First generation (FS)
2016 Hyundai Veloster
The most reported problem on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster is engine failure, with 62 complaints, usually around 105,000 miles.
- 222owner complaints
- 1recalls
- 15involved a crash
- 65,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 15, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Veloster doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Veloster reliable?
The 2016 Hyundai Veloster has 222 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, close to the median of 195 for 2016 hatchbacks on this site. Of the 7 Veloster model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 20 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs 4.0 times the 2017 (5). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Engine failure has 62 complaints and stalling has 51, out of 222 in all. It's a high-mileage complaint: half of the 37 owners who gave a mileage for engine failure were past about 105,000 miles.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 21 of the 222 complaints (9%) report a crash, a fire or an injury. The typical vehicle on this site sits at 6%, so this one runs well above it. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 15 reports mention a crash, 4 mention a fire and 11 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 5 of 15, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- engine failure, stalling and misfire all have recalls on the same system, and the same campaigns cover them: 20V-746. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings jumped in 2021, with 53 complaints, 2.3 times the next busiest year. So far in 2026, 15 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine failure, knocking or rod bearing, 62 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
222 complaints is about the median for a 2016 model on this site and about the median for a 2016 hatchback. Among the 2 Veloster model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Hyundai Veloster
Hyundai filed 125 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Hyundai Veloster. 17 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 2 bulletins · 62 complaints
A class action lawsuit against Hyundai Motor America (âHMAâ) alleges that certain Hyundai vehicles (âClass Vehiclesâ) were manufactured, marketed, sold, and/or leased with an engine defect that can result in sudden engine seizure, stalling, engine ...
Certain vehicles listed below may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedure to inspect the vehicle and replace the engine and/or update the engine ECU software (if new ROM is available) based on the inspection ...
Check engine light or misfire 3 bulletins · 38 complaints
Certain 2012-2016 1.6L VELOSTER (FS) vehicles may experience a check engine warning light with the following DTC(s) found stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM): ? DTC P0455 - Evaporative emission system-Leak detected (Large leak) ? DTC P0456 - Evaporative ...
Some Veloster (FS) and Sonata Hybrid (YF HEV) vehicles may experience a check engine warning light ON with any of the following DTCs found stored: ? P0442 - Evaporative System (EVAP) - Small Leak ? P0455 - Evaporative System (EVAP) - Large Leak ? P0456 - ...
1 more on this problem
This bulletin provides information related to ECM (Engine Control Module) software update for diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0441 - Canister Purge Valve (CPV) - Incorrect CPV Flow. There is no vehicle performance concern associated with this condition.
Engine knocking or ticking 3 bulletins · 36 complaints
Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
1 more on this problem
Hyundai is conducting a product improvement campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
Rod bearing failure 6 bulletins · 23 complaints
The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs ...
Certain vehicles listed below may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or an engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage.
4 more on this problem
Certain vehicles may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or engine may exhibit abnormal noise, or no crank/no start condition related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage.
The Powertrain warranty coverage for certain engine repairs and/or replacement where the engine damage or malfunction is related to connecting rod bearing wear, has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date ...
Certain vehicles that have completed Service Campaign 966 may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or an engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear or damage.
The Powertrain warranty coverage for certain engine repairs and/or replacement where the engine damage, defect, or failure is related to connecting rod bearing wear, has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or ...
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 1 bulletin · 8 complaints
Some subject vehicles may experience the illumination of various warning lamps including the brake warning lamp and other lamps.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 2 bulletins · 6 complaints
This bulletin provides guidelines to inspect the USB, head unit, and multi-box for common connection conditions. 2. This bulletin presents guidelines to inspect for common Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection conditions. 3.
This bulletin contains information regarding the clock display on certain Navigation (AVN 4.0) head units. This procedure is specifically for the clock date and time not displaying which started appearing around August 17, 2019.
Complaints filed by year
53 complaints came in 2021, 3.8 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2016 Hyundai Veloster
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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
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.
The recall on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster?
Engine failure, with 62 of the 222 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 105,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Hyundai Veloster problems start?
Of the 120 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 20,000 miles and half by about 65,000.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Veloster better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has more complaints than the 2017: 20 a year against 5.
How many 2016 Hyundai Veloster complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
21 of them (9%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for engine failure on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 20V-746. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.