2016 Hyundai Veloster: stuck in gear or won't shift

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 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 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 Aug 10, 2023 · Engine · NC

The engine is stalling. Check engine light is flashing. Car is in limp mode. Dealership say it not a matter of it but when the engine blows up. Have seen where some of these cars blow up and catch on fire. Hyundai want help me or thousands of other people with this problem

Filed Feb 14, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Cruising on freeway ~70 mph when car starts slowing due to lack of power- for unknown reason car went into "limp mode", with turbo boost pressure and power cut off, barely enough power to keep car at 60 mph in order to make it to freeway exit to pull off. This could have caused serious collision. Turned off car, let it sit 1 min, turned it back on, and problem seemed to go away. No Check Engine Light, no OBD2 codes. Limp mode sometimes occur during harsh shifts but releasing throttle and reengaging usually fixes it but this time needed to shut off the car. Has been reported to dealer but they can't reproduce consistently and no CEL/codes so they won't try to find a fix. But losing power for no apparent reason on freeway definitely dangerous situation.

Filed Mar 23, 2021 · Engine · 27,000 miles · TX

Was on a 10 hr round trip drive,engine light flashed,stayed on then flashed again and continued to do this,then went into limp mode.was on the highway. Had car taken to nearest shop and the engine has to be replaced do to a cracked block.

Filed Jan 11, 2019 · Transmission · 23,000 miles · CA

Sometimes the transmission will not go into gear upon starting the vehicle. This primarily occurs when first starting the car and shifting into reverse. The shifter will go into place but the car does not move when pressing the accelerater. So far this problem has been able to be resolved by putting it back in park, turning off the car, and restarting it.

Filed Sep 15, 2017 · Acceleration, Transmission · TX

The vehicle has failed to perform multiple occasions. Take off from a light and about 3rd gear the car will not accelerate but rpms will rise and will go all the way to red line, foot on gas pedal but no correlating acceleration, kicks in moment later with a jerk. Car has had two dct updates, one engine update all have not fixed the jerk acceleration and sporadic unableness to get vehicle going but rpms rise. Car has gotten stuck in gear when merging onto freeway, the car has had its rpms rise continuous to red line while foot was entirely off the gas pedal then rpms fell and acceleration fucntion resumed. No real help from hyundai as of yet or acknowledgement of a problem. Issue has been reported to them since 2016. This issue has also occured on highways while in a higher gear as well as intersections at lower gear. Gears shift efforltessly and smooth somedays and eradict and unreliable other days. Also has failed to accelerate after red light right turns that could clearly be made, however when the vehicle gets stuck and wont accelerate the risk of getting hit or rear ended is of high probablility and concern. Only a matter of time before a serious accident will happen. Issue occurs sporadically (avg couple times a month) since june 2016 which makes it hard to duplicate but it occurs and is without a doubt a safety issue and the car is not functioning as designed. Proud military family in this our sole vehicle, which is not getting the attention it needs from hyundai in regards to this major safety concern. Cant believe they keep sending us off in this death trap saying they updated it and it should fix our issue. They are aware and they do nothing to make progress on this issue or ensure the safety of the families in their vehichles when this particular issue has presented itself in others velosters as well.

Filed Feb 25, 2017 · Fuel system · 1,000 miles · IL

The RPM's rev to 6500, but the car does not move. When trying to enter the express way car does not shift right, RPM revs to 6500, and does not shift to the next gear. I fear for my life when entering any highway. The car can't even pass another vehicle going 40mph. Dealer says nothing is wrong!!! Also when turning a corner vehicle hesitates to accelerate, this is a very dangerous vehicle, I do not feel safe when I drive it. Something is wrong with the electronic shifting module I think. I hope that this complaint will let others know that this vehicle has acceleration issues. The dealer told me on my last visit the everyone complains about this same issue.

Filed Feb 10, 2016 · Engine · 3,300 miles · CO

This brand new car breaks down on my teenager. It has done so on me as well. Had it into the dealer and auto shops and they cnt find anything wrong. This car lea ves my kid stranded in the middle of nowhere. Not safe. Goes into limp mode and stalls.