Veloster (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
DOHC GDI GAMMA
1.6LView details
Complaint Breakdown
DOHC T-GDI GAMMA
1.6L TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Hyundai Veloster Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
GDI GAMMA
1.6L 4-cyl / 132 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Hyundai Veloster, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster
On a used 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (518), the electrical system (209) and the transmission and drivetrain (137). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 518 owner complaints on the 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster about the engine.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 209 owner complaints on the 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster about the electrical system.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 137 owner complaints on the 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster about the transmission and drivetrain.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 118 owner complaints on the 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster about the steering.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 86 owner complaints on the 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster about the brakes.
Recalls (8)
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Veloster vehicles. High conductive liquid may leak into the Reverse Park Aid Sensor (RPAS), which can result in an electrical short circuit.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013 Veloster vehicles that are equipped with 1.6 liter turbo engines. The engine management software may cause premature ignition (pre-ignition) of the air/fuel mixture in the engine. The resulting excessive cylinder pressure may damage the engine.
Show 3 older recalls
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012 Veloster vehicles manufactured from July 4, 2011, through October 31, 2011 and equipped with panoramic sunroofs. The panoramic sunroof assembly may have been weakened during installation at the factory.
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012 Veloster vehicles manufactured from November 1, 2011, through April 17, 2012 and equipped with panoramic sunroofs. The panoramic sunroof assembly may been weakened during installation at the factory.
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012 Veloster vehicles manufactured from July 2, 2011, through February 27, 2012 and equipped with manual transmissions. Moisture and road grime may cause the parking brake components to bind.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
All Generations
Alternatives in Compact
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster complaints?
Owners have filed 1,213 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster. The systems they name most often are the engine, the electrical system and the transmission.
Is the 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,213 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster have?
NHTSA has 1,213 owner complaints on file for the 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls covering some 2012-2017 Hyundai Veloster vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Hyundai Veloster?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the electrical system and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Veloster?
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (10.5% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,213 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.