastrophic internal damage at ∼40k-50k mile intervals with identical codes and cylinder 3 failure. A broken intake valve is engine damage directly caused by bearing wear allowing piston-to-valve contact. This is a pattern defect. My VIN was excluded from the recall, yet suffered the exact failure twice. The replacement engine supplied by Hyundai had the same defect. This presents a safety risk of sudden engine stall, loss of power, or fire while driving. Requested Action: Investigation into why VINs experiencing the exact failure mode are excluded from Recall 20V746, and assistance obtaining remedy from Hyundai.

Filed Apr 28, 2026 · Engine · TX

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 service center so they could inspect the engine. We discovered that the make, model, and year of our Veloster had been subject to an engine recall and these cars were given an extended warranty to 15 years/150,000 miles. Hyundai inspected the engine and refused to provide assistance under the extended warranty/recall. Replacement of the engine is going to cost close to $10,000.

Filed Apr 11, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OK · crash · 1 injury

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.

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Engine · CA

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 into a Hyundai dealership to get repaired but to mention that campaign 966 was performed on the car already. Which was to prevent the p1326 recall from happening. And clearly it didn't.

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Engine · OK · crash · 1 injury

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 performed, broken ribs, sternum broken & displaced & fracture in spine. MRI completed yr prior after accident & only break was sternum. I have CT Scan & MRI results. Two wks later, in severe pain w ribs, wondered if I had pneumonia (I'm 62),, went to Urgent Care [XXX] took x-rays & called ambulance to pick me up, went to [XXX] [XXX] . Treated for rib & back pain & had a pleural effusion, most likely related to accident. Lost so much income, finally drove & about a mth later, at window at Jack in the Box, put car in P as I waited, after about 1 min, car started going fast into R, wouldn't stop, I had to turn car off. Fixed at Firestone. Broken shifter cable. About month later, still issues, Car threw itself into D when trying to go in R while driving. I assumed car wouldn't go in R. Took to Firestone next day. They said nothing wrong, went in all gears fine other serious car issues from day 1, currently at [XXX] Hyundai [XXX] Issues w car from day one, issues w SM at dealership that did work-alternator, starter, battery, tried to commit fraud, kept car hostage for wk, wouldn't give paperwork when asked for recall 198 Car engine knocking loud, kept running when turned off, consuming massive amts oil, began stalling, causing accident, further issues & my putting $ into car INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Engine · CA

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

Questions about the 2016 Hyundai Veloster engine

Does the 2016 Hyundai Veloster have engine problems?

Owners have filed 142 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Hyundai Veloster, 63% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2016 Hyundai Veloster engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 83,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 20V746000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Hyundai Veloster have bad engine?

The Hyundai Veloster model years with the most engine complaints are 2013 (174 complaints), 2016 (142 complaints) and 2015 (79 complaints).

Other 2016 Hyundai Veloster problems

Transmission 43Fuel system 22Electrical 16Airbags 11Acceleration 9Brakes 8Body 7Suspension 4Visibility 4Seat belts 2Driver assistance 1Seats 1Steering 1

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