VehicleVerdict

2016 Hyundai Veloster engine problems

The 2016 Hyundai Veloster has 140 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 47% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

140

Engine complaints

47%

Share of year

7

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Veloster engine complaints by model year172 complaints2012: 64 complaints2013: 172 complaints2014: 35 complaints2015: 78 complaints2016: 140 complaints2017: 26 complaints2019: 21 complaints2020: 8 complaints2021: 3 complaints
Veloster engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2016 Hyundai Veloster have?

NHTSA has 140 complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Veloster engine — 47% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Veloster engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 20V746000.

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.