Hyundai Veloster Problems by Year
NHTSA has 1,293 owner complaints and 10 safety recalls on file for the Hyundai Veloster, across 9 model years (2012–2021). The 2013 model year has the most complaints (425). The most reported problem area overall is engine.

Hyundai Veloster years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Veloster year: 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2013 Veloster: 425 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2012 Veloster: 296 complaints, 6 recalls
- 2016 Veloster: 223 complaints, 1 recall
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2021 Veloster: 11 complaints, 1 recall
- 2020 Veloster: 24 complaints, 1 recall
- 2019 Veloster: 42 complaints, 2 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Hyundai Veloster problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine problems | 531 | 9 | 9 |
| Electrical System problems | 211 | 8 | 6 |
| Power Train problems | 142 | 8 | 6 |
| Steering problems | 126 | 9 | 3 |
| Visibility | 89 | 5 | 1 |
| Structure | 78 | 8 | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 60 | 9 | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 57 | 7 | 6 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 52 | 8 | 2 |
| Air Bags | 46 | 6 | 15 |
| Visibility/wiper | 34 | 6 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 30 | 4 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 22 | 6 | 0 |
| Wheels | 21 | 7 | 0 |
| Suspension | 20 | 6 | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 16 | 5 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 13 | 4 | 2 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 8 | 4 | 2 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 8 | 5 | 0 |
| Lane Departure | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 8 | 3 | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 7 | 5 | 0 |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Equipment | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Parking Brake | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Hyundai Veloster problems by model year
Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.
All Hyundai Veloster model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Veloster | 11 | 1 | — | Lane Departure | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2020 Veloster | 24 | 1 | — | Engine | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2019 Veloster | 42 | 2 | — | Engine | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2017 Veloster | 50 | 0 | 5★ | Engine | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2016 Veloster | 223 | 1 | 5★ | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2015 Veloster | 137 | 2 | 5★ | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2014 Veloster | 85 | 2 | 5★ | Engine | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2013 Veloster | 425 | 3 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2012 Veloster | 296 | 6 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Hyundai: all Hyundai models · Hyundai VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Veloster years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2012 (296), 2013 (425), 2015 (137), 2016 (223) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Veloster year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Hyundai Veloster?
Engine, with 531 complaints across 9 model years.
How many recalls does the Hyundai Veloster have?
10 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.