2016 Hyundai Veloster: engine knocking or ticking

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 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 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

Filed Mar 2, 2026 · Engine · FL

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 USA continues to refuse to release to me the technical rod bearing diagnostic report completed on my 2016 Veloster. Since rod bearing failure is a safety recall issue (stalling), I am listing your help to explicitly request the Service Manager's diagnostic report and photos of the rod bearing clearance test. I can't get to work with my Veloster because it is unsafe to drive and has been at the dealership since January 17, 2026. My safety is at risk.

Filed Nov 25, 2025 · Transmission · FL

King Hyundai hung up/refused free Recall 198 inspection despite confirmed defect (rod bearing/crank damage). VIN [XXX] . Case #1824300. Safety risk—stall/fire. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 15, 2025 · Engine · 150,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that after completing a routine oil change, the contact discovered that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The contact had an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, who determined that the failure was related to the engine. The local dealer was contacted, and it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. There was corrosion around the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and requested the maintenance records, but declined to assist due to maintenance neglect. The contact stated that the maintenance records were not accessible due to not being the original owner. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Sep 11, 2025 · Engine · 99,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine and low oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the connecting rod bearings failure had resulted in the engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V746000(Engine), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 99,000.

Filed Jul 11, 2025 · Engine · 79,700 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle hesitated to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal, failed to exceed 45 MPH and made an abnormal knocking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a BCT (Bearing Clearance Test) was performed, and the knock sensors were replaced; however, the failure recurred immediately while leaving dealer's parking lot. The vehicle was taken to two other independent mechanics, where the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced due to damage to the engine rod bearings. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V746000(Engine); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 79,700.

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 Oct 23, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

Shortly after finishing major repairs at my local dealer, I started to expirience, what I believe, now, to be a "low-end engine knock". Engine knock can usually occur due to oil starvation, where the connecting rod bearings are worn and debris enters the engine. So, I brought my car back to the dealer to ask them what this strange noise was I was hearing; I asked them if it could be the brand new clutch, or their equipment they left in the engine bay for me. They gave me an answer and it was to not drive the car anymore. One employee of the dealer even suggested "wrapping it around a telephone pole"... They told me what the repairs would cost and I had not qualified for a warranty extention so I left. I acquired a definitive diagnostic elsewhere and was shown the gravity of the situation. My oil filter had caught pieces of the engine and it was dubbed an engine knock. This incident took me completely by surprise. I regularly changed my oil and never saw my levels get so low that they would be considered empty. I have only owned the car for 5 years and it being only 8 years old, I was hoping to enjoy the driving expirience for years to come. That sensation has been replaced with apprehension and possible engine fire... how do I afford to buy a new car every 5 years if I can't drive the one I have now??