Hyundai Veloster Engine Problems
Owners have filed 531 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Hyundai Veloster across 9 model years. The 2013 model year has the most (172). The words owners use most often: “rod bearing” (6% of reports).
- 531engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 9mention a crash
- 6mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- $6,450typical repair cost reported by owners
- 49%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Rod bearing: mentioned in 32 of 531 complaints (6%)
- Knocking sound: mentioned in 31 of 531 complaints (6%)
- Catalytic converter: mentioned in 31 of 531 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the Hyundai Veloster at $6,450, and half of them between $2,150 and $10,100.
Based on 20 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2019–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 266 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 531 complaints, 9 mention a crash, 36 a fire, 6 an injury.
Hyundai Veloster engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Veloster | 3 | 27% | — |
| 2020 Veloster | 9 | 38% | 60,500 |
| 2019 Veloster | 18 | 43% | 57,000 |
| 2017 Veloster | 26 | 52% | 79,186 |
| 2016 Veloster | 133 | 60% | 81,500 |
| 2015 Veloster | 76 | 55% | 86,000 |
| 2014 Veloster | 33 | 39% | 91,500 |
| 2013 Veloster | 172 | 40% | 85,000 |
| 2012 Veloster | 61 | 21% | 85,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Engine
Model years: 2019, 2020, 2021
Problem: 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.
Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Engine
Model years: 2015, 2016
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
Engine; electrical system:software
Model years: 2013
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013 Veloster vehicles that are equipped with 1.6 liter turbo engines. The engine management software may cause premature ignition (pre-ignition) of the air/fuel mixture in the engine. The resulting excessive cylinder pressure may damage the engine.
Risk: Engine damage can increase the risk of a fire or cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. The recall began May 14, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 182.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that there was…
My 2013 Hyundai Veloster caught fire spontaneously while it was turned off and parked in my garage. The fire originated in the engine compartment, specifically around the ABS module area. The vehicle has an open and incomplete safety recall for this exact issue (Recall 251 / NHTSA Campaign…
The engine/engine management system malfunctioned. The vehicle began repeatedly stalling and shutting off while I was driving and while stopped in traffic. The vehicle is now no longer able to start and run and will need to be towed to a Hyundai dealer. The vehicle is available for inspection upon…
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, abnormal sounds emanated from the engine compartment, and the check oil light illuminated while making left turns. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that…
2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo (original owner). The vehicle has three severe safety defects: TRUNK/HATCH LATCH FAILURE: The hatchback lift support/latch fails, refusing to stay open. It unexpectedly fell, which has caused repeated, severe impacts to my head and neck, resulting in an injury requiring…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Hyundai Velosters have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 531 owner complaints about engine for the Hyundai Veloster. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Hyundai Veloster engine?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the Hyundai Veloster?
Owners report a typical cost of $6,450 (half paid between $2,150 and $10,100), from 20 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Hyundai Veloster?
The most frequent phrase is “rod bearing”, in 32 of 531 complaints, followed by “knocking sound” (31).
Other Hyundai Veloster problems
- Electrical System problems (211)
- Power Train problems (142)
- Steering problems (126)
See all Hyundai Veloster problems.