2016 Hyundai Veloster
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 222
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
59% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 222 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 296 |
| 2013 | 423 |
| 2014 | 85 |
| 2015 | 137 |
| 2016 | 222 |
| 2017 | 50 |
| 2019 | 42 |
| 2020 | 24 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 9 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
59% · 132 reportsShow complaint excerpts
TRAUMATIC CRITICAL FAILURE At [XXX] (XXX), in p/u spot, put car in P, got out, reached in to grab wallet when car lunged into R, as if being driven. Ran over & drug me until it hit another car to stop it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-03-16
How do I get help with a complaint against Hyundai for non compliance . This is my 2nd engine fire!!
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-08
Power train
19% · 43 reportsMost commonly citing manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Driving at slow speeds and foot off of gas, engine screams but the car does not move even though it is in drive. Slowly going up a hill in drive echo, engine dies as I press down on gas pedal.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-06-21
Fuel/propulsion system
9% · 20 reportsElectrical system
7% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
Incident Description: I purchased a 2016 Hyundai Veloster (VIN: KMHTC6ADXGU255844) in May 2025.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-04-11
Air bags
5% · 11 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-27
Also filed under Structure
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2016Complaint volume 222 complaints filed for this model year.
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2021-03-31Engine20V746000 Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles.
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).
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2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Hyundai Veloster — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 132 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 43 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 20 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V746000 · Engine
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2016 Hyundai Veloster reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Hyundai Veloster is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Veloster?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Veloster have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.