2016 Hyundai Veloster: hesitation when accelerating

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 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 4, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

I am the second owner of a 2016 Hyundai Veloster Base, purchased used at approximately 19,976 miles. Since then, the vehicle has experienced multiple major powertrain-related failures. At 49,196 miles, the first catalytic converter failed and was replaced. Later, both the engine and second catalytic converter were replaced by Kearny Mesa Hyundai, a certified Hyundai dealership in San Diego, CA. When I brought the vehicle to Kearny Mesa Hyundai, there were no warning lights or active diagnostic trouble codes. However, the dealership’s service documentation stated that a P0420 code (catalyst system efficiency below threshold) was present — a code that was not active when I dropped off the vehicle, raising concerns about diagnostic accuracy or documentation. Now, at 61,982 miles, I brought the vehicle to Hyundai Ontario due to delayed shifting and hesitation when accelerating. The dealership diagnosed internal transmission failure and quoted approximately $5,000 for repairs. There were no warning lights or codes detected, meaning this diagnosis is based solely on driving symptoms. The failure of two catalytic converters, the engine, and now the transmission — all within approximately 42,000 miles of ownership — raises serious concerns about the long-term reliability of this vehicle and possible manufacturing defects. The transmission symptoms pose a serious safety risk, especially when merging or accelerating into traffic. I am requesting that this vehicle be investigated for potential systemic issues affecting its powertrain components.

Filed Apr 2, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 150,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and responded slowly. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated independently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where both catalytic converters were replaced, and the fuel lines were cleaned; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where the vehicle was test-driven, and the mechanic informed the contact that the failure could be related to the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Mar 4, 2024 · Engine · FM

There is a recall for 2016 Velosters that is for the engine rods failing. The 2015 to 2016 Hyundai Veloster has been recalled for connecting-rod bearings in the engine that could wear out prematurely and damage the engine1. The 2016 Hyundai Veloster has had several engine-related issues, including excessive oil consumption, going into limp mode, hesitating at acceleration, knocking sound in the engine, poor acceleration, stalling, failure in the timing chain tensioner, rough idling, and oil leaks. Which is exactly what is happening to my car currently. Told me I was not eligible. But I'm not understanding why.

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.

Filed Feb 7, 2023 · Engine · GA

Late Spring 2021–notified of recall due to connecting rod/bearing issue. Hyundai dealer does engine inspection on 4/27/2021 & clears it. Also installed software update to monitor the problem. April 27, 2022–Car dies multiple times while driving on highway. Starts back up each time, but making clacking noise with Check engine & oil light on. Pulled over and had towed to mechanic. Couldn’t get diagnostic code, but told based on the incident, believe the issue related to recall & told to take it to dealer. Had car towed to Hyundai. Ran simple diagnostic. Got no codes. Manager drives & says some hesitation not unusual with Veloster. Did not stall. Recommends fuel additive. Early May 2022-Check engine light comes on & stays. Check at Autozone, Firestone, & dealer– told only catalytic converter code & car is drivable. Oil light starts flickering intermittently about every two weeks. Start scheduling earlier oil changes. Continues to flicker. Start adding oil between changes. August/September 2022?–Receive Hyundai letter stating warranty extended on my engine due to connecting rod recall. Warranty now 15 years/150,000 miles. December 20, 2022–Check engine light starts flashing. December 27, 2022–Dealer says can’t look at for 4 months, take to Firestone. Tech gets code 1326-returns no info in system but research & believe related to recall requiring Dealer fix. Connect with Dealer service & am able to get it looked at in a week. January 9, 2023–tech says excessive oil burnt at top of pistons & oil leaking into cylinders, due to internal seal failure. Recommend replacing engine, but not related to recall. Research finds recall due to faulty piston seals/oil leaks on 2019-2021 Velosters & plenty of complaints about oil seal problems & excessive oil burning problems with earlier Velosters as well. Car unsafe to drive on highway due to lagging acceleration & hesitation. 2/3/2023–call Hyundai America about safety concerns. 2/7/2023–Hyundai denies claim.

Filed Oct 28, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · NC

My driveway has a slight incline to get out of and every morning when I start to leave the car will start to jerk- like it isn't gong into gear and i have to back off the gas pedal to stop it. It is hard to describe. But it definitely should not be making that sound. Yes I can take if for inspection. When I am at a stop light or just stopped and whenever I turn the car wants to hesitate and sometimes jerks me. Transmission issue here I believe. About got hit on several times because of the engine not performing when I press the gas. When I drive on the highway for 2-4 hrs, when I get off and stop the car is like it is still on the highway. Meaning when I push on the throttle it takes off. As far as I know, when I take my car to Hyundai for oil changes and maintenance work they haven't inspected my car. Ever since I purchased the car- it has never ran right. Something for sure is wrong with the motor- When I need the turbo to work- it kicks in around 40 mile an hr- not when I put on the gas. The car just runs terrible. There is also a horrible blind spot on both sides where the mirrors are. Horrible.

Filed Feb 4, 2021 · Brakes, Engine · 27,777 miles · IL · crash

My car hesitated from a stop sign, then launched forward causing it to uncontrollably jump forward very fast. When I went to hit the brakes they failed to active, and had to pull the e brake. The car has had a software update for the TCM on my dct transmission but the problem seems to not be able to be fixed. This is very dangerous, and could cause a major accident or death.

Filed Oct 13, 2020 · Transmission · 84,000 miles · IN

Attempted to back out of parking space reverse no longer worked. Pushed vehicle out of parking and was able to drive forward to get car home. When in drive it is jerky as gears shifts. It is to slow to shift, slow to engage gears, once shift is complete hesitates low to keep moving forward then jerks forward very aggressively.

Filed Aug 6, 2018 · Acceleration · MA

Car is now hesitating upon acceleration and sounding louder than usual as well. Rpm is not moving up much and harder to speed up, even in sport mode. Dangerous when needing to go at relatively high speeds (onto highway onramps etc)

Filed Jan 7, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · 12,000 miles · CA

When accelerating from a stop the car hesitates, then jumps forward, that hesitates again before accelerating normally. This is the usual behavior when accelerating from a stop, whether accelerating rapidly or smoothly. The behavior has always been present since the car was new. The dealer claims it is normal behavior but it is a behavior I've never experienced other cars.