Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Hyundai Veloster owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for an unknown recall repair. Upon retrieving the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The reverse and drive gears were inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the transmission was inoperable, the starter, the engine light were blinking, and the vehicle was slow to move. There was smoke coming from the vehicle. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from under the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an undisclosed dealer where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor detection system (KSDS) needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure recurred. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 contact had not experienced a failure related to the recall. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure, glow relay short circuit, and ABS failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,220.
The contact's granddaughter owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while his granddaughter was driving 65 MPH, an abnormal booming sound emitted from the vehicle as the vehicle shutoff without warning. Due to the failure, his granddaughter had the vehicle towed to his home where he discovered that the compression rod bearing had blown threw the engine block. The contact stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while her son was driving the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed back to the residence and an independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 200,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated he noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a software update was performed and a piston test was performed and no failure was found. The contact stated on another occasion he heard an abnormal sawing sound coming from the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 180,200.
I got a routine oil change at an old change place and then needed another one 2 1/2 weeks later. The employees at the shop informed me that my vehicle was burning through the oil extremely fast and that the oil dipstick was bare when they checked the oil level. They checked for leaks and found none. The very next day I started hearing a clicking noise coming from the engine and the check engine light was on. I took the vehicle to Autozone in order to run diagnostics on the vehicle to find the problem. The employee there said it was the knock sensor informing us that something is wrong with the engine. I then took the vehicle to a mechanic to see if the problem could be alleviated. The mechanic informed me that there was nothing he could do because of the manufacturing defects of this specific engine. …
Engine complaints in other Veloster years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2012 Hyundai Veloster?
NHTSA has 65 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, 22% of the model year's 296 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Hyundai Veloster engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, though it has 6 recalls 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 2012 Hyundai Veloster engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 88,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.