Hyundai Veloster Complaints (2016)

225 consumer complaints on file.

#11773158October 23, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle shut off with several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was coasted off to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts and driven to the residence in LIMP Mode. The following day, the vehicle was driven to the dealer where the technicians failed to diagnose or duplicate the failure. The dealer performed an oil change, and the vehicle resumed normal operation; however, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and there was a milky substance inside the radiator which was the result of an oil leak. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772968October 22, 2026
ENGINE
2016 Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Gamma 1.6L T-GDI Engine failure with only 70,579 miles on it. Died while driving in the middle of a busy intersection with no warning. Luckily was not hit. Car was towed to same mechanic that has serviced since purchased. No oil leaks found. Oil was full of metal particles. Engine has run low on oil multiple times even after changing oil interval to every 3000 miles. Contacted Hyundai and was informed that our VIN is not part of their class action settlement for 2012 - 2017 Veloster Gamma 1.6 liter GDI, only difference is that we have a Turbo Gamma engine, otherwise everything is the same. We are continuing to reach out to Hyundai to get this resolved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769660October 7, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that there was an oil odor coming from the vehicle while entering and inspecting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that there was oil leaking from the vehicle while at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone and email, and several cases were opened. The failure mileage was approximately 100,144.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764462September 15, 2026
SEAT BELTS
Issue with driver side seat belt unlatching at random moments: while driving or at stand still. Local dealership has been notified at multiple oil changes and it has been looked at, however, technicians cannot recreate event.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751038July 17, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Formal complaint against Hyundai Motor America for failure to provide safety recall remedies on a U.S.-conforming vehicle. Vehicle History: This 2016 Hyundai Veloster was purchased in the U.S. territory of [XXX], manufactured to meet U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Years later, it was legally relocated to the U.S. mainland and is currently registered and driven in [XXX]. The Database Issue: Official factory documents from Hyundai Puerto Rico confirm this VIN has critical, active safety recalls (chassis and engine/fire campaigns). However, due to regional database fragmentation between internal networks, these active recalls do not populate on domestic U.S. systems. The MyHyundai USA portal accepts the VIN, but the recall dashboard displays as completely blank (0 open/0 closed), hiding these safety risks from local U.S. dealerships. Corporate Refusal: I opened corporate Case #XXX with Hyundai Motor America to request a manual database sync so a local MA dealer could perform the repairs. On XXX, Hyundai Customer Care issued a formal written refusal via email, stating textually: "Hyundai Motor America only maintains records for US vehicles. We suggest working with your local dealer and Hyundai Worldwide." Because [XXX] is a U.S. territory, denying a safety recall remedy by treating this as a foreign vehicle violates federal safety mandates. Local dealers cannot perform repairs because corporate refuses to push the data entry through. Uploaded Attachments: - Hyundai PR safety recall log showing active campaigns for this VIN. - Email from Hyundai Motor America (Case XXX) refusing service. I request NHTSA compel Hyundai Motor America to update this VIN's regional status so my local dealer can execute the safety repairs free of charge. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746173June 24, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that gas fumes were entering inside the vehicle and exhaust fumes were present while driving the vehicle and while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on several occasions and to several dealers; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The master cylinder was replaced, and the high-pressure fuel pump was replaced due to a reported internal fuel leak, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle at a gas station, fuel leaked from the vehicle with a strong fuel odor. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743640June 12, 2026
ENGINE
Complaint regarding 2016 Hyundai Veloster engine oil consumption and warranty denial. In late 2023, at approximately 70,000–80,000 miles, my vehicle began experiencing excessive oil consumption. I reported this issue to Hyundai and authorized dealerships while the vehicle was still under warranty. Since then, I have completed multiple oil consumption tests, inspections, combustion cleanings, and repeated service visits, none of which resulted in a permanent repair or resolution. The oil consumption has continued and worsened over time. I am required to frequently add oil between services, raising serious concerns about engine reliability, safety, and potential engine failure. Despite ongoing documentation and repeated attempts to resolve the issue, Hyundai has not identified or corrected the root cause and has instead relied on temporary measures that have not fixed the problem. Throughout this process, my concerns have often been dismissed or minimized. Customer service has been inconsistent and at times unhelpful, despite a clear and documented history of complaints and repair attempts. Communication has been lacking and I have repeatedly had to advocate for proper attention to my case. These issues were first reported while the vehicle was under warranty, and Hyundai has had multiple opportunities to properly diagnose and repair the defect. Based on the documented history of ongoing oil consumption and repeated unsuccessful repair attempts, I believe Hyundai should honor its warranty obligations. I am requesting a full review of my case, acknowledgement of all warranty-period complaints, and approval of an engine replacement or other permanent repair at no cost to me. I am seeking accountability, fair treatment, and a lasting resolution to an ongoing engine defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742811June 8, 2026
ENGINE
2016 Hyundai Veloster with 1.6L Gamma engine experienced repeat catastrophic engine failure consistent with NHTSA Recall 20V746000 / Hyundai Recall 198 for connecting rod bearing failure. Failure #1: At 124,036 miles, engine developed loud knocking noise increasing with RPM, check engine light, and DTCs P0300 (random misfire) + P0303 (cylinder 3 misfire). Dealer repair order documented "broken intake valve on cylinder 3." Engine was replaced at my expense because Hyundai stated VIN was not covered under Recall 198, despite failure mode matching the recall. Failure #2: Hyundai replacement engine failed at 164,410 miles (40,374 miles on replacement engine). Identical symptoms returned: loud metallic knock that increases with RPM, same DTCs P0300/P0303, misfire cylinder 3. Vehicle is currently inoperable. Safety Concern: NHTSA Recall 20V746 states connecting rod bearings "may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage" and "can increase the risk of a fire." Both of my engines suffered catastrophic internal damage at ∼40k-50k mile intervals with identical codes and cylinder 3 failure. A broken intake valve is engine damage directly caused by bearing wear allowing piston-to-valve contact. This is a pattern defect. My VIN was excluded from the recall, yet suffered the exact failure twice. The replacement engine supplied by Hyundai had the same defect. This presents a safety risk of sudden engine stall, loss of power, or fire while driving. Requested Action: Investigation into why VINs experiencing the exact failure mode are excluded from Recall 20V746, and assistance obtaining remedy from Hyundai.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737073May 11, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I was driving down the highway when I lost all power to my engine and had to coast off and exit. Prior to the incident there was no indication of a problem. White smoke began coming out of my exhaust. I brought the car to a dealership and they told me that I would need a timing job and a new turbo. They said that my car was starved for oil, regular maintenance had been kept up with on the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734400April 28, 2026
ENGINE
I was driving on the highway when suddenly the car lost power and the engine light started flashing. I was able to coast into a gas station. The car would no longer start and I was stranded. The next day, we drove back to where the car was stranded and attempted to get it started again, but we were unsuccessful. We had the car towed to a mechanic shop where we were told that the entire engine was blown and needed to be replaced. We had the car towed to the local Hyundai service center so they could inspect the engine. We discovered that the make, model, and year of our Veloster had been subject to an engine recall and these cars were given an extended warranty to 15 years/150,000 miles. Hyundai inspected the engine and refused to provide assistance under the extended warranty/recall. Replacement of the engine is going to cost close to $10,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731458April 15, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The vehicle was restarted. The contact shifted to reverse and pulled into a parking lot. The message that the transmission had overheated was displayed. The contact used a scanner and diagnosed the vehicle with clutch actuator failure. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 86,494.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730509April 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
Incident Description: I purchased a 2016 Hyundai Veloster (VIN: KMHTC6ADXGU255844) in May 2025. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle began exhibiting serious mechanical issues, including engine knocking, excessive oil consumption, stalling, misfiring, and loss of power. Despite these ongoing issues, the vehicle is listed as having Recall 198 completed. However, the symptoms associated with that recall continued and progressively worsened. The vehicle ultimately stalled in traffic while I was making a turn, resulting in an accident. In a separate incident, after exiting the vehicle and believing it to be in PARK, the vehicle moved unexpectedly and ran over me, causing serious physical injuries including fractures. Prior to these incidents, the vehicle had ongoing mechanical issues that were not properly resolved. The vehicle also required repeated jump-starts and became unreliable to operate. Additionally, there are discrepancies in the service records. The vehicle was towed to a dealership on or about June 8, 2025 and remained there until approximately July 15, 2025. However, the documentation provided reflects only a limited number of service days and consolidates multiple visits into a single summary. Due to these inconsistencies and the continued presence of failure symptoms, I am unable to verify that recall-related repairs were properly performed. These incidents raise serious concerns about engine failure and possible unintended vehicle movement, both of which present significant safety risks.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11724524March 16, 2026
ENGINE
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. serious pain in L ribs (previously broken & healed 5 yrs prior), felt like sternum re-broken from accident prior year, broken & healed. Back pain. Onlookers horrified & called 911. Taken by ambulance to Baptist Medical Center3300 [XXX] . I told ER Dr about injuries. CT Scan performed, broken ribs, sternum broken & displaced & fracture in spine. MRI completed yr prior after accident & only break was sternum. I have CT Scan & MRI results. Two wks later, in severe pain w ribs, wondered if I had pneumonia (I'm 62),, went to Urgent Care [XXX] took x-rays & called ambulance to pick me up, went to [XXX] [XXX] . Treated for rib & back pain & had a pleural effusion, most likely related to accident. Lost so much income, finally drove & about a mth later, at window at Jack in the Box, put car in P as I waited, after about 1 min, car started going fast into R, wouldn't stop, I had to turn car off. Fixed at Firestone. Broken shifter cable. About month later, still issues, Car threw itself into D when trying to go in R while driving. I assumed car wouldn't go in R. Took to Firestone next day. They said nothing wrong, went in all gears fine other serious car issues from day 1, currently at [XXX] Hyundai [XXX] Issues w car from day one, issues w SM at dealership that did work-alternator, starter, battery, tried to commit fraud, kept car hostage for wk, wouldn't give paperwork when asked for recall 198 Car engine knocking loud, kept running when turned off, consuming massive amts oil, began stalling, causing accident, further issues & my putting $ into car INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11724579March 16, 2026
ENGINE
I was driving on 8 east freeway when all of a sudden my car lost complete power. Engine light flashing, and couldn't pick up any speed. The truck in back of me almost hit me cause my car wouldn't go. Prior to this incident, my car was and has been working perfectly. . My mom had it towed back home and got a mechanic to check the code and it gave a P1326 code which is exact code for a previous recall on these cars. I contacted Hyundai Corporate and the rep told me to take it into a Hyundai dealership to get repaired but to mention that campaign 966 was performed on the car already. Which was to prevent the p1326 recall from happening. And clearly it didn't.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723898March 12, 2026
ENGINE
When changing vehicle oil it has been noticed that there is contaminants appearing to be metal bits/glittery could possibly be rod bearing material. Also have noticed fluctuating idle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11721436March 2, 2026
ENGINE
I was instructed by Hyundai USA to tow my Veloster to West Palm Beach Hyundai dealership specifically for the rod bearing diagnostic after I reported huge amount of smoke coming from the engine, engine oil leak, failed thermostat, and failed water pump, all while I was driving to work. I have repeatedly asked for Hyundai USA to send me a copy of the technician's notes, oil pressure test results, and bearing clearance measurements, part of Hyundai's TSB 21-GI-009H. Hyundai USA continues to refuse to release to me the technical rod bearing diagnostic report completed on my 2016 Veloster. Since rod bearing failure is a safety recall issue (stalling), I am listing your help to explicitly request the Service Manager's diagnostic report and photos of the rod bearing clearance test. I can't get to work with my Veloster because it is unsafe to drive and has been at the dealership since January 17, 2026. My safety is at risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710343January 12, 2026
ENGINE
As I was driving to work one day my 2016 Veloster suddenly lost power on the expressway at expressway speeds. Now that in itself is very dangerous seeing as how there were big rigs around me. Luckily I managed to make it off of the expressway traveling slower than I turtle.i was almost rear ended on various occasions. I parked right away and left to work. I came back later that day and cranked her over and it started,but now with the check engine light blinking. So I attempted to drive it a little and it worked but now I've come to find out that it is in protect mode.I took it to my local Hyundai dealership (Hyundai of pharr) in pharr Texas and was told that Hyundai would not honor their extended warranty because whatever is wrong with it is not covered according to them. So a while back there was a class action lawsuit in California against the Hyundai Corporation of which I was a part of. When it was time for settlement I had a choice of monetary gain or and overly extended warranty on my 2016 Veloster that covered engine and transmission for I believe was 10 more years. So I chose the warranty but Hyundai still won't cover it. I guess I have to wait for my car to catch on fire before they submit the warranty and even then they will blame something else. So here I am,telling my story.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709321January 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The climate control knob and AC system failed due to an apparent wiring defect. This is a known issue affecting hundreds or thousands of Hyundai Veloster owners. The failure causes loss of climate control and creates a safety issue due to a lack of defrosting and cabin airflow, as well as electrical fires. I have spent thousands of dollars trying to get this fixed, and mechanics are turning me away.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704302December 10, 2025
ENGINE
On March 2024, I had my veloster towed to a certified Hyundai service dealer because it suddenly began losing power, the oil light came on, the engine light flickered, and it began making a whining noise, and then the engine died and wouldn’t crank again. It took them weeks to diagnose it, and they told me the turbo was out in it, and quoted me an absurd amount to replace it. I had the turbo replaced, as well as some gaskets, the coils and spark plugs. It ran fine after that until June 2025 when the oil and check engine light came on and the engine died again while we were coming home from a vacation, 2 hours south of where we live in a tiny town that had no dealership or rental company within 100 miles. We found a small mechanic who said it needed a lower fuel pump. He put one in it and we got back on the road, but it still wasn’t running as well as it should. It don’t have quite as much power, but no dash lights came on. When I got home I took it to another local certified Hyundai service dealer, who said it needed new coils and spark plugs again, so they replaced them. Again it ran fine for a while until the day after thanksgiving this year, 11/25, when the oil light came on again at the end of my road. I took it to another local certified auto parts store who read the codes and found no suggested fix. No certified dealers were open that day, so I took it to Pep Boys where the engine light came on when I pulled in, and who said they thought it needed new timing solenoids, and put them in it. When they finished, they drove it and told me they felt like the turbo was going out and advised I take it to the dealer again. I had it towed to a certified Hyundai service dealer on Monday 12/01/25. They diagnosed it as needing a new turbo (again), a lower oil pan, and an oil switch. Quoted $3550. Over a week later today they told me that after putting it all in and tiring it on that the oil light came back on. They have now diagnosed it as needing an oil pump.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703913December 9, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving my 2016 Hyundai Veloster (VIN: [XXX] ) on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration. I went from 60 mph down to 20 mph with no throttle response, and the car only continued moving briefly from momentum. I was forced to stop in unsafe highway conditions and had the vehicle towed home. Prior to this complete failure, the car had recurring transmission/drive issues: it would start, but when placed in reverse it moved backward, and when shifted into drive it still only moved backward. Despite repeated repair attempts, the problems persisted. A certified mechanic later inspected the vehicle and confirmed severe internal engine damage, including metallic noises, blue smoke, oil leakage from worn piston rings, and complete compression loss. The mechanic concluded the vehicle requires deep engine repair or replacement. These failures are consistent with widespread reports of Hyundai Veloster engine defects, which pose serious safety risks to drivers. My vehicle is now inoperable despite responsible maintenance and repeated attempts to fix the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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