2015 Hyundai Veloster · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

39owner reports
86,000median miles
0involved a crash

Newest report Apr 29, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

79 of the 136 complaints on this car are about the engine. 39 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2015 Veloster.

Tick what matches of 39 reports

a knocking or ticking noise first

the engine seized

oil light or low oil

the engine was replaced

it was covered by a warranty or extension

I was denied coverage

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (36 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the engine covers the 2015 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

20V-746Dec 1, 2020

Engine

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 and remedy

Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Veloster

EA21-003opened Dec 22, 2021

Engine · model years 2015 to 2016

Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.

NHTSA summary

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 44,000 and 129,000 miles, from the 15 reports that gave a mileage.

120

921

422

823

924

625

226

What owners wrote

“Excessive engine oil consumption causing fouled spark plugs engine stalling. Engine was replace due to defective rod bearings at 98 000 mile under warranty and recall. Engine now ha 130,000 miles piston rings have failed. Stalled on busy freeway almost causing mutual crash.I have an appointment at the Hyundai delership October 28th 2015. Hyundai replaced one defective engine with another.”
Filed Oct 26, 2025 · 130,000 miles

“Spun rod bearings. Noticed that was the issue with play in piston doing a screwdriver test and noticing thru under the oil pan before tear down. Had to pry the bearing off with pliers and hit with a screwdriver to remove. I have plenty of photos and videos”
Filed Feb 19, 2025

“Spontaneous rod knocking, hindered performance which in tern poor acceleration, which could become a safety risk especially when commuting on a freeway. High risk of motor vehicle accidents or could lead to a fatal incident if left stranded on major roadways and railroad crossings.”
Filed Jan 7, 2025

“At this time failure is unknown. The engine has a knocking noise. There 8s a current recal for the 2015 and 2016 hyundai velosters and im told my car does not qualify because the build date is two days before the recall dates”
Filed Mar 27, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 39 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.