2016 Hyundai Veloster · symptom sheet

Engine knocking or ticking

36owner reports
105,000median miles
$1,748median quote
2involved a crash

Newest report Jun 8, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

36 of the 62 reports of engine failure on the 2016 Veloster describe engine knock.

Part of Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing (62 reports)

Tick what matches of 36 reports

a knocking noise from the engine

it got louder over time

oil consumption came with it

the dealer called it normal

the engine needed to be replaced

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the rod bearing (14 reports), the knock sensor (6 reports) and the engine (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

5 of the 36 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,000 to $3,000.

$1,000$1,748$3,000

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

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 77,800 and 130,000 miles, from the 20 reports that gave a mileage.

1121

522

523

924

325

326

What owners wrote

“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. 2 of 36 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.