YearToAvoid

2015 Hyundai Veloster Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

63/100

#4 most-complained of 9 Veloster years

The 2015 Hyundai Veloster has a Complaint Index of 63 and ranks 4th worst out of 9 model years, earning a "Caution" verdict. Engine problems dominate at 59% of complaints, with 7 fire reports and 2 recalls, including one for connecting rod bearing wear.

Complaints
136
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
0 / 7
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
28
25 city / 33.5 hwy

Top 2015 Hyundai Veloster problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine80 (59%)
  2. Electrical System26 (19%)
  3. Other21 (15%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain18 (13%)
  5. Brakes12 (9%)
  6. Fuel System6 (4%)
  7. Structure & Body5 (4%)
  8. Visibility & Wipers5 (4%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (3%)
  10. HVAC2 (1%)

What owners report

  • Owners report engines stalling and catching fire while driving, sometimes preceded by smoke under the dashboard or knocking noises.
  • Some engines lost oil pressure and blew out entirely, requiring full engine replacement by a Hyundai dealer.
  • Electrical components under the center console reportedly melted and burned, accompanied by a burning smell and unresponsive climate controls.
  • Automatic transmissions reportedly flared between 1-2 and 3-4 gear shifts and made noise resembling a bad CV joint, with one unit replaced under Hyundai's direction.
  • Tires (Kumho Solus KH25) developed sidewall bubbles at low mileage on multiple vehicles.
  • One owner reported the sunroof shattering while driving at highway speed, causing minor passenger injury.
2015 Hyundai Veloster complaints: complaints filed per quarter202015 Q12017 Q32019 Q12020 Q32021 Q42023 Q22024 Q32025 Q4
183 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2015 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2021 Q1 (20).

2015 Hyundai Veloster recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. NHTSA 20V746000Dec 1, 2020Engine128,948 vehicles

    Engine

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

2015 Hyundai Veloster fuel economy and fuel cost

City
25 MPG
Highway
33.5 MPG
Combined
28 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,325
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.

2015 compared with other Veloster years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201220132014201520162017201920202021
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2013Avoid100423329.5
2014Caution5085228
2015Caution63136228
2016Avoid75222129.5
2017Good2550029.5

All Hyundai Veloster years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2015 Hyundai Veloster reliable?
NHTSA data gives the 2015 Veloster a Complaint Index of 63 and a "Caution" verdict, ranking it 4th worst among 9 model years tracked. Engine complaints make up 59% of all reported issues.
Does the 2015 Hyundai Veloster have engine problems?
Yes. Engine issues account for 80 of 136 complaints (59%), including 4 reported fires, with a median failure mileage of 86,000 miles.
What recalls affect the 2015 Hyundai Veloster?
NHTSA lists two recalls: a 2023 brake-related recall advising owners to park outside due to fire risk, and a 2020 recall for premature engine connecting rod bearing wear that can require engine replacement.
How does the 2015 Veloster compare to other years?
With a Complaint Index of 63, the 2015 model is better than the 2013 (100, Avoid) and 2012 (88, Avoid) but worse than the 2017 (25, Good), 2020 (13, Best), and 2021 (0, Best) model years.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.