VehicleVerdict

2016 Hyundai Veloster problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 300 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.3 times the median Veloster year — the 2016 model ranks #3 of 10 Veloster years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 17 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 47% of all reports (140 of 300), far ahead of transmission at 43. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

300

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

25

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

17

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Veloster years?

Veloster NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted577 complaints2012: 408 complaints2013: 577 complaints2014: 114 complaints2015: 186 complaints2016: 300 complaints2017: 69 complaints2019: 62 complaints2020: 29 complaints2021: 15 complaints2022: 9 complaints
Veloster NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Veloster years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Hyundai Veloster problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine14047%
Transmission4314%
Other3110%
Fuel System238%
Electrical System165%
Airbags114%
Speed Control93%
Brakes83%
Body & Structure72%
Visibility & Wipers41%
Suspension41%
Seats10%
Driver Assistance10%
Seat Belts10%
Steering10%

Does the 2016 Hyundai Veloster have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V746000EngineDecember 1, 2020 · 128,948 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY CAR HESITATED FROM A STOP SIGN, THEN LAUNCHED FORWARD CAUSING IT TO UNCONTROLLABLY JUMP FORWARD VERY FAST. WHEN I WENT TO HIT THE BRAKES THEY FAILED TO ACTIVE, AND HAD TO PULL THE E BRAKE. THE CAR HAS HAD A SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THE TCM ON MY DCT TRANSMISSION BUT THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO NOT BE ABLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 29, 2021 · crash

“MY CAR HESITATED FROM A STOP SIGN, THEN LAUNCHED FORWARD CAUSING IT TO UNCONTROLLABLY JUMP FORWARD VERY FAST. WHEN I WENT TO HIT THE BRAKES THEY FAILED TO ACTIVE, AND HAD TO PULL THE E BRAKE. THE CAR HAS HAD A SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THE TCM ON MY DCT TRANSMISSION BUT THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO NOT BE ABLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 29, 2021 · crash

“CAR WAS T-BONED AT 60 MPH ON REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WHILE HAVING BACKPACK THAT WEIGHED IN EXCESS OF 65LBS IN REAR PASSENGER (RIGHT SIDE)AND NO RIGHT SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED EVEN THOUGH THE IMPACT WAS RIGHT AT THE AIRBAG SENSOR. IMMEDIATELY AFTER ACCIDENT CARBDROVE FINE FOR ABOUT 1 HOIUR AND THEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 27, 2017 · crash

“ON 1/12/2020, WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. WITHIN A MINUTE FIRE ERUPTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I WAS GOING ABOUT 30 MILES AN HOUR IN VERY LIGHT TRAFFIC. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 12, 2020 · fire

“THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP FOR THE LAST YEAR. THE CAR HAS SIGNIFICANT VIBRATION WHEN TURNING ON MY AC AND LIGHTS. THE GAS MILEAGE HAS DROPPED FROM 30MPG TO 17 MPG. THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD WHEN TAKING OF AND STARTING. I WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION WHERE THE ISSUES PARTIALLY CAUSED ME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 3, 2019 · crash

2016 Hyundai Veloster — common questions

Is the 2016 Hyundai Veloster reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 300 complaints put the 2016 model at #3 of 10 Veloster years. It is one of the Veloster years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Veloster problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (140 complaints), transmission (43 complaints), other (31 complaints).

Does the 2016 Hyundai Veloster have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 Hyundai Veloster. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Veloster under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Veloster years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Veloster years to avoid are 2013, 2012, 2016, 2015, 2014. The cleanest record among Veloster years belongs to 2022.

How safe is the 2016 Hyundai Veloster?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Hyundai Veloster earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.