YearToAvoid

2020 Hyundai Veloster Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

13/100

#8 most-complained of 9 Veloster years

The 2020 Hyundai Veloster ranks 8th of 9 model years by complaint index (13, rank_worst_first: 8), earning a 'Best' verdict among Veloster years. It has 24 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.

Complaints
24
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
29.5
26.5 city / 33.5 hwy

Top 2020 Hyundai Veloster problems

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

  1. Engine9 (38%)
  2. Other6 (25%)
  3. Electrical System3 (13%)
  4. Structure & Body3 (13%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain3 (13%)
  6. Fuel System2 (8%)
  7. Steering2 (8%)
  8. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (4%)
  9. Lane Departure1 (4%)
  10. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (4%)

What owners report

  • Some owners report the engine loses power suddenly while driving at highway speed, tied to the piston oil ring recall.
  • Others describe the engine hesitating when pressing the gas pedal at low speed, with the car failing to accelerate despite pressure.
  • Some drivers report needing a full engine replacement, in one case twice, after persistent motor issues.
  • Owners describe the turn signal switch inadvertently shutting off all exterior lights when bumped or slapped while turning.
  • A few owners report the power steering warning light coming on around 17,990 miles, followed by a total loss of power steering assist.
  • Some owners describe the driver's door refusing to open from the outside in cold, sub-freezing temperatures, requiring entry through the hatch.
2020 Hyundai Veloster complaints: complaints filed per month3Mar 2020Apr 2021Aug 2021Nov 2022Jun 2024Jun 2025Sep 2026
31 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Jul 2021 (3).

2020 Hyundai Veloster recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

2020 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.

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

All Hyundai Veloster years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Hyundai Veloster reliable?
Among Veloster model years, 2020 has the second-lowest complaint index at 13 and ranks 8th of 9 years worst-first, giving it a 'Best' verdict relative to other Veloster years.
Does the 2020 Hyundai Veloster have an engine recall?
Yes. Recall 21V301000 covers 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona, and Veloster models with 2.0L Nu MPI engines, where piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated. The dealer remedy is inspection and, if necessary, engine replacement.
What is the most common complaint for the 2020 Veloster?
Engine problems are the top complaint area, accounting for 9 of 24 complaints (38%), with a median mileage at failure of 60,500 miles.
How many complaints and recalls does the 2020 Veloster have?
NHTSA lists 24 complaints and 1 recall for the 2020 Veloster, with zero reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.
How does the 2020 Veloster compare to other years like 2013?
The 2013 Veloster has a complaint index of 100 and an 'Avoid' verdict, far higher than the 2020's index of 13, which carries a 'Best' verdict.

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.