2016 Hyundai Veloster: engine failure

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 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 Dec 10, 2025 · Engine · AL

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 until June 2025 when the oil and check engine light came on and the engine died again while we were coming home from a vacation, 2 hours south of where we live in a tiny town that had no dealership or rental company within 100 miles. We found a small mechanic who said it needed a lower fuel pump. He put one in it and we got back on the road, but it still wasn’t running as well as it should. It don’t have quite as much power, but no dash lights came on. When I got home I took it to another local certified Hyundai service dealer, who said it needed new coils and spark plugs again, so they replaced them. Again it ran fine for a while until the day after thanksgiving this year, 11/25, when the oil light came on again at the end of my road. I took it to another local certified auto parts store who read the codes and found no suggested fix. No certified dealers were open that day, so I took it to Pep Boys where the engine light came on when I pulled in, and who said they thought it needed new timing solenoids, and put them in it. When they finished, they drove it and told me they felt like the turbo was going out and advised I take it to the dealer again. I had it towed to a certified Hyundai service dealer on Monday 12/01/25. They diagnosed it as needing a new turbo (again), a lower oil pan, and an oil switch. Quoted $3550. Over a week later today they told me that after putting it all in and tiring it on that the oil light came back on. They have now diagnosed it as needing an oil pump.

Filed Oct 20, 2025 · Engine · WI

My vehicle has been burning through oil for 2 years now. It started with me having to get oil changes every 3 months, then 2, then 1, now I am forced to go get oil top offs every 2-3 weeks or the check oil light comes on and car drives very rough. I have been reaching out and opening cases with Hyundai and working with my local dealer for a year now and still nothing is being resolved. I need my engine replaced and they refuse, wanting me to jump through hoops and doing various tests only to tell me that even after I pay thousands for the tests, there’s no guarantee they can replace the engine. This is a known issue when you search online and thousands of people’s Hyundais are being affected. This vehicle is less than 10 years old it should not be having these issues. Hyundai is at fault for creating faulty vehicles and they are refusing to do anything about it.

Filed Jun 2, 2025 · Engine · KY

About 2 years ago, my Veloster suddenly started using oil and began knocking. No check engine light or other indicators came on. I had it inspected by a mechanic who confirmed that there was a problem in the lower half of the motor and it would have to be replaced. I was aware that other Veloster owners had been experiencing the same issue. I found recall spawned by a class-action which extended the engine's warranty to 15 years and 150,000 miles, but the website said my Veloster was not covered by the recall. I called Hyundai and they also said that my Veloster was not covered by the recall. I was very frustrated. People I know that sell Hyundai vehicles remained hopeful that Hyundai would come around and recall my car too, but I do not think that is going to happen since it has been nearly 2 years now. I have a 2016 Hyundai Veloster R-Spec (which is a turbo model) and it has the same engine as other turbo models that were recalled. I am very frustrated that this issue is widely known and Hyundai seems to have gotten away with creating a vehicle that's longevity is subpar from any I have ever owned. It recently dawned on me to ask AI for help and it recommended I contact and you, the federal safety agency, so at the very least it is documented and patterns can be seen where this problem continues to occur with vehicles that were not part of the recall. I was very particular and admit about the maintenance on my Veloster. There is no reason that this car should be scrapped after experiencing a detrimental engine failure less than 7 years and 125,000 miles from when it was purchased brand new. I still have the car, which has been sitting in my driveway since before I had it towed to the mechanic about the engine problems.

Filed Mar 13, 2025 · Engine · TN

The engine has a known issue with the port holes being too small to allow adequate oil flow, this has been addressed in the non turbo engines. Our veloster had the same malfunction engine failure in which hyundai is not covering and the dealership is doing a goodwill coverage of only 70% expense of engine only. When the engine throws a rod due to the malfunction it damages the turbo most times and they are requiring a full payment for that issue. Main focus is the engine when replaced has larger holes/ports and the engine can perform adequately. So as a consumer and owner we want to advise on this unbalance of coverage of the extended warranty. Especially since the turbo engine is identical just adding the turbo which it's performing at a higher rate.

Filed Sep 19, 2024 · Engine · 96,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where diagnostic test codes indicated a timing chain failure and other diagnostic test codes were retrieved. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed due to low engine oil, and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that 2 quarts of oil was added to the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the engine was overfilled with oil. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was related to the knock sensor. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer, Great Lakes Hyundai of Dublin (2441 Billingsley Rd, Columbus, OH 43235), where it was diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that no engine failure was found; however, the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, went into LIMP Mode, and failed to exceed 5 MPH. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving 35-40 MPH. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle had become undrivable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they relied on the dealer’ assessment. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

Filed Feb 2, 2024 · Engine · 129,000 miles · CA

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 the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

Filed Jan 2, 2024 · Engine · 73,200 miles · GA

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.