Hyundai Veloster Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 7, 2026 · 1,293 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

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
Hyundai Veloster (JS) N. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Benespit, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Peak: 2013, with 425 complaints
2012: 29620122962013: 42520134252014: 852014852015: 13720151372016: 22320162232017: 502017502019: 422019422020: 242020242021: 11202111

n = 1,293 complaints · Source: NHTSA

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

  1. 2013 Veloster: 425 complaints, 3 recalls
  2. 2012 Veloster: 296 complaints, 6 recalls
  3. 2016 Veloster: 223 complaints, 1 recall

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2021 Veloster: 11 complaints, 1 recall
  2. 2020 Veloster: 24 complaints, 1 recall
  3. 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 areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Engine problems53199
Electrical System problems21186
Power Train problems14286
Steering problems12693
Visibility8951
Structure7884
Fuel/propulsion System6092
Service Brakes5776
Vehicle Speed Control5282
Air Bags46615
Visibility/wiper3460
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3040
Engine and Engine Cooling2260
Wheels2170
Suspension2061
Exterior Lighting1650
Seat Belts1342
Electronic Stability Control (esc)842
Forward Collision Avoidance850
Lane Departure820
Tires831
Fuel System, Gasoline750
Seats441
Latches/locks/linkages330
Back Over Prevention221
Equipment220
Equipment Adaptive/mobility211
Parking Brake210
Traction Control System111

Hyundai Veloster problems by model year

Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.

All Hyundai Veloster model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2021 Veloster111—Lane DepartureFar fewer complaints than other years
2020 Veloster241—EngineFar fewer complaints than other years
2019 Veloster422—EngineFar fewer complaints than other years
2017 Veloster5005★EngineFar fewer complaints than other years
2016 Veloster22315★EngineFar more complaints than other years
2015 Veloster13725★EngineFar more complaints than other years
2014 Veloster8525★EngineAbout as many complaints as other years
2013 Veloster4253—EngineFar more complaints than other years
2012 Veloster2966—EngineFar 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.