Hyundai

Veloster (2nd)

2019-2021 · Sports Car · 3 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.9)
129 NHTSA Complaints
2 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
5 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

T-GDI GAMMA

1.6L 4-cyl Turbo / 201 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.9)
32 complaints 16.0 per year Gasoline
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Complaint Breakdown

engine
14
body
6
transmission
5
fuel system
5
cooling
4

Known Issues

Engine Issues (14 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (6 complaints)
Transmission Issues (5 complaints)

Also found in

HYUNDAI Kona (2018-2023)KIA Forte (2019-2025)HYUNDAI Tucson (2010-2015)KIA Optima (2016-2020)HYUNDAI Tucson (2016-2021)HYUNDAI Veloster (2019-2021)

MPI NU

2.0L 4-cyl / 147 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.8)
57 complaints 19.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
33
electrical
10
body
9
safety systems
6
other
4

Known Issues

Engine Issues (33 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (10 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (9 complaints)

Also found in

KIA Soul (2020-2025)HYUNDAI Elantra (2017-2020)HYUNDAI Veloster (2019-2021)

T-GDI THETA II

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 250 hp
Avoid (1.5)
40 complaints 13.3 per year Gasoline
1 fire report 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
16
steering
9
electrical
5
body
5
fuel system
3

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (16 complaints)
Steering Issues (9 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (5 complaints)

Also found in

KIA Optima (2011-2015)HYUNDAI Kona (2018-2023)KIA Sportage (2017-2022)HYUNDAI Elantra (2021-2025)KIA Optima (2016-2020)HYUNDAI Veloster (2022-2022)HONDA CR-V (2017-2022)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2013-2018) +2 more

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Hyundai Veloster regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (47 complaints)
engine critical
Safety Systems Issues (16 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Electrical System Issues (15 complaints)
electrical cosmetic
Body/Trim Issues (15 complaints)
body moderate
Steering Issues (9 complaints)
steering critical

Recalls (2)

21V301000Apr 27, 2021serious
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.

19V311000Apr 16, 2019serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Veloster vehicles. In certain side impact crashes, the driver's door latch housing and locking cable can become damaged, allowing the driver's side door to open.

Alternatives in Sports Car

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster problems?

The 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster has accumulated 129 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Safety Systems, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Hyundai Veloster engine is most reliable?

The 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster a good used car?

The 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 129 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster have?

The 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster has 129 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster?

There are 2 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Hyundai Veloster?

Before buying a used Hyundai Veloster, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Safety Systems, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 129 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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