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 Sep 9, 2026

139 of the 221 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.

Tick what matches of 62 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 (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.

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

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.

$1,748$3,550$5,000

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 79,700 and 124,036 miles, from the 37 reports that gave a mileage.

119

120

1621

1022

923

1124

725

726

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.