2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster Reliability Score: 6.9 out of 10

102 NHTSA Complaints

4 Recalls

1 Fire Reports

3 Crash Reports

Data covers 2 NHTSA model names

VELOSTERVELOSTER N

Reliability Score

6.9 / 10

Reliability score

About as many owner complaints as similar compacts

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 40 powertrain complaints. A typical compact fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 37.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 0.8 points better in the typical case.

Breakdown

Complaints overall40 complaints against about 37 for similar vehicles

6.9

Last three years20 complaints against about 22 for similar vehicles

7.3

Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced

n/aNot enough data

Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating

n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year

20197.0
20207.1
2021n/a

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

By engine

2.0L 4-cyl (turbo and non-turbo together) 6.8/10

No clear difference from the 1.6L 4-cyl turbo. (29 complaints, about 19,000 built)

1.6L 4-cyl turbo 7.3/10

No clear difference from the 2.0L 4-cyl (turbo and non-turbo together). (11 complaints, about 9,000 built)

A complaint counts toward an engine only when its VIN names the engine. Each score is that engine on its own against similar vehicles, worked out the same way as the score above.

On the record · from NHTSA's files, not reviewed by hand

Recall21V301

Engine · 7,851 vehicles (28% of those built)

Complaints by Engine Code

T-GDI THETA II

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo / 250 hp

45 complaints 15.0 per year Gasoline

1 fire report 1 fatality

View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems

steering

electrical

fuel system

body

Same engine used in

KIA Optima (2011-2015)HYUNDAI Kona (2018-2023)KIA Sportage (2017-2022)HYUNDAI Elantra (2021-2025)KIA Optima (2016-2020)HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2013-2018)

+1 more

HYUNDAI Santa Fe (2019-2024)

MPI NU

2.0L 4-cyl / 147 hp

39 complaints 13.0 per year Gasoline

View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine

electrical

safety systems

body

other

Same engine used in

KIA Soul (2020-2025)HYUNDAI Elantra (2017-2020)

T-GDI GAMMA

1.6L 4-cyl Turbo / 201 hp

18 complaints 9.0 per year Gasoline

View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine

transmission

fuel system

body

cooling

Same engine used in

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

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.

Engine: 33 owner complaints

Safety Systems: 22 owner complaints

Steering: 17 owner complaints

Electrical System: 12 owner complaints

Transmission: 7 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster

On a used 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (33), the airbags and driver-assist systems (22) and the steering (17). 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 33 owner complaints on the 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster about the engine, all engines combined.
Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 22 owner complaints on the 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 17 owner complaints on the 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster about the steering.
Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on the 2019-2021 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 7 owner complaints on the 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.

Open the full inspection checklist for the 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster

Recalls (4)

24V528000Jul 12, 2024serious

Fuel System

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.

22V746000Oct 6, 2022serious

Powertrain

Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.

21V301000Apr 28, 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 17, 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.

All Generations

1st2012-2017 2nd2019-2021 20222022

Alternatives in Compact

2 engines / 81 complaints

7 engines / 418 complaints

Audi

2022-2025

9.2/10

3 engines / 26 complaints

2 engines / 322 complaints

2 engines / 30 complaints

3 engines / 116 complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Owners have filed 102 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster. The systems they name most often are the engine, the safety systems and the steering.

Is the 2019-2021 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 102 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019-2021 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 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster have?

NHTSA has 102 owner complaints on file for the 2019-2021 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 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster?

NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering some 2019-2021 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 safety systems and the steering, 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.

Does the Veloster have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 102 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.