YearToAvoid

2019 Hyundai Veloster Engine Problems

Engine complaints make up 21 of 42 total complaints (50%) for the 2019 Hyundai Veloster, with a median failure mileage of 44,000 miles. A related recall (21V301000) covers piston oil ring issues on the 2.0L Nu MPI engine.

Engine complaints
21
50% of 42
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
44,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of power and RPM drops while driving at highway speed, sometimes causing the vehicle to slow to a crawl in traffic.
  • Several complaints describe knocking or rapping noises from the engine followed by reduced power or stalling.
  • Owners report excessive oil consumption, with one describing burning roughly a quart every 800-1000 miles, which they linked to the piston oil ring recall.
  • Multiple complaints describe connecting-rod bearings wearing out prematurely, causing knocking noises, flashing check-engine lights, and eventual engine seizure.
  • Owners report the engine stalling or shutting off at idle or low RPM after refueling, with the car needing to be restarted.
  • Some owners report the engine seizing entirely, requiring full engine replacement by the dealer.

When 2019 Hyundai Veloster engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 15, 2019, latest Nov 11, 2025.

2019 Hyundai Veloster engine complaints: complaints filed per month3May 2019Aug 2022May 2023Jan 2024Oct 2024Aug 2025
21 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2019 to Nov 2025; peak Feb 2023 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2019 Hyundai Veloster

  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.

Engine complaints by Veloster model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201271 (24%)
  2. 2013181 (43%)
  3. 201436 (42%)
  4. 201580 (59%)
  5. 2016143 (64%)
  6. 201727 (54%)
  7. 201921 (50%)
  8. 20209 (38%)
  9. 20213 (27%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2019 Hyundai Veloster?
NHTSA lists 21 engine complaints out of 42 total complaints for the 2019 Veloster, meaning engine issues make up 50% of all complaints filed for this model year.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Hyundai Veloster engine?
Yes. Recall 21V301000 covers 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona, and Veloster vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines, where piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine free of charge.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 44,000 miles at the time of failure for engine-related complaints on the 2019 Veloster.
What symptoms do owners report before engine failure?
Owners describe knocking or rapping noises, loss of power, stalling, excessive oil consumption, and illuminated check-engine or oil warning lights before the engine failed.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these engine complaints?
NHTSA records show 0 crashes and 1 injury among the engine complaints filed for the 2019 Veloster, with no fires reported.

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.