NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
This page covers 4 recalls, 418 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Hyundai Veloster.
27–31 mpg combined
7.6–8.7 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
Engine complaints dominate the 2013 Veloster picture, with owners frequently describing sudden power loss and limp mode activation, often at highway speeds. The engine stalls or drops sharply in speed with little or no warning, sometimes accompanied by a flashing or solid check engine light. This pattern shows up repeatedly across owner reports and represents the most common concern for this model year. Electrical system complaints rank second, covering a range of issues including climate control head failures and wiring that owners describe running unusually hot during normal operation. Steering complaints form the third notable cluster, with owners describing the wheel becoming very difficult to turn during or immediately after a stall event. The limp mode and stalling pattern is the most consistent thread, with owners reporting it most often on highways or at sustained higher speeds.
418
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
32
Fire-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Hyundai Veloster has 4 recalls, the most serious involving fire risks from three separate sources: an ABS control module that can catch fire, a reverse parking sensor that can short-circuit and ignite, and engine software faults that can cause the engine to fail or burn.
The ABS control module can overheat and start a fire in the engine compartment while the car is parked or being driven. The reverse parking aid sensor can allow liquid to seep inside and cause an electrical short, which also raises the risk of fire. Two recalls cover the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine specifically. In one, a fault in the engine management software can allow the air and fuel mixture to ignite too early, building excessive pressure inside the cylinder and damaging the engine internally, which can lead to a stall or fire. The other covers a broader engine computer software problem that can cause the engine to fail outright, cutting power suddenly with no ability to restart, and in some cases triggering a fire as well. Because prior software repair attempts did not fully resolve the underlying engine issue, both engine campaigns remain open. Owners of the turbocharged variant should be aware that two of these four recalls apply specifically to that engine configuration.
At a glance
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The Anti-Lock Brake System module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, potentially starting a fire in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
The ABS fuse will be replaced at no cost to restore normal brake system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Conductive liquid can leak into the Reverse Park Aid Sensor, causing an electrical short circuit that may disable the sensor.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the sensor and fuse, and replace them if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine control software may malfunction, causing engine damage or failure. A failed engine would suddenly lose power and fail to restart. This affects only 1.6L turbocharged engines.
What the fix does
Owners will receive a notice by mail instructing them to visit a dealer for an engine software update.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine management software may ignite the fuel mixture too early, causing excessive pressure that can damage the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine management software at no cost to fix the ignition timing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
