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ProblemsByVinFile / 2016-HYUNDAI-VELOSTERNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Hyundai
2016 Hyundai Veloster problems
The 2016 Hyundai Veloster has 221 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2016 Hyundai Veloster has 221 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 105 complaints, typically surfacing around 93,759 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Veloster?
Avoid — the engine
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced.
Engine: 105 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 76,000–115,000 mi
Powertrain: 40 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 9,000–58,900 mi
Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average
1 recall campaign on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2016 Hyundai VELOSTER 3 C FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2016 Hyundai Veloster? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
engine — 105 owner reports
· tends to show around 93,759 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 40 owner reports
· tends to show around 35,933 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 15 owner reports
· tends to show around 49,707 mi · ~$850 to fix
airbags — 10 owner reports
· tends to show around 39,268 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 93,759 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2016 Veloster· engine
Engine has a very noticeable engine ticking just like every other 1.6 included in the Hyundai recall yet my engine isn’t included in the recall. How can my 2016 have the same issue yet not require a recall notice
It's making a lot of noise, when I turn my car on, when I turn it off and even when I'm driving it, it the sound it's coming from the engine, I got my car in a dealership 1month ago and it has 34,516 miles
Veloster Hyundai's 7-speed DCT contains a design defect in the transmission control module (TCM) that causes, among other problems, failure to shift, stalling, delayed acceleration, or loss of power. 'these conditions are hazardous because they severely affect the driver's…
Engine knocking loudly on cold start indicating possible rod bearing wear addressed on nhtsa safety recall number 20v746000. Car was taken to hyundai dealer for recall engine inspection and given clean bill of health and removed from recall listing. Vehicle was at the dealership…
Had a problem with your 2016 Hyundai Veloster?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Common questions
Is the 2016 Hyundai Veloster reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 221 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Hyundai Veloster is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2016 Hyundai Veloster?
On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Hyundai Veloster is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Engine: 105 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 76,000–115,000 mi; Powertrain: 40 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 9,000–58,900 mi; Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Hyundai Veloster?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 105 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 93,759 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Veloster a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 221 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 93,759 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 105 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 93,759 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 93,759 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Hyundai Veloster has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Hyundai Veloster?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 221 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Hyundai/Veloster.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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