Hyundai Veloster: model years, engines, Turbo vs base and used-buying checks

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Hyundai Veloster is a three-door compact hatchback sold in the US for 2012–2017 and 2019–2021, with no 2018 model. First-generation cars use a 1.6L GDI engine or, from 2013, a 201-hp 1.6L turbo. Second-generation cars use a 2.0L four or 1.6L turbo. The high-performance Veloster N ran from 2019 to 2022.

Type
Compact three-door hatchback (one driver-side door, two passenger-side doors), front-wheel drive
Price (MSRP)
$17,450–$22,950 (2013 MY) · 2013 MSRP from Hyundai's June 2012 pricing release, excluding $775 freight. Low = Veloster 1.6 manual, high = Veloster Turbo automatic. Hyundai's later Veloster price sheets could not be retrieved.[1]
Powertrains
Veloster 1.6 GDI (2012–2017), Veloster Turbo 1.6T (2013–2017), Veloster 2.0 (2019–2021), Veloster Turbo 1.6T (2019–2021) · 138–201 hp
Current generation
First generation (FS), 2012–2017

Hyundai Veloster engines, horsepower and mpg

Hyundai rated the 1.6 GDI at 138 hp and 123 lb-ft with the manual, and 132 hp and 120 lb-ft with the dual-clutch (2014 figures). The 2.0L automatic is rated 27/34/30 mpg and the 1.6T DCT 28/34/30 mpg for 2021. Hyundai's output figures for the 2019–2021 engines could not be retrieved, so they are left blank. EPA lists the 2016 Turbo automatic as a 6-speed automated manual. EPA's current listing for the 2012 Veloster (27/37/31 manual) is lower than the 28/40/32 Hyundai quoted at launch.

Hyundai Veloster powertrains with Hyundai-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Veloster 1.6 GDI (2012–2017)Veloster (base), RE:FLEX1.6L Gamma GDI inline-4[2][3][4][5][6]1381236-speed manual or 6-speed EcoShift dual-clutchFront-wheel drive27/34/302017 MY[4]
Veloster Turbo 1.6T (2013–2017)Turbo, Turbo R-Spec1.6L Gamma turbocharged GDI inline-4[1][7][8][9][10]2011956-speed manual; 6-speed automatic (2013–2015) or 7-speed dual-clutch (2017)Front-wheel drive25/33/282017 MY[10]
Veloster 2.0 (2019–2021)2.0L Nu MPI inline-4[11][12][13]——6-speed manual or 6-speed automaticFront-wheel drive25/33/282021 MY[11]
Veloster Turbo 1.6T (2019–2021)1.6L turbocharged GDI inline-4[14][15]——6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutchFront-wheel drive26/33/292021 MY[14]

Output is as rated by Hyundai; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

First vs second generation Veloster

EPA combined ratings for the most efficient manual version of each engine.[4][10][11][14][8][9]

First vs second generation Veloster
2012–2017 (FS)2019–2021 (JS)
Base engine1.6L GDI, 30 mpg (2017 manual)2.0L MPI, 28 mpg (2021 manual)
Turbo engine1.6L turbo, 28 mpg (2017 manual)1.6L turbo, 29 mpg (2021 manual)
Turbo automatic6-speed automatic (2013–2015), 7-speed DCT (2017)7-speed DCT
  • The second-gen 2.0L base engine is rated 2 mpg lower combined than the first-gen 1.6 in manual form.
  • The second-gen Turbo is slightly more efficient than the first.

Veloster vs Veloster Turbo

In the first generation, the Turbo's 1.6L twin-scroll turbo engine makes 201 hp at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb-ft at 1,750 rpm on regular fuel, compared with 138 hp and 123 lb-ft for the base 1.6 GDI. It cost $4,500 more in 2013 ($21,950 vs $17,450 for manuals) and added a body kit, 18-inch wheels, twin round exhaust tips and heated leather seats.

Transmissions differ too. The base car used Hyundai's 6-speed EcoShift dual-clutch, while the 2013–2015 Turbo used a conventional 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. For 2014 Hyundai added Torque Vectoring Control to Turbo models. EPA rates the 2013 Turbo manual at 24/35/28 mpg and the base manual at 27/37/31 mpg.[1][3][20]

Veloster engine problems and the extended warranty

The Engine II class settlement covers 2012–2017 Velosters with the Gamma 1.6L GDI engine and extends the powertrain warranty to 15 years or 150,000 miles from original retail delivery for qualifying engine damage. 2015–2016 cars were also recalled for connecting-rod bearing wear (20V746). Second-generation 2.0L cars from 2019–2021 were recalled for improperly heat-treated piston oil rings (21V301).

The full recall list for every Veloster year appears on this page's problems section.[21][22][13]

What to check when buying a used Veloster

Most checks come down to engine history and recall completion.

  • Ask for oil-change records; on 2012–2017 cars, confirm the KSDS software update was done so the extended engine warranty can apply.
  • On 2015–2016 cars, confirm recall 20V746 is complete; on 2019–2021 2.0L cars, confirm 21V301.
  • Check whether it is a 1.6 GDI, 1.6 Turbo or 2.0 — trim badges are easy to swap, but the VIN and engine bay aren't.
  • There is no 2018 model; a car listed as a 2018 is a 2017 or 2019.
  • [21][22][13][4]

What about the Veloster N?

The Veloster N is the 2.0L turbo performance version sold for the 2019–2022 model years. EPA lists it with a 6-speed manual only for 2019–2020 and adds an 8-speed dual-clutch for 2021–2022. It has its own guide.[23][24]

Hyundai Veloster generations by year

Every US Hyundai Veloster generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
First generationFS2012–20171.6L Gamma GDI (138 hp); 1.6L turbo GDI (201 hp, 2013–2017)Launched at $17,300 (manual) and $18,550 (dual-clutch) plus $775 freight, with a single driver-side door and two passenger-side doors. The Veloster Turbo arrived for 2013 at $21,950. A Turbo R-Spec (manual only, B&M short-throw shifter) was added for 2014 at $22,110 including $810 destination, plus a limited RE:MIX edition and, for 2015, the RE:FLEX edition. EPA lists a 7-speed dual-clutch for the 2017 Turbo.[16][1][7][3][17][9][18]
Second generationJS2019–20212.0L Nu MPI I4; 1.6L turbo GDI I4There was no 2018 model year in the US. The redesigned car offered a 2.0L with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic and a 1.6L turbo with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch. EPA lists no regular Veloster after 2021; the Veloster N continued through 2022.[12][15][19]

Hyundai Veloster problems and recalls

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.

Documented Hyundai Veloster issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
2015–2016 Veloster engine bearing wear can cause stall or fire (recall 20V746)[25][26][27]FS (2012–2017)2015–2016Recall 20V746
1.6L Gamma GDI Veloster: 15-year/150,000-mile engine warranty[26][27]FS (2012–2017)2012–2017Major repair
2013 Veloster Turbo engine software can cause pre-ignition (recall 19V204)[28]FS (2012–2017)2013 (Veloster Turbo)Recall 19V204
ABS module can leak and start a fire; park outside (recall 23V651)[29]FS (2012–2017)2012–2015Recall 23V651
Rear parking sensor can short and catch fire (recall 23V132)[30]FS (2012–2017)2012–2014Recall 23V132
Panoramic sunroof glass can shatter (recalls 12V568 and 13V051)[31][32]FS (2012–2017)2012 (with panoramic sunroof)Recall 12V568
2.0L Nu engine piston oil rings may fail (recall 21V301)[33]JS (2019–2022)2019–2021Recall 21V301
Veloster N air bag control software can deactivate air bags (recall 26V728)[34]JS (2019–2022)2019–2022 (Veloster N)Recall 26V728

All 12 documented Veloster issues and 10 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

More Veloster research

See how a Veloster was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Hyundai build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Hyundai build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Hyundai Veloster made?

The US Veloster was sold for the 2012–2017 and 2019–2021 model years; there was no 2018. The Veloster N lasted through 2022.

Is there a 2018 Hyundai Veloster?

No. EPA lists no 2018 Veloster; the first generation ended with 2017 and the redesigned car arrived as a 2019.

How much horsepower does a Veloster Turbo have?

Hyundai rated the 2013–2017 Veloster Turbo's 1.6L turbo at 201 hp and 195 lb-ft. The base 1.6 GDI made 138 hp.

Why does the Veloster have three doors?

Hyundai gave it one door on the driver's side and two on the passenger side, so rear passengers can get in from the curb side without folding a front seat.

Is the Hyundai Veloster a reliable used car?

The main documented issue is engine damage: 2012–2017 1.6 GDI cars are covered by a 15-year/150,000-mile engine warranty extension, and 2019–2021 2.0L cars had a piston-ring recall. Service records and recall completion matter most.

What mpg does a Veloster get?

EPA rates the 2017 1.6 manual at 27/34/30 mpg and the 2021 2.0L automatic at 27/34/30 mpg.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Hyundai for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. Hyundai Motor America Announces 2013 Veloster Pricing (June 6, 2012) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/21308-HYUNDAIMOTORAMERICAANNOUNCES2013VELOSTERPRICING.txt)
  2. Hyundai Revolutionizes the Coupe with the All-New Veloster (2012 Veloster release) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/21965-HYUNDAIREVOLUTIONIZESTHECOUPEWITHTHEALL-NEWVELOSTER.txt)
  3. 2014 Veloster Adds Performance, Convenience and Safety Appeal (Nov. 19, 2013) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/22725-2014VELOSTERADDSPERFORMANCE%2CCONVENIENCEANDSAFETYAPPEALTOINNOVATIVE3-DOORSPORTCOUPE.txt)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 2017 Hyundai Veloster 1.6L, 6-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  5. EPA fuel economy: 2017 Hyundai Veloster 1.6L, 6-speed DCT — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  6. EPA fuel economy: 2012 Hyundai Veloster 1.6L, 6-speed DCT — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  7. Hyundai Turbo R-Spec Model Joins Veloster Line-up (Nov. 20, 2013) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/22732-HYUNDAITURBOR-SPECMODELJOINSVELOSTERLINE-UP.txt)
  8. EPA fuel economy: 2013 Hyundai Veloster 1.6L turbo, 6-speed automatic — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  9. EPA fuel economy: 2017 Hyundai Veloster 1.6L turbo, 7-speed DCT — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  10. EPA fuel economy: 2017 Hyundai Veloster 1.6L turbo, 6-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  11. EPA fuel economy: 2021 Hyundai Veloster 2.0L, 6-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  12. EPA fuel economy: 2021 Hyundai Veloster 2.0L, 6-speed automatic — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  13. Recall 21V301: Improperly Heat-Treated Piston Oil Rings — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  14. EPA fuel economy: 2021 Hyundai Veloster 1.6L turbo, 6-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  15. EPA fuel economy: 2021 Hyundai Veloster 1.6L turbo, 7-speed DCT — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  16. Hyundai Motor America Announces 2012 Veloster Pricing (Aug. 24, 2011) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/20156-HYUNDAIMOTORAMERICAANNOUNCES2012VELOSTERPRICING.txt)
  17. 2015 Veloster Offers Performance, Convenience and Safety Appeal (July 18, 2014) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/23297-2015VELOSTEROFFERSPERFORMANCE%2CCONVENIENCEANDSAFETYAPPEALINANINNOVATIVE3-DOORSPORTCOUPE.txt)
  18. EPA fuel economy: 2012 Hyundai Veloster 1.6L, 6-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  19. EPA fuel economy: 2022 Hyundai Veloster N 2.0L turbo, 6-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  20. EPA fuel economy: 2013 Hyundai Veloster 1.6L turbo, 6-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  21. In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II — official settlement website — Court-authorized settlement administrator, C.D. Cal.
  22. Recall 20V746: Engine Damage May Cause Stall or Fire — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  23. EPA fuel economy: 2019 Hyundai Veloster N 2.0L turbo, 6-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  24. EPA fuel economy: 2021 Hyundai Veloster N 2.0L turbo, 8-speed DCT — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  25. Recall 20V746: Engine Damage May Cause Stall or Fire — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  26. In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II — official settlement website — Court-authorized settlement administrator (Angeion Group), C.D. Cal.
  27. Hyundai Engine Recall and KSDS Software Update: Frequently Asked Questions — Hyundai Motor America
  28. Recall 19V204: Ignition Timing may Damage Engine — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  29. Recall 23V651: ABS Unit May Cause Engine Compartment Fire — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  30. Recall 23V132: Parking Sensor May Short Circuit and Cause Fire — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  31. Recall 12V568: Sunroof may Shatter due to Installation Error — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  32. Recall 13V051: Sunroof may Shatter due to Installation Error — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  33. Recall 21V301: Improperly Heat-Treated Piston Oil Rings — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  34. Recall 26V728: Air Bags & Seat Belt Pretensioners May Not Deploy in a Crash — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Hyundai Motor America, Hyundai Motor Company or Hyundai Motor Group. Hyundai and the model names are trademarks of their owners.