2016 Hyundai Veloster Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 7, 2026 · 223 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Veloster years
Far more complaints than other years 3rd of 9 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 223 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Veloster. That ranks 3rd out of 9 Veloster model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (133 complaints, 60%), typically at around 81,500 miles. Complaints mention 15 crashes, 4 fires, 11 injuries. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Hyundai Veloster
Hyundai Veloster (JS) N. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Benespit, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2016 Hyundai Veloster problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine133 · ~81,500 mi
Power Train43 · ~18,019 mi
Unknown or Other32 · ~12,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System20 · ~13,000 mi
Electrical System16 · ~52,433 mi
Air Bags11 · ~32,000 mi
Vehicle Speed Control9 · ~9,600 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling8 · ~87,500 mi
Service Brakes8 · ~32,389 mi
Structure7 · ~29,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine problems13360%81,500“rod bearings” (8%)—
Power Train4319%18,019——
Unknown or Other3214%12,000——
Fuel/propulsion System209%13,000——
Electrical System167%52,433——
Air Bags115%32,000——
Vehicle Speed Control94%9,600——
Engine and Engine Cooling84%87,500——
Service Brakes84%32,389——
Structure73%29,000——
Suspension42%39,259——
Visibility42%20,550——
Fuel System, Gasoline31%24,000——
Seat Belts21%23,784——
Back Over Prevention10%———
Seats10%———
Steering10%29,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2021, with 53 complaints
2016: 8201682017: 162017162018: 122018122019: 192019192020: 142020142021: 532021532022: 202022202023: 232023232024: 222024222025: 202025202026: 16202616

n = 223 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2016 Hyundai Veloster recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

EngineDec 1, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V746000 · 128,948 vehicles

Problem: 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: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Engine Fires (EA21003) — opened Dec 22, 2021, closed Feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V877.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that there was…

Engine · received Oct 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11769660

Issue with driver side seat belt unlatching at random moments: while driving or at stand still. Local dealership has been notified at multiple oil changes and it has been looked at, however, technicians cannot recreate event.

Seat Belts · received Sep 15, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11764462

Formal complaint against Hyundai Motor America for failure to provide safety recall remedies on a U.S.-conforming vehicle. Vehicle History: This 2016 Hyundai Veloster was purchased in the U.S. territory of [XXX], manufactured to meet U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Years later…

Unknown or Other · received Jul 17, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11751038

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that gas fumes were entering inside the vehicle and exhaust fumes were present while driving the vehicle and while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on several occasions and to several dealers…

Fuel System, Gasoline · received Jun 24, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11746173

Complaint regarding 2016 Hyundai Veloster engine oil consumption and warranty denial. In late 2023, at approximately 70,000–80,000 miles, my vehicle began experiencing excessive oil consumption. I reported this issue to Hyundai and authorized dealerships while the vehicle was still under…

Engine · received Jun 12, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11743640

Other Hyundai Veloster years

← 2015 Veloster · 2017 Veloster →

See all Hyundai Veloster problems by year, every Hyundai model, or the Hyundai VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Veloster?

Owners most often report engine, power train, unknown or other problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 133 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2016 Hyundai Veloster a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Veloster model years, the 2016 has far more complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.