DecodedCars2016 Hyundai Veloster
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 3dr Hatchback, Turbo 3dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 240 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 28 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 166.1–167.3 in
- Curb weight
- 2,584–2,740 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2016 compact car (26.6 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints225 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 48 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Hyundai Veloster is a compact car offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 166 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,740 lb (3dr Hatchback).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (28 city / 35 highway), 17% better than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 225 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Veloster — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Veloster →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Louisville, Kentucky
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2016 Veloster configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3dr Hatchback | 166.1 in | 70.5 in | 55.1 in | 104.3 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 2,740 lb | 60/40 |
| Turbo 3dr Hatchback | 167.3 in | 71.3 in | 55.1 in | 104.3 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 2,584 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veloster | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 35 / 31 | +17% | $2,150 | 290 |
| Veloster | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 30 | +13% | $2,250 | 303 |
| Veloster | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 32 / 29 | +9% | $2,300 | 311 |
| Veloster | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +5% | $2,400 | 321 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Hyundai VELOSTER 3 C FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.5% |
Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Hyundai Veloster (this car) | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2016 Mazda 3 | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2016 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 11 |
| 2016 Ford Fiesta | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 Nissan Leaf | 107 mi | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (1)
Engine · Dec 1, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V746000 · 128,948 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Not every 2016 Hyundai Veloster is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Hyundai Veloster buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 134 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 42 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 20 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 58,900 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Veloster. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Veloster years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Veloster | 25 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 37 |
| 2021 Veloster | 30 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 29 |
| 2020 Veloster | 30 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 29 |
| 2019 Veloster | 30 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 46 |
| 2017 Veloster | 31 | 166.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 50 |
| 2015 Veloster | 30 | 166.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 137 |
| 2014 Veloster | 30 | 166.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 84 |
| 2013 Veloster | 31 | 166.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 382 |
| 2012 Veloster | 31 | 166.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 202 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →