2012 Hyundai Veloster Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
88/100
#2 most-complained of 9 Veloster years
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster ranks 2nd-worst of 9 model years with a Complaint Index of 88, 296 complaints, and 6 recalls, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine (24% of complaints) and panoramic sunroof/visibility issues (23%) dominate owner reports.
- Complaints
- 296
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 15 / 8
- Injuries / deaths
- 29 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 30.5
- 27 city / 36 hwy
Top 2012 Hyundai Veloster problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine71 (24%)
- Visibility & Wipers67 (23%)
- Steering42 (14%)
- Other40 (14%)
- Electrical System39 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain31 (10%)
- Brakes30 (10%)
- Structure & Body26 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires17 (6%)
- Airbags12 (4%)
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in low-speed and higher-speed frontal or side collisions, leaving occupants without protection.
- Panoramic sunroof glass reportedly shattered or exploded while driving, sending glass into the cabin.
- Brakes suddenly lost stopping power and dropped to the floor, requiring pumping to regain partial braking.
- Parking brake failed to hold on an incline, allowing the car to roll and strike a fixed object.
- Automatic transmission failed to engage drive or reverse from park, with the vehicle rolling unexpectedly while the driver was outside it.
- Seat belt hardware fractured during a crash, with plastic shards striking the occupant.
2012 Hyundai Veloster recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V651000Sep 22, 2023Brakes1,649,478 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
- NHTSA 23V132000Feb 28, 2023Electrical System25,715 vehicles
Electrical system
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Veloster vehicles. High conductive liquid may leak into the Reverse Park Aid Sensor (RPAS), which can result in an electrical short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the RPAS fuse and sensor, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 28, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 242.
- NHTSA 20V393000Jul 2, 2020Other272,126 vehicles
Equipment:electrical
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.
Risk: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.
2012 Hyundai Veloster fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 27 MPG
- Highway
- 36 MPG
- Combined
- 30.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,125
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other Veloster years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Hyundai Veloster reliable?
- Compared with other Veloster years, 2012 ranks 2nd-worst out of 9 model years, with a Complaint Index of 88 and 296 NHTSA complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common 2012 Veloster problems?
- NHTSA data shows Engine complaints lead at 24% of all reports, followed by Visibility & Wipers issues (mostly panoramic sunroof) at 23%, then Steering at 14% and Electrical System at 13%.
- Does the 2012 Veloster have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2012 Veloster, covering brakes, electrical (reverse park aid sensor), a 12V accessory socket, and two separate panoramic sunroof glass recalls.
- At what mileage do 2012 Veloster problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure across all complaints is 54,935.5 miles, though engine-related failures show a higher median of 83,560.5 miles.
- How does the 2012 Veloster compare to other years?
- The 2012 model (index 88) is close to the worst year, 2013 (index 100), while later years like 2020 (index 13) and 2021 (index 0) rank as Best.