2016 Hyundai Veloster Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
75/100
#3 most-complained of 9 Veloster years
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.
- Complaints
- 222
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 15 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 29.5
- 26.5 city / 33.5 hwy
Top 2016 Hyundai Veloster problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine143 (64%)
- Transmission & Powertrain43 (19%)
- Other32 (14%)
- Fuel System22 (10%)
- Electrical System16 (7%)
- Airbags11 (5%)
- Brakes8 (4%)
- Structure & Body8 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (2%)
- Visibility & Wipers4 (2%)
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 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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
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.