2016 Hyundai Veloster · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 62owner reports
- 104,886median miles
- $3,550median quote
- 3involved a crash
Newest report Jun 12, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
139 of the 222 complaints on this car are about the engine. 62 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2016 Veloster.
Narrower sheets: Engine knocking or ticking (36 reports)
Tick what matches of 62 reports
Engine failure on other Veloster years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (58 reports), the turbo (6 reports) and the timing chain (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
The recall on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Veloster
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
What owners paid
9 of the 62 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,748 to $5,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 79,700 and 124,036 miles, from the 37 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 11 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Hyundai Veloster that deal with this problem. 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.
Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
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 ...
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.
7 more on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster page.
What owners wrote
“When changing vehicle oil it has been noticed that there is contaminants appearing to be metal bits/glittery could possibly be rod bearing material. Also have noticed fluctuating idle”
Filed Mar 12, 2026
“Knocking on engine. All service necessary for the vehicle has been up to date. Hyundai Dealer has said to wait for a recall. Rod bearing recall has happened and my vehicle was never recalled.”
Filed Mar 15, 2024
“My vehicle started making knocking noise in front end. Took it to my mechanic and he told me to take to dealership and see if there is a recall for my car. I've done so much research on vehicle for recall and it says that its the rod knocking which should be covered as the recall I found but Hyundai is giving me problems with it. Vehicle is a 2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo”
Filed Aug 18, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 3 of 62 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. 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. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 51 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 38 reports