The Veloster's main documented problem is engine-bearing wear on the 1.6L Gamma GDI engine: 2015–2016 cars were recalled (20V746), and 2012–2017 cars carry a 15-year/150,000-mile engine warranty under the Engine II settlement. Later 2019–2021 cars with the 2.0L Nu engine had a piston-ring recall, and the 2019–2022 Veloster N has fuel pump and air bag software recalls.
CarWhere lists 12 documented Veloster issues, including 10 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
FS (2012–2017) Veloster problems
2015–2016 Veloster engine bearing wear can cause stall or fire (recall 20V746) (2015–2016)
Safety recall- Generation:
- FS (2012–2017)
- Years:
- 2015–2016
The engine's connecting rod bearings can wear early and damage the engine, which can cause a stall or a fire. Dealers inspect the engine, replace it if bearing damage is found and install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The 128,948-vehicle count also covers the 2012 Santa Fe and Sonata Hybrid.
Symptoms
- Engine knocking that rises with rpm
- Check-engine or oil-pressure light
- Hesitation or loss of power
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Look for Hyundai recall 198 as completed
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 20V746 (2020-12-01) · 128,948 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1][2][3]
1.6L Gamma GDI Veloster: 15-year/150,000-mile engine warranty (2012–2017)
Major repair- Generation:
- FS (2012–2017)
- Years:
- 2012–2017
The Engine II class settlement (judgment entered April 26, 2024) covers 2012–2017 Velosters with the 1.6L Gamma GDI engine. It extends the powertrain warranty to 15 years or 150,000 miles from original delivery for engine damage from connecting rod bearing failure. The KSDS update must be completed before a failure, except on cars under recall 20V746. Hyundai also lists 2012–2017 and 2019 Velosters for the KSDS update.
Symptoms
- Engine knock
- Flashing check-engine light with reduced power
Check before buying
- Confirm Service Campaign 953 or 966 (KSDS) is completed
- Check the original delivery date for remaining coverage
- Have a dealer evaluate any engine noise
Sources: [2][3]
2013 Veloster Turbo engine software can cause pre-ignition (recall 19V204) (2013 (Veloster Turbo))
Safety recall- Generation:
- FS (2012–2017)
- Years:
- 2013 (Veloster Turbo)
- Powertrain:
- 1.6L turbo
Engine management software could let the air-fuel mixture ignite too early (pre-ignition), and the resulting cylinder pressure can damage the engine, causing a stall or fire. Dealers update the engine software, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Loud knocking or pinging under acceleration
- Check-engine light
- Loss of power
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 19V204 (2019-03-14) · 16,487 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [4]
ABS module can leak and start a fire; park outside (recall 23V651) (2012–2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- FS (2012–2017)
- Years:
- 2012–2015
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The ABS module can leak brake fluid internally and short-circuit, which can start an engine-compartment fire while parked or driving. Dealers replace the ABS fuse, free of charge, and owners were told to park outside until then. The 1,649,478-vehicle count spans many Hyundai models.
Symptoms
- ABS warning light
- Burning smell from the engine bay
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Until the repair is confirmed, follow the recall advice to park outside and away from buildings
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 23V651 (2023-09-22) · 1,649,478 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [5]
Rear parking sensor can short and catch fire (recall 23V132) (2012–2014)
Safety recall- Generation:
- FS (2012–2017)
- Years:
- 2012–2014
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
Conductive liquid can leak into the reverse park-aid sensor and cause a short circuit, raising the risk of fire. Dealers inspect and replace the sensor fuse and sensor as needed, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Parking sensor fault or beeping with nothing behind
- Burning smell near the rear bumper
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 23V132 (2023-02-28) · 25,715 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [6]
Panoramic sunroof glass can shatter (recalls 12V568 and 13V051) (2012 (with panoramic sunroof))
Safety recall- Generation:
- FS (2012–2017)
- Years:
- 2012 (with panoramic sunroof)
- Powertrain:
- All
The panoramic sunroof assembly may have been weakened when it was installed at the factory, so the glass could break while driving. Two recalls covered different build periods: 12V568 (13,500 cars) and 13V051 (6,071 cars). Dealers inspect the sunroof and replace the glass assembly as needed, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Cracks or chips in the panoramic glass
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Check both 12V568 and 13V051 for a 2012 car
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 12V568 (2012-12-07) · 13,500 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [7][8]
Turn-key Veloster models need the free anti-theft software upgrade (campaign 993) (2012–2022)
Moderate- Generation:
- FS (2012–2017) and JS (2019–2022)
- Years:
- 2012–2022
- Powertrain:
- All engines with a turn-key ignition and no engine immobilizer
Hyundai offers a free anti-theft software upgrade, service campaign 993, for 2011–2022 Hyundai models built with a traditional turn-key ignition and no engine immobilizer, after a theft method spread on social media. Once installed, locking the doors with the key fob arms the factory alarm and an ignition-kill feature, so the car cannot be started that way. Hyundai says vehicles with push-button start, or built after November 2021, already have an immobilizer and are not affected. A Veloster with a turn-key ignition from these years may qualify; the VIN check settles it.
Symptoms
- Vehicle starts with a mechanical key in a turn-key ignition (no push-button start)
- No record of campaign 993 in the service history
Check before buying
- Enter the VIN on Hyundai's campaign 993 site (autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/Campaign993) to see whether the upgrade applies and is done
- Confirm the alarm and ignition-kill feature arm when you lock the doors with the fob
- Ask a Hyundai dealer to install the upgrade if it is still open; it is free
Sources: [14][15][16]
JS (2019–2022) Veloster problems
2.0L Nu engine piston oil rings may fail (recall 21V301) (2019–2021)
Safety recall- Generation:
- JS (2019–2022)
- Years:
- 2019–2021
Piston oil rings in the 2.0L Nu MPI engine may not have been properly heat-treated, which can damage the engine. That can cause a stall, and leaking oil can reach hot exhaust parts and start a fire. Dealers inspect the engine and replace it if needed, and Hyundai deployed Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software, free of charge. The 158,493-vehicle count also covers the Elantra and Kona.
Symptoms
- High oil consumption
- Engine ticking or knocking
- Blue exhaust smoke
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Confirm the PNSS software is installed
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 21V301 (2021-04-28) · 158,493 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [9]
Veloster N air bag control software can deactivate air bags (recall 26V728) (2019–2022 (Veloster N))
Safety recall- Generation:
- JS (2019–2022)
- Years:
- 2019–2022 (Veloster N)
- Powertrain:
- Veloster N
A software error in the air bag control unit can wrongly switch off the air bags and seat belt pretensioners, so they would not work in a crash. Dealers update the control unit software, free of charge. Hyundai filed the recall on November 3, 2026; owner letters are expected around January 1, 2027. The 37,901-vehicle count also covers the Kona Electric.
Symptoms
- Air bag warning light may be the only sign
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 26V728 (2026-11-03) · 37,901 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [10]
Veloster N fuel pump may fail (recall 24V528) (2019–2022 (Veloster N))
Safety recall- Generation:
- JS (2019–2022)
- Years:
- 2019–2022 (Veloster N)
- Powertrain:
- Veloster N
The fuel pump may fail, which can cut drive power. Dealers update the engine control software and inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly as needed, free of charge. The 54,647-vehicle count also covers the Elantra N, Kona N and Genesis G70.
Symptoms
- Hesitation or stumble under load
- Stalling or hard starting
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 24V528 (2024-07-12) · 54,647 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [11]
Veloster N transmission fail-safe may not work (recall 22V746) (2021–2022 (Veloster N))
Safety recall- Generation:
- JS (2019–2022)
- Years:
- 2021–2022 (Veloster N)
- Powertrain:
- Veloster N
If the transmission oil pump malfunctions, the limited-mobility 'fail-safe' drive mode may not work, which can cause a complete loss of drive power. Dealers inspect and replace the transmission as needed and update its control software, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Transmission warning light
- Sudden loss of drive
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 22V746 (2022-10-06) · 56,148 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [12]
Driver door may open in a side crash (recall 19V311) (2019)
Safety recall- Generation:
- JS (2019–2022)
- Years:
- 2019
- Powertrain:
- All
In some side-impact crashes, the driver's door latch housing and locking cable can be damaged so the door opens, raising the risk of ejection or injury. Dealers replace the driver's door latch assembly and lower channel, free of charge.
Symptoms
- No warning signs in normal use
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Hyundai dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 19V311 (2019-04-17) · 12,438 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [13]