Most common 2012 Hyundai Veloster problems
Share of the 296 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Hyundai Veloster complaints by model year
Best Veloster years: 2017, 2014, 2019. Years to avoid: 2013, 2012, 2016. Compare all years →
2012 Hyundai Veloster recalls (6)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
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
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.
Equipment › Electrical
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.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012 Veloster vehicles manufactured from July 4, 2011, through October 31, 2011 and equipped with panoramic sunroofs. The panoramic sunroof assembly may have been weakened during installation at the factory.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the sunroof's integrity and replace the sunroof glass assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began during March 2013.
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012 Veloster vehicles manufactured from November 1, 2011, through April 17, 2012 and equipped with panoramic sunroofs. The panoramic sunroof assembly may been weakened during installation at the factory.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the sunroof's integrity and replace the sunroof glass assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began January 22, 2013.
Parking brake › Conventional › Mechanical › Linkage and cable
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012 Veloster vehicles manufactured from July 2, 2011, through February 27, 2012 and equipped with manual transmissions. Moisture and road grime may cause the parking brake components to bind.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake caliper assemblies free of charge. The safety recall began January 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2012 Hyundai Veloster:
Panoramic Sunroof Breakage
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE12-027 on October 2, 2012 to investigate allegations of spontaneous sunroof shatter on model year (MY) 2012 Hyundai Veloster vehicles. The MY2012 platform was the first to introduce the panoramic sunroof option. ODI received 26 consumer complaints of sunroof shatter, 15 occurring while the vehicle was being driven.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando.
What 2012 Hyundai Veloster owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 67 →
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the sunroof suddenly shattered, raining glass down into the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to provide the contact with a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 58,000.
There is an issue with this vehicle's panoramic sunroof and lift-gate windows spontaneously exploding while traveling. These incidents occur within 3 weeks of each other. The first incident occurred on Nov 28th with my liftgate glass shattering on its own while traveling with my dog on the interstate. I was maintaining a speed of 70 mph and just made a lane change. It was just an unexpected loud crunch sound, and while checking the rearview mirror; I noticed my window was shattered. I pulled over to check my vehicle, and no point of contact would have indicated something smashed into it. I had to safely leave the interstate to return home with this unstable glass that was falling apart into my vehicle. There was absolutely nothing that cause that glass to shatter, it just exploded on its own. …
Engine & cooling all 65 →
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that after the dealer had completed the knock sensor detection system (KSDS) software update under Hyundai Campaign Number: 966, the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. Additionally, the vehicle failed to exceed 35-40 MPH while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer contacted the manufacturer; however, the manufacturer denied assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. Additionally, the contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V132000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. …
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while shifting into gear, the vehicle failed to move. Upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle was fluttering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the repair parts were on backorder. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V132000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Steering all 42 →
Over the last year, I've had to purchase three air conditioner switches after driving for several years with it being out the first one we replaced caused a small electrical fire as did all of the others. This has been an ongoing issue not just with my car, but my sister's in-laws who is a 2014 model I looked online. It has been reported over the years basically since the cars come out of this same issue can you please Issue a safety recall before somebody's house or vehicle or both catches fire completely. This is not safe at all. I have already put in a request for the safety recall on several other occasions this is unacceptable unsafe and a very large problem across the United States since this vehicle has come out please do something.
- The steering feels sticky and has "play" when trying to stay centered on the road. It is most notable on straight freeways at higher speeds (60 - 75 MPH). - The safety issue is driver control and risk to driver, riders and other vehicle/drivers. The steering needs constant attention and adjustment. - The dealer confirmed its existing the first time and Hyundai eventually repaired it in 2019. The issue returned in 2021 and 2022 and the dealer confirmed it again on December 13, 2022, but Hyundai warranty declined to repair. - No other action has been initiated to review the issue with my call. A simple google search and visiting Hyundai owner forum websites show that many drivers/owners experience similar issues and do not know that it's a much larger issue or potential flaw in the steering design. - I'm not aware of any car computer codes associated with the issue. …
2012 Hyundai Veloster engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 27 / 37 / 31 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 6-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 27 / 35 / 30 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Hyundai Veloster a good car?
Based on 296 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Veloster rates avoid: 2.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the Veloster at the same age. It is one of the Veloster years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Hyundai Veloster?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 67 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year, most often about sun/moon roof assembly. Next are the engine & cooling (65) and steering (42).
How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Veloster have?
There are 6 recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, the most recent from September 22, 2023 (control unit/module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Hyundai Veloster?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2014 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2012 and 2016. See the full Hyundai Veloster years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Veloster problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 55,000 miles; 47% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.