2016 Hyundai Veloster Engine Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 7, 2026 · 133 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 133 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster, 60% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 81,500 miles. The words owners use most often: “rod bearings” (8% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Rod bearings: mentioned in 11 of 133 complaints (8%)
  • Knocking sound: mentioned in 10 of 133 complaints (8%)
  • Catalytic converter: mentioned in 9 of 133 complaints (7%)
  • Oil pressure: mentioned in 8 of 133 complaints (6%)

At what mileage do engine problems happen?

Based on 53 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles5 · 9%
10k–25k miles4 · 8%
25k–50k miles7 · 13%
50k–75k miles6 · 11%
75k–100k miles11 · 21%
100k–150k miles17 · 32%
150k+ miles3 · 6%

How serious are the reports?

Of 133 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 4 an injury.

Hyundai Veloster engine complaints by model year

Peak: 2013, with 172 complaints
2012: 612012612013: 17220131722014: 332014332015: 762015762016: 13320161332017: 262017262019: 182019182020: 9202092021: 320213

n = 531 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearEngine complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2021 Veloster327%—
2020 Veloster938%60,500
2019 Veloster1843%57,000
2017 Veloster2652%79,186
2016 Veloster13360%81,500
2015 Veloster7655%86,000
2014 Veloster3339%91,500
2013 Veloster17240%85,000
2012 Veloster6121%85,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2021, with 42 complaints
2016: 4201642018: 1201812019: 6201962020: 5202052021: 422021422022: 152022152023: 192023192024: 162024162025: 152025152026: 10202610

n = 133 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

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.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are 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…

Received Oct 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11769660

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…

Received Jun 12, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11743640

2016 Hyundai Veloster with 1.6L Gamma engine experienced repeat catastrophic engine failure consistent with NHTSA Recall 20V746000 / Hyundai Recall 198 for connecting rod bearing failure. Failure #1: At 124,036 miles, engine developed loud knocking noise increasing with RPM, check engine light, and…

Received Jun 8, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11742811
Hyundai Veloster
Hyundai Veloster (JS) N. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Benespit, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all 2016 Hyundai Velosters have engine problems?

No. NHTSA has 133 owner complaints about engine for the 2016 Hyundai Veloster (60% of the 223 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster engine?

Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

At what mileage do engine problems start?

The median reported mileage is 81,500 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.

What do owners say about engine problems on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster?

The most frequent phrase is “rod bearings”, in 11 of 133 complaints, followed by “knocking sound” (10).

See all 2016 Hyundai Veloster problems or engine problems across all Veloster years.