2013 Hyundai Veloster Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 9 Veloster years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2013 Hyundai Veloster ranks worst of 9 model years tracked, with 423 complaints, a complaint index of 100, 33 fire reports, and 3 recalls. Engine problems dominate at 43% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 85,000, making this the year to avoid most within the Veloster lineup.
- Complaints
- 423
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 6 / 33
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 29.5
- 25.5 city / 36 hwy
Top 2013 Hyundai Veloster problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine181 (43%)
- Electrical System101 (24%)
- Steering58 (14%)
- Other55 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain35 (8%)
- Visibility & Wipers34 (8%)
- Brakes31 (7%)
- Fuel System22 (5%)
- Structure & Body21 (5%)
- Airbags12 (3%)
What owners report
- Engine compartment fires with loud banging noises and loss of power reported at highway and city speeds.
- Sudden engine stall accompanied by check engine light, black smoke, and metal debris falling from underneath the car.
- Electrical wiring in the engine harness reported sparking and igniting, sometimes with a burning smell from interior heat controls.
- Transmission getting stuck in reverse gear unexpectedly while backing out of a driveway.
- Suspension described as difficult to control, with owners linking the twist-beam rear axle design to repeated accidents.
- Airbags failing to deploy during a front-end collision at moderate speed.
2013 Hyundai Veloster recalls
3 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 19V204000Mar 14, 2019Engine16,487 vehicles
Engine
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.
Remedy: 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.
2013 Hyundai Veloster fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25.5 MPG
- Highway
- 36 MPG
- Combined
- 29.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,200
- 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.
2013 compared with other Veloster years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Hyundai Veloster reliable?
- Among the 9 Veloster model years tracked, 2013 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst overall, with 423 NHTSA complaints and 33 fire reports.
- What are the biggest problems with the 2013 Veloster?
- Engine issues make up 43% of complaints (181 complaints, median failure mileage 85,000), followed by electrical system problems at 24% (101 complaints, median mileage 69,500).
- Does the 2013 Hyundai Veloster have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls covering brakes (park-outside advisory), the reverse park aid sensor's electrical system, and engine management software tied to pre-ignition on the 1.6L turbo engine.
- Which Veloster years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2013 (complaint index 100), 2012 (88), and 2016 (75) are the years marked Avoid, while 2020 and 2021 rank Best with complaint indexes of 13 and 0.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Hyundai Veloster?
- EPA rates the 2013 Veloster at 29.5 mpg combined (25.5 city / 36 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,200.