Is the 2016 Hyundai Veloster a bad year?
225 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine complaints: 141, 6.7× a quiet Veloster year.
Consider selling
Half of all engine complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Veloster were filed between 52k and 108k miles. You're at 83,000 miles.
The verdict moves with mileage: the same car reads differently at 30,000 and at 150,000 miles.
What 2016 Veloster owners report, by mileage
Each system owners named in five or more complaints, with the mileage range where the middle half of those complaints were filed. Read at 83,000 miles.
| SYSTEM | COMPLAINTS | MIDDLE HALF FILED AT | TYPICAL US REPAIR BILLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| EngineSTANDS OUT | 141 (63%) | 52k–108k miles · around this mileage | Valve cover gasket replacement $110–$500 · Timing chain replacement $1,000–$4,000 |
| Transmission and drivetrainSTANDS OUT | 43 (19%) | 7k–37k miles · mostly behind | CV axle / CV joint replacement (one side) $300–$1,500 · Automatic transmission replacement $2,500–$7,000 |
| Fuel system | 22 (10%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Electrical system | 16 (7%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Air bags | 11 (5%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Speed control | 9 (4%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Brakes | 8 (4%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Body structure | 7 (3%) | too few with a mileage | — |
Bills are typical US ranges from the sources named in the tool (J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, CarParts.com and others), printed only for systems that stand out or sit at or ahead of 83,000 miles. Not a quote.
What owners reported alongside their complaints
Of 225 complaints: 15 mention a crash · 4 mention a fire · 11 report an injury · 25 say the car was towed.
22 complaints were filed in the last 12 months, the newest in Oct 2026.
Counts of what owners wrote in their complaints, not verified by anyone.
In owners' own words
Driving the vehicle just fine. Check engine light comes on gives code P0014 (Camshaft position sensor) take it to shop run diagnostic.
The problem started with a ticking noise. I changed the oil hoping that this would resolve the issue but nothing changed.
While driving 60 miles an hour on the interstate heading to work I begin to hear a knocking from my engine. I put my flashers on and begin to slow down because I begin to smell smoke.
Unedited excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, chosen by mileage (nearest 83,000 miles), not by content. Unverified.
Recalls for the 2016 Hyundai Veloster: 1
The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage. A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
A recall may cover only some cars of a model year; the campaign size counts every model and year it lists. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: dealers fix open recalls free.
Service bulletins from Hyundai: 109
Repair instructions Hyundai sent its dealers for symptoms seen in the shop on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster. Ask a dealer or mechanic for a bulletin by its number.
This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle's inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H (DTC P1326…
Hyundai is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs
Some vehicles may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326 and/or an engine concern/noise related to connecting rod bearing wear…
Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage…
NHTSA defect investigations: 1
Engine Fires
Neighbouring years
2015 Veloster: 137 complaints, keep it, but watch the engine · 2017 Veloster: 50 complaints, keep it.
Every Hyundai Veloster year
2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · All Veloster years side by side
Other Hyundai models: Hyundai Accent · Hyundai Azera · Hyundai Elantra · Hyundai Elantra Touring · Hyundai Entourage · Hyundai Genesis · Hyundai Genesis Coupe · Hyundai Ioniq 5 · Hyundai Kona · Hyundai Kona Electric · Hyundai Palisade · Hyundai Santa Cruz · Hyundai Santa Fe · Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid · Hyundai Santa Fe Sport · Hyundai Sonata · Hyundai Sonata Hybrid · Hyundai Tiburon · Hyundai Tucson · Hyundai Tucson Hybrid · Hyundai Veracruz · Hyundai XG350. All makes and models.
Questions
Is the 2016 Hyundai Veloster a bad year?
225 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine complaints: 141, 6.7× a quiet Veloster year. At 83,000 miles the tool says: Consider selling. Half of all engine complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Veloster were filed between 52k and 108k miles. You're at 83,000 miles.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Hyundai Veloster?
By owner complaints to NHTSA: engine (141), transmission and drivetrain (43), fuel system (22), electrical system (16), air bags (11). Half of the engine complaints were filed between 52k–108k miles.
How many recalls does the 2016 Hyundai Veloster have?
1 recall campaign list this model year: Engine (NHTSA 20V-746). A recall may cover only some cars; check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Method: counts of unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared only with other years of the same model (sales volumes are unknown, so no failure rate is computed). A system stands out at 40+ complaints and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share across every vehicle of that model year. The mileage range is the 25th to 75th percentile of the mileages owners reported. Data received by NHTSA through November 5, 2026. Repair prices are typical US ranges from named sources, not quotes. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Check this car at your own mileage.