NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 225 owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Veloster. Most complaints involve engine (134) and power train (43). The EPA rates it 28–31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veloster Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 35 | 31 | $2,000 | 290 |
| Veloster Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 34 | 30 | $2,100 | 303 |
| Veloster Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 32 | 29 | $2,150 | 311 |
| Veloster Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,200 | 321 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 225 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (134), power train (43), fuel/propulsion system (20). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Hyundai Veloster at 28–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Hyundai Veloster 5 out of 5 stars overall.