Hyundai Veloster Problems by Year

We compared every Hyundai Veloster model year from 2012–2021 using 1,295 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 10 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2013, 2012 and 2016, which drew far more complaints than other Veloster years at the same age. The best years are 2017, 2014 and 2019.

9model years
1,295complaints
10recalls
2013, 2012worst years
2017, 2014best years

Complaints by model year

2012201320142015201620172019202020212964268513722350422511
Owner complaints per model year, Hyundai Veloster. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
202111−59%1Collision AvoidanceGood
202025−51%1EngineGood
201942−63%2EngineGood
201750−74%—EngineGood
20162231.7×1EngineCaution
2015137−42%2EngineGood
201485−70%2EngineGood
20134262.7×3EngineAvoid
20122962.0×6Window & WiperAvoid

* Complaints compared with the median Veloster year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Hyundai Veloster problems

Latest Hyundai Veloster recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

NHTSA recall 23V-651 · Sep 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 vehiclesPark outside

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge.

Electrical system

NHTSA recall 23V-132 · Feb 28, 2023 · 25,715 vehicles

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Veloster vehicles. High conductive liquid may leak into the Reverse Park Aid Sensor (RPAS), which can result in an electrical short circuit.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the RPAS fuse and sensor, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 28, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

Engine

NHTSA recall 21V-301 · Apr 28, 2021 · 158,493 vehicles

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021.

Engine

NHTSA recall 20V-746 · Dec 1, 2020 · 128,948 vehicles

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…

Equipment › Electrical

NHTSA recall 20V-393 · Jul 2, 2020 · 272,126 vehicles

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the…

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020.

All 10 Hyundai Veloster recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Hyundai Veloster should you avoid?

2013, 2012 and 2016 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Veloster years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2013.

What is the best year for the Hyundai Veloster?

2017 has the fewest complaints compared with other Veloster years at the same age, followed by 2014 and 2019. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Hyundai Veloster problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (553), electrical system (211) and transmission & drivetrain (142). Engine complaints peak in the 2013 model year.

How many recalls has the Hyundai Veloster had?

10 recalls across 2012–2021. The model year with the most is 2012. See all Hyundai Veloster recalls by year.

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.