What year Hyundai Veloster should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2012, 2013, and 2016 Veloster years are the ones to avoid, with 2013 posting the highest complaint index of 100 out of 1,289 total complaints across all model years.

Which Hyundai Veloster year is best?

The 2020 and 2021 Veloster years rank best, with complaint indexes of 13 and 0 respectively, and far fewer complaints (24 and 11) than the earlier avoid years.

What is the most common problem with the Veloster?

Engine problems are the top issue across all Veloster years, accounting for 571 of 1,289 total complaints, or 44%.

Does the Hyundai Veloster have engine recalls?

Yes. The 2013 model got a recall for engine management software causing pre-ignition in turbo engines, and 2015-2016 models were recalled for connecting rod bearings that may wear prematurely and cause engine damage.

Are 2014 and 2015 Veloster models safe to buy?

NHTSA data marks 2014 and 2015 as Caution years, with complaint indexes of 50 and 63, lower than the Avoid years but higher than the Best years like 2020 and 2021.

Hyundai Veloster Best and Worst Years (2012–2021)

The 2012, 2013, and 2016 Hyundai Veloster years rank worst, led by 2013 with a complaint index of 100 and 423 complaints, mostly engine-related. The 2020 and 2021 model years rank best, with complaint indexes of 13 and 0.

Avoid 2012 Avoid 2013 Avoid 2016 Best 2020 Best 2021

Model years: 9; 2012–2021
NHTSA complaints: 1,289
Recall campaigns: 10
Crashes reported: 42
Fires reported: 57
Top problem area: Engine

Veloster Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Hyundai Veloster problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2012	Avoid	88	296	15	8	6	Engine	30.5	—
2013	Avoid	100	423	6	33	3	Engine	29.5	—
2014	Caution	50	85	0	5	2	Engine	28	5★
2015	Caution	63	136	0	7	2	Engine	28	5★
2016	Avoid	75	222	15	4	1	Engine	29.5	5★
2017	Good	25	50	4	0	0	Engine	29.5	5★
2019	Good	38	42	2	0	2	Engine	29.5	—
2020	Best	13	24	0	0	1	Engine	29.5	—
2021	Best	0	11	0	0	1	Lane Departure	29.5	—

Veloster years to avoid: what went wrong

2013 Hyundai Veloster Index 100 · 423 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2013 Veloster has the highest complaint index of the model at 100, with 423 total complaints, the most of any year. Engine problems dominate at 43% of complaints, with owners reporting failures around a median of 85,000 miles. Electrical system issues follow at 24%, with steering at 14%. This year also recorded 33 fires, the most of any Veloster year. Three recalls apply, including a brake recall, an electrical short recall, and an engine software update for pre-ignition in turbo models.

2013 engine problems →2013 electrical system problems →2013 steering problems →

2012 Hyundai Veloster Index 88 · 296 complaints · 6 recalls

The 2012 Veloster carries a complaint index of 88, the second-worst of any Veloster year, with 296 total complaints and 6 recalls. Engine problems make up 24% of complaints for this year, with a median failure mileage near 83,561 miles, while visibility/wiper issues account for 23% at a much lower median mileage of 22,000 miles. Steering complaints (14%) reported failure near 80,500 miles. NHTSA also lists 15 crashes and 8 fires tied to this year. Recalls cover brakes, a reverse park aid sensor electrical short, and an accessory socket outlet issue.

2012 engine problems →2012 visibility & wipers problems →2012 steering problems →

2016 Hyundai Veloster Index 75 · 222 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2016 Veloster shows a complaint index of 75 and ranks third-worst, with 222 complaints and 15 crashes reported. Engine problems are especially concentrated here, making up 64% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 81,000 miles. Transmission and powertrain issues follow at 19%, with a much lower median mileage of 18,019 miles, and fuel system complaints at 10% near 16,004 miles. A single recall addresses premature wear of engine connecting rod bearings that can lead to engine damage.

2016 engine problems →2016 transmission & powertrain problems →2016 fuel system problems →

Most common Hyundai Veloster problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine571 (44%)
Electrical System216 (17%)
Other183 (14%)
Transmission & Powertrain142 (11%)
Steering126 (10%)
Visibility & Wipers116 (9%)
Brakes94 (7%)
Structure & Body85 (7%)
Fuel System66 (5%)
Airbags45 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Hyundai Veloster should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2012, 2013, and 2016 Veloster years are the ones to avoid, with 2013 posting the highest complaint index of 100 out of 1,289 total complaints across all model years.
Which Hyundai Veloster year is best?: The 2020 and 2021 Veloster years rank best, with complaint indexes of 13 and 0 respectively, and far fewer complaints (24 and 11) than the earlier avoid years.
What is the most common problem with the Veloster?: Engine problems are the top issue across all Veloster years, accounting for 571 of 1,289 total complaints, or 44%.
Does the Hyundai Veloster have engine recalls?: Yes. The 2013 model got a recall for engine management software causing pre-ignition in turbo engines, and 2015-2016 models were recalled for connecting rod bearings that may wear prematurely and cause engine damage.
Are 2014 and 2015 Veloster models safe to buy?: NHTSA data marks 2014 and 2015 as Caution years, with complaint indexes of 50 and 63, lower than the Avoid years but higher than the Best years like 2020 and 2021.