YearToAvoid

2019 Hyundai Veloster Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

38/100

#6 most-complained of 9 Veloster years

The 2019 Hyundai Veloster has 42 complaints, 2 recalls, and a Complaint Index of 38, ranking 6th worst out of 9 model years — a Good result relative to other Veloster years. Engine issues make up half of all complaints.

Complaints
42
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
29.5
26.5 city / 33.5 hwy

Top 2019 Hyundai Veloster problems

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

  1. Engine21 (50%)
  2. Structure & Body9 (21%)
  3. Other7 (17%)
  4. Electrical System6 (14%)
  5. Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (7%)
  6. Steering3 (7%)
  7. Brakes2 (5%)
  8. Fuel System2 (5%)
  9. Transmission & Powertrain2 (5%)
  10. Visibility & Wipers2 (5%)

What owners report

  • Driver's side door will not open or unlatch from outside in cold weather below 35 degrees, even when unlocked.
  • Rear hatch window has shattered suddenly while stationary, with no prior damage.
  • Engine and electrical systems have gone completely dead in parking lots, with no lights or door function, at low mileage around 3,600 miles.
  • Transmission clutch disc has delaminated and exploded while driving, damaging the pressure plate and shared brake-clutch hydraulic reservoir.
  • Electric shifter has engaged reverse instead of drive, causing at least one crash into a stationary object.
  • HVAC blower motor emits a high-pitched squeal or whine at low fan settings, worsening over rough terrain.
2019 Hyundai Veloster complaints: complaints filed per month5May 2019Feb 2020Oct 2021May 2023Feb 2024Oct 2024Sep 2025
59 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2019 to Jul 2026; peak Mar 2024 (5).

2019 Hyundai Veloster recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 21V301000Apr 28, 2021Engine158,493 vehicles

    Engine

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  2. NHTSA 19V311000Apr 17, 2019Structure & Body12,438 vehicles

    Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Veloster vehicles. In certain side impact crashes, the driver's door latch housing and locking cable can become damaged, allowing the driver's side door to open.

    Risk: The door opening could result in occupant ejection or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side door latch assembly and lower channel, free of charge. The recall began June 17, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 183.

2019 Hyundai Veloster fuel economy and fuel cost

City
26.5 MPG
Highway
33.5 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.

2019 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
2016Avoid75222129.5
2017Good2550029.5
2019Good3842229.5
2020Best1324129.5
2021Best011129.5

All Hyundai Veloster years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Hyundai Veloster reliable?
NHTSA lists 42 complaints and 2 recalls for the 2019 Veloster, giving it a Complaint Index of 38 and a Good verdict compared with other Veloster model years.
What is the biggest problem area for the 2019 Veloster?
Engine complaints account for 50% of all reports (21 of 42), with a median failure mileage of 44,000 miles.
Does the 2019 Veloster have any recalls?
Yes, two recalls: one for engine piston oil rings that may not have been properly heat-treated (2.0L Nu MPI engine), and one for a driver's door latch that could open in a side impact crash.
How does the 2019 Veloster compare to other years?
Its Complaint Index of 38 ranks 6th worst out of 9 model years with data, well below the worst year, 2013, which scored 100.
What is the fuel economy of the 2019 Veloster?
The 2019 Veloster gets an EPA-rated 29.5 mpg combined (26.5 city / 33.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,200.

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.