Summary
The Hyundai Veloster has 14 recalls covering 2012 through 2019, with the most serious being a fire risk on 2012-2014 models where liquid can seep into the rear parking assist sensors, causing an electrical short circuit.
The 2019 model year carries its own significant issues. Veloster N models with the 2.0L engine can develop defective piston oil rings that accelerate wear, increase oil consumption, and eventually cause engine failure, raising the risk of a crash or fire. Also on 2019 Veloster N models, the high-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing rough running and a sudden loss of engine power. On the structural side, 2019 models have two related recalls covering the driver's door latch: in a side impact, the latch housing and locking cable can be damaged and let the door swing open, which raises the risk of ejection.
The 2013 model year has a pair of engine concerns, both affecting the turbocharged 1.6L. Engine management software can cause pre-ignition, where the air-fuel mixture fires too early and builds excessive pressure that damages the engine, potentially leading to a stall or fire. A separate software issue on the same engine can lead to engine failure outright, leaving the vehicle unable to restart and, in some cases, catching fire.
The 2012 model year has the broadest set of recalls. Beyond the parking sensor fire risk shared with 2013-2014, early 2012 manual-transmission models have parking brake components that can corrode and bind, either dragging while driving or failing to hold the vehicle when parked. Two separate recalls cover the panoramic sunroof on different 2012 production windows: in both cases, the glass panel can have been weakened during factory installation and fracture while the vehicle is moving, creating injury risk from the glass. A third, lower-severity recall also covers the panoramic glass on 2012 models for similar fracture concerns. A compliance recall for lighting standards affects the 2012 model year as well.
