Most common 2020 Hyundai Veloster problems
Share of the 25 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 →
2020 Hyundai Veloster recalls (1)
Engine
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.
What 2020 Hyundai Veloster owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the piston oil rings, resulting in damages to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The VIN was included in the recall, but the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Vehicle was checked for Hyundai recall 203 in 2022. Engine suffered a catastrophic failure in March of 2024 at around 94,000 miles due to the improperly heat treated piston rings referenced in Hyundai recall 203. Dealership only replaced the short block after suffering an attempted thrown rod, resulting in debris left in the engine. A teardown of the engine was required this year to unstick the OCV 2 Valve which should have been replaced with a Long Block replacement after the catastrophic rod failure. No check engine light or oil pressure light appeared before the original catastrophic failure. Technician report confirmed there was no oil sludge sticking the valve. About 2 weeks ago I had received a P0016 and eventually a P0171 code. …
Transmission & drivetrain
ON 2/14/2024, my car started not to accelerate after the Crash Collision light came on. My car pulled off like it was a snail but picked up speed after I drove a bit. I had to put my hazard flasher lights on in order for other car not run over me, which was a major safety issues and put me and my grandson at risk of being hurt. There was no check engine light coming up just the warning flashed (only for a second) up (crash collision) and the symbol of car crashing into another vehicle with triangle symbol then it went away after awhile. I managed to make it to the car dealership but it took almost a month before they determine it was the camera and crank shaft. …
In the manual car to get in reverse there is a "lock out" sling that only allows you to go in reverse when you pull up on it. When the manual stick shift goes back to neutral the lock out valve pops closed only allowing gears 1-6 The lock out is not coming down and is sticking so you think you are going into 1st gear but you are still in reverse. Basically imagine you go into reverse in a parking lot, putting it in drive and when you give the car gas it goes backwards. I have had almost 15 incidents in the last 2 weeks after I figured out what was happening. This is dangerous and has caused many close calls hitting other vehicles. I am bringing the car back to Huffhines Hyundai but only after a week of not being offered a loaner car and allowing me to drive in this car after at least 3 direct calls about the problem and the danger of having to drive the vehicle.
2020 Hyundai Veloster engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 27 / 34 / 30 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 7-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 28 / 34 / 30 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 26 / 33 / 29 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 25 / 33 / 28 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 29 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Hyundai Veloster a good car?
Based on 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 Veloster rates better than average: 51% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Veloster at the same age. 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 2020 Hyundai Veloster?
The engine & cooling — 10 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (3) and body & structure (2).
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Veloster have?
There is 1 recall for the 2020 Hyundai Veloster, the most recent from April 28, 2021 (engine). 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 2020 Hyundai Veloster problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 25,000 miles; 86% 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.