2016 Hyundai Veloster problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (98) · Power Train (30) · Vehicle Speed Control (9)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Hyundai Veloster model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
110 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (1)
Engine 2020-12-01 · campaign 20V746000 · 128,948 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (128)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Back Over Prevention: Warnings 2026-10-15 · 26-GI-004H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some hyundai vehicles may be equipped with a parking distance warning (pdw) sensor(s) that may trigger various dtcs and display warning messages on the instrument cluster, resulting in the pdw sensor(s) failing to detect nearby objects or triggering multiple false alarms. this condition may be a res
Engine 2026-10-08 · 26-EM-016H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. this bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles diagnosed with this condition. all internal combustion engines consume some engine oil during normal operatio
Engine 2026-10-07 · 26-EM-015H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. this bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles exhibiting this condition. all internal combustion engines consume engine oil as part of normal engine operatio
Electrical System 2026-05-23 · Z01 Letter · Warranty Program/Extension
certain 2012 – 2017 model year accent, 2012 – 2017 model year azera, 2013 – 2018 model year santa fe sport, 2013 – 2019 model year santa fe, and 2012 – 2017 model year veloster vehicles may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) may be set. at hyundai, we ar
Electrical System 2026-04-25 · 26-BE-011H DN · Warranty Program/Extension
some vehicles listed below may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and dtc(s) b1763 (ocs ecu defect), and/or b1764 (ocs mat defect) may be stored. hyundai is extending the warranty coverage of the sensor for the occupant classification system (ocs) / occupant detection system (ods) to 18 ye
Electrical System 2026-04-25 · 26-BE-011H TSB · Warranty Program/Extension
some vehicles listed below may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and dtc(s) b1763 (ocs ecu defect), and/or b1764 (ocs mat defect) may be stored. hyundai is extending the warranty coverage of the sensor for the occupant classification system (ocs) / occupant detection system (ods) to 18 ye
Showing the 6 most recent of 128 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-23 · Engine And Engine Cooling · 90,000 mi“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 dea…”
2026-10-22 · Engine“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 eve…”
2026-10-07 · Engine · 100,144 mi“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 …”
2026-09-15 · Seat Belts“issue with driver side seat belt unlatching at random moments: while driving or at stand still. local dealership has been notified at multiple oil changes and it has been looked at, however, technicians cannot recreate event.…”
2026-07-17 · Unknown Or Other“formal complaint against hyundai motor america for failure to provide safety recall remedies on a u.s.-conforming vehicle. vehicle history: this 2016 hyundai veloster was purchased in the u.s. territory of [xxx], manufactured to meet u.s. federal motor vehicle safety standards (fmvss). years later, it was legally relocated to the u.s. mainland and…”
2026-06-24 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 19,000 mi“the contact owns a 2016 hyundai veloster. the contact stated that gas fumes were entering inside the vehicle and exhaust fumes were present while driving the vehicle and while the vehicle was parked. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on several occasions and to several dealers; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined…”
2026-06-12 · Engine“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 consumpt…”
2026-06-08 · Engine“2016 hyundai veloster with 1.6l gamma engine experienced repeat catastrophic engine failure consistent with nhtsa 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 mi…”
2026-05-11 · Power Train“i was driving down the highway when i lost all power to my engine and had to coast off and exit. prior to the incident there was no indication of a problem. white smoke began coming out of my exhaust. i brought the car to a dealership and they told me that i would need a timing job and a new turbo. they said that my car was starved for oil, regular…”
2026-04-28 · Engine“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 mechan…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.