Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Hyundai Veloster owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and responded slowly. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated independently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where both catalytic converters were replaced, and the fuel lines were cleaned; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where the vehicle was test-driven, and the mechanic informed the contact that the failure could be related to the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH and shifting to a higher gear, he attempted to depress the clutch pedal; however, the pedal was flat against the floorboard. The contact had to lift the clutch pedal with his foot several times to get the pedal back to position to respond to shifting gear. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was slow to respond to the accelerator when the contact attempted to accelerate. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was no issue with the clutch pedal. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the failure of the clutch pedal was intermittent. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) and the dealer-installed a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System; however, while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to stall. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. Then, the vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist who diagnosed that the transmission was in great condition; however, the engine was not communicating with the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who completed a transmission relearn; however, the vehicle was sluggish while accelerating from a complete stop. …
I am the second owner of a 2016 Hyundai Veloster Base, purchased used at approximately 19,976 miles. Since then, the vehicle has experienced multiple major powertrain-related failures. At 49,196 miles, the first catalytic converter failed and was replaced. Later, both the engine and second catalytic converter were replaced by Kearny Mesa Hyundai, a certified Hyundai dealership in San Diego, CA. When I brought the vehicle to Kearny Mesa Hyundai, there were no warning lights or active diagnostic trouble codes. However, the dealership's service documentation stated that a P0420 code (catalyst system efficiency below threshold) was present - a code that was not active when I dropped off the vehicle, raising concerns about diagnostic accuracy or documentation. Now, at 61,982 miles, I brought the vehicle to Hyundai Ontario due to delayed shifting and hesitation when accelerating. …
While driving my 2016 Hyundai Veloster (VIN: [redacted] ) 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. …
My driveway has a slight incline to get out of and every morning when I start to leave the car will start to jerk- like it isn't gong into gear and i have to back off the gas pedal to stop it. It is hard to describe. But it definitely should not be making that sound. Yes I can take if for inspection. When I am at a stop light or just stopped and whenever I turn the car wants to hesitate and sometimes jerks me. Transmission issue here I believe. About got hit on several times because of the engine not performing when I press the gas. When I drive on the highway for 2-4 hrs, when I get off and stop the car is like it is still on the highway. Meaning when I push on the throttle it takes off. As far as I know, when I take my car to Hyundai for oil changes and maintenance work they haven't inspected my car. Ever since I purchased the car- it has never ran right. …
Cruising on freeway ~70 mph when car starts slowing due to lack of power- for unknown reason car went into "limp mode", with turbo boost pressure and power cut off, barely enough power to keep car at 60 mph in order to make it to freeway exit to pull off. This could have caused serious collision. Turned off car, let it sit 1 min, turned it back on, and problem seemed to go away. No Check Engine Light, no OBD2 codes. Limp mode sometimes occur during harsh shifts but releasing throttle and reengaging usually fixes it but this time needed to shut off the car. Has been reported to dealer but they can't reproduce consistently and no CEL/codes so they won't try to find a fix. But losing power for no apparent reason on freeway definitely dangerous situation.
Unknown Regular oil changes, cranked my car up one morning and it started knocking, I have been in a rental for 2 weeks now and paying out pocket as a single mother in grad school. The dealers excuse of not diagnosing the car sooner, is that their schedule is busy after arguing with the extended warranty company about my coverage. I booked their next soonest appointment to be told we'll see if we can get it looked at that day. I believe they're hiding the fact that my bricks falls under recall 198 and do not want to admit it.
When I first bought my car it seemed to have some sort of transmission problem because it's a dual clutch I was told they do have problems sometimes when I'm trying to pick up speed it seems like it won't switch gears so it won't pick up speed which is extremely dangerous especially when I'm on the beltway or highway and I've already had Hyundai replace the first transmission because it was faulty now my second transmission is already acting up and it's only been 2 years
Transmission complaints in other Veloster years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Hyundai Veloster?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2016 Hyundai Veloster, 19% of the model year's 223 complaints. The component named most often is manual transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Hyundai Veloster transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2016 Hyundai Veloster, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Hyundai Veloster transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 19,000 miles, and 61% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.