YearToAvoid

2016 Hyundai Veloster Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2016 Hyundai Veloster ranks 3rd worst out of 9 model years, with a Complaint Index of 75 and 222 complaints, driven mainly by engine issues (64% of complaints, median failure mileage 81,000). It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Veloster years.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
75/100
#3 of 9 Veloster years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
222
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
15
reported in complaints
Fires
4
Injuries
11
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2020
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
29.5
26.5 city / 33.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths
11 / 0

Top 2016 Hyundai Veloster problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine143 (64%)
  2. Transmission & Powertrain43 (19%)
  3. Other32 (14%)
  4. Fuel System22 (10%)
  5. Electrical System16 (7%)
  6. Airbags11 (5%)
  7. Brakes8 (4%)
  8. Structure & Body8 (4%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (2%)
  10. Visibility & Wipers4 (2%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report the engine screaming or revving with no forward motion at low speeds, sometimes stalling while climbing a hill.
  • Some describe the engine dying or hesitating during acceleration after a collision or unrelated event.
  • Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in side-impact and head-on crashes, including a Takata-related steering wheel airbag.
  • Owners report longer stopping distances and a surging sensation from the brakes despite no visible wear.
  • One owner reported the vehicle becoming uncontrollable and crashing into a median while driving 45 mph with no warning lights on.
  • A fuel leak reportedly caused the engine to stall and then catch fire while driving at low speed in light traffic.
2016 Hyundai Veloster complaints: complaints filed per quarter232016 Q12017 Q32019 Q12020 Q32022 Q12023 Q32025 Q12026 Q3
222 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2021 Q1 (23).

2016 Hyundai Veloster recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 20V746000Dec 1, 2020Engine128,948 vehicles

    Engine

    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: 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.

2016 Hyundai Veloster fuel economy and fuel cost

City
26.5 MPG
Highway
33.5 MPG
Combined
29.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,200
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2016 compared with other Veloster years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201220132014201520162017201920202021
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2014Caution5085228
2015Caution63136228
2016Avoid75222129.5
2017Good2550029.5
2019Good3842229.5

All Hyundai Veloster years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Hyundai Veloster reliable?
Compared with other Veloster model years, 2016 ranks 3rd worst out of 9 years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 75 and 222 NHTSA complaints, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
What is the main problem with the 2016 Hyundai Veloster?
Engine problems dominate, making up 64% of complaints (143 complaints) with a median failure mileage of 81,000 miles.
Does the 2016 Hyundai Veloster have a recall?
Yes, NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 20V746000) covering premature engine connecting rod bearing wear, with dealers inspecting and replacing the engine if bearing damage is found.
How does the 2016 Veloster compare to other years?
2016's Complaint Index of 75 is lower than 2013's 100 and 2012's 88, but far higher than 2020's 13 and 2021's 0, which rank as Best years.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.