2016 Hyundai Veloster recalls and problems

The 2016 Hyundai Veloster has 1 recall and 226 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is engine.

2015 Hyundai Veloster
Pictured: a 2015 model; the 2016 may differ in details. Photo: 2015 Hyundai Veloster by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How the 2016 compares
Fewest complaintsMost complaints

High complaint count among 9 Veloster model years — 3rd most.

1recalls
226complaints
16crashes
4fires
12injuries
58,900median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.
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1 recall

Engine

Dec 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.

Remedy & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2016: 8 complaints20162017: 16 complaints20172018: 12 complaints20182019: 19 complaints20192020: 14 complaints20202021: 53 complaints2021532022: 20 complaints20222023: 23 complaints20232024: 22 complaints20242025: 20 complaints20252026: 19 complaints202619

NHTSA investigations

Engine Fires

EA21003 · opened Dec 22, 2021 · closed Feb 5, 2024 · led to recall 23V877
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…

2016 vs. other Hyundai Veloster years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2016. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2016 Hyundai Veloster have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign covering the 2016 Hyundai Veloster, the latest from Dec 1, 2020 (engine). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

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

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention engine (142), power train (43), unknown or other (32). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.