Reliable Auto DB

2016 Hyundai Veloster reliability

Is it reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster holds 222 complaints after 11 years, a rate of 12 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Veloster years here — over the median of the other years, which is 4. NHTSA has 1 recall on file, including Engine.

2012 Hyundai Veloster
Photo by Kevauto, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

222

Per year

12

Recalls

1

Years on the road

11

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Engine (132 of 222), then Powertrain (43) and Fuel and propulsion system (20). Those filings include 15 that report a crash, 4 that report a fire, and 11 that report an injury.

Next to 2015 and 2017

The 2015 Veloster has 136 complaints, 3 per year, and the 2017 has 50 complaints, 3 per year. The 2016 has more complaints per year than the 2015. The 2016 has more complaints per year than the 2017.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2016 Hyundai Veloster. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (1)

Recall Engine 2020-12-01 · NHTSA campaign 20V746000
Summary 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.
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). 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.

Complaints by component (222 total)

Engine
132
Powertrain
43
Fuel and propulsion system
20
Electrical system
16
Air bags
11
Speed control
9
Engine and engine cooling
8
Service brakes
8
Structure
7
Suspension
4
Visibility
4
Fuel system, gasoline
3
Seat belts
2
Back-over prevention
1
Seats
1
Steering
1
Show 8 more Show less
Crash-flagged

15

Fire-flagged

4

Injury reports

11

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

82016162017122018192019142020532021202022232023222024202025152026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "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…"
    Seat belts · filed 2026-09-15
  • "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],…"
    Unknown or other · filed 2026-07-17
  • "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…"
    Fuel system, gasoline · filed 2026-06-24
  • "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…"
    Engine · filed 2026-06-12
  • "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 · filed 2026-06-08

NHTSA crash ratings

Version Overall Front Side Rollover
2016 Hyundai VELOSTER 3 C FWD 5 stars 4 stars 5 stars 4 stars

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Fuel economy

Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined Annual fuel cost
Veloster 1.6L, 4-cyl Automatic (6-speed) Front-wheel drive 26 32 29 MPG $2250
Veloster 1.6L, 4-cyl Manual 6-speed Front-wheel drive 27 34 30 MPG $2150
Veloster 1.6L, 4-cyl Manual 6-speed Front-wheel drive 25 33 28 MPG $2300
Veloster 1.6L, 4-cyl Automatic (6-speed) Front-wheel drive 28 35 31 MPG $2100

Specs and fitment

1st generation, 2012–2017
Body styles Hatchback
Oil 5W-20/5W-30 (1.6L NA); 5W-30/5W-40 (1.6L turbo) , 3.8 qt capacity
Tire size 215/45R17, 215/40R18 (trim dependent)

Compare

Previous year 2015 Hyundai Veloster Next year 2017 Hyundai Veloster See every Hyundai Veloster model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Hyundai Veloster reliable?

NHTSA's file on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster holds 222 complaints after 11 years, a rate of 12 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Veloster years here — over the median of the other years, which is 4. NHTSA has 1 recall on file, including Engine.

What are common problems with a 2016 Hyundai Veloster?

The complaints owners file most often name Engine (132 of 222), then Powertrain (43) and Fuel and propulsion system (20). Those filings include 15 that report a crash, 4 that report a fire, and 11 that report an injury.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Veloster more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2015 Veloster has 136 complaints, 3 per year, and the 2017 has 50 complaints, 3 per year. The 2016 has more complaints per year than the 2015. The 2016 has more complaints per year than the 2017.

Has the 2016 Hyundai Veloster been recalled?

The 2016 Hyundai Veloster has 1 recall on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2016 Hyundai Veloster?

Owners have filed 222 complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Veloster with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2016 Hyundai Veloster get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2016 Hyundai Veloster is 29.5 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What generation is the 2020 Hyundai Veloster?

2nd generation (2019-2021).

What oil does a Hyundai Veloster take?

Viscosity depends on engine: natural-aspirated rows often list 5W-20/5W-30; turbo rows list 5W-30/5W-40 per the manual.

What tire sizes does a Hyundai Veloster use?

Common sizes include 215/45R17 and 215/40R18; second-gen N Performance Package also lists 235/35R19.