2016 Hyundai Veloster · symptom sheet

Engine stalls or loses power while driving

51owner reports
98,000median miles
2involved a crash

Newest report Jun 8, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

182 of the 221 complaints on this car are about the engine. 51 of those describe stalling. Only engine failure is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 51 reports

it stalled while driving

it stalled at idle or a stop

warning lights came on

it restarted right away

the fuel pump was blamed

no code was stored

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (4 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

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 59,270 and 120,000 miles, from the 28 reports that gave a mileage.

116

117

319

420

1021

822

923

324

425

826

What owners wrote

“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 maintenance had been kept up with on the vehicle.”
Filed May 11, 2026

“King Hyundai hung up/refused free Recall 198 inspection despite confirmed defect (rod bearing/crank damage). VIN [XXX] . Case #1824300. Safety riskâstall/fire. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
Filed Nov 25, 2025

“The engine is stalling. Check engine light is flashing. Car is in limp mode. Dealership say it not a matter of it but when the engine blows up. Have seen where some of these cars blow up and catch on fire. Hyundai want help me or thousands of other people with this problem”
Filed Aug 10, 2023

“I got an inspection on my car and was told to take it to dealership due to a recall The engine would sometimes stall while I was driving The last time I used it, it no longer turned on at all But a check engine light never turned on or anything of the sort The car hasnât been inspected by anyone”
Filed Mar 10, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 2 of 51 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.