2012 Hyundai Veloster Engine Problems

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for an unknown recall repair. Upon retrieving the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The reverse and drive gears were inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the transmission was inoperable, the starter, the engine light were blinking, and the vehicle was slow to move. There was smoke coming from the vehicle. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11721786

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

Mileage

100,000 mi

After an update for a recall for brake issues, the dealership updated the knock sensor update without my consent. After the knock sensor software was installed, my 2012 Hyundai veloster will not operate without going into protection mode. Hyundai states that they can not reverse the software update to make my vehicle operable again. This has already come up as a safety concern as my wife was on the interstate when the vehicle shut down in 70+ mph traffic.

NHTSA ID

11684004

Incident

Jul 10, 2025

I stood my [XXX] nephew up in the front passengers side floorboard of the 2012 hyundia voloster manual transmission with push start . I stepped out of the car on the passage side of the car the car was parked in first gear no one was on the driver's side . I bent over to get my shoes on and baby reached over and pushed the start button on the car the car should not have started since the clutch was not pressed in but unfortunately the car started and lunged forward being on a incline it was as if someone smashed on the gas pedal I ran with the car as far as I could but it was going so fast I could not get into the car to stop it I was drug trying to stop the car the car flew thru a fence , into the woods, down a steep hill then crossed a one lane road traveled up a hill thru another patch of woods before going up hill and hitting a tree all the while our nephew was not in a car seat the car was bouncing side to side when it went off road to cross a creek so I know the baby was thrown around in the car he had to of been that car was going so fast I was screaming in fear that he would not be alive when I made it to the car now the key was in my purse located in the passenger side floorboard where I stood the baby up at so when I reached the car the doors had automatically locked the car was still running and the baby was screaming I could not leave the baby to go get help so I tried to tell him to open the door but like I said he is [XXX] old he didn't know what I was telling him to do and since the car went thru the fence it knocked the wiper blades off and the metal was going back and forth on the glass and it was so loud screeching back and forth and baby is screaming and I could not get to him and I know the screeching is scaring him even more so I reached up the pull the wipers away from the windshield and when I did baby leans on the door to see what I was doing and he hits the windows button and the windows came down just far enough to get it unlock INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMAT

NHTSA ID

11680446

Incident

Jul 11, 2025

Subject: Issue After ABS Recall Service on My 2012 Hyundai Veloster Dear [Hyundai Customer Service/Dealer Name], I recently took my 2012 Hyundai Veloster to the dealer for the ABS recall service, where they performed an ECM and ECU upgrade as part of the fix. However, immediately after the recall service, my car began experiencing a serious issue. The Check Engine light turned on, and now the car won’t accelerate past 4,000 RPM. This problem did not exist before the recall, and I believe it may be related to the update or service performed. I would appreciate it if you could look into this matter, as the issue started right after the recall work. Please advise on the next steps and whether this can be inspected and fixed at no cost. Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to your prompt response. Regard, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11641470

Incident

Feb 6, 2025

My engine is blown. The extended warranty offered by hyundai does not cover the time period or mileage I've had deeming it useless. This is a serious problem and it should be addressed properly. I cannot drive this vehicle. I still owe on my loan. The warranty is not sufficient for the damages accrued regardless if I had signed up in time. This is dangerous, criminal and I'd like reimbursement.

NHTSA ID

11627899

Incident

Nov 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure, glow relay short circuit, and ABS failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,220.

NHTSA ID

11578441

Incident

Mar 4, 2024

Mileage

128,220 mi

When I make short trips and then turn car off for a few minutes before trying to start it again, sometimes it doesn’t restart. I have to sit there for 5-15 minutes before it will start again. Once, it died at a 4-way stop then started right back up. Today, the motor cut off while I was accelerating at 35 mph right in the middle of the road. After 10 minutes it started right back up. This is my daily driver and I know there’s a campaign for this abs/electrical issue but I need a solution immediately before I’m left up a creek without a paddle. That was so scary that I’m afraid to even get on the interstate to take it to the dealership!

NHTSA ID

11568949

Incident

Jan 31, 2024

I was driving up to the mountains yesterday and my car began to make a knocking noise, my check engine light began to flash, the car turned off, and we had to basically let the car coast to an exit. Firestone said that my spark plugs 1,2,3 failed and my engine is knocking aggressively (code P1326).

NHTSA ID

11559594

Incident

Dec 9, 2023

The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle jerked, lurched forward, and there was smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that her daughter would pull to the side of the roadway for a moment, then would continue driving; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the motor mounts, the spark plugs, camshaft sensor, and the fuel injectors were replaced; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal oil consumption. The contact stated that she noticed a puddle of oil underneath the vehicle while the vehicle was parked, on several occasions. The vehicle was inspected by several independent mechanics; however, the source of the oil leak could not be determined. An independent mechanic replaced the catalytic converter; however, the failure recurred. The MIL warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine was misfiring and was experiencing an internal failure. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be taken apart for further diagnostic testing and was charged a fee. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11556455

Incident

May 23, 2022

Mileage

98,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure related to the recall. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ID

11553914

Incident

Oct 24, 2023

Mileage

82,000 mi

My car has 3 recalls included safety recall and manufacturer engine issues recall. The dealer declined to repair my car the reason said its out of warranty, my car has 106k miles, as I know the recalls should be fixed no matter how many miles on the vehicle, or who is the owner of the vehicle, first or second. Now the Hyundai dealer ( key Hyundai dealer in Manchester CT) asked me to pay them $195 plus parking fees $35 a day. I refuse to take my car back until they fix all recalls. And the car sitting there at the dealer since July 29th. I need your help please.

NHTSA ID

11546923

Incident

Jul 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from under the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an undisclosed dealer where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor detection system (KSDS) needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure recurred. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

NHTSA ID

11546530

Incident

Sep 26, 2023

Mileage

141,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that after the dealer had completed the knock sensor detection system (KSDS) software update under Hyundai Campaign Number: 966, the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. Additionally, the vehicle failed to exceed 35-40 MPH while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer contacted the manufacturer; however, the manufacturer denied assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. Additionally, the contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V132000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11540078

Incident

Aug 22, 2023

Mileage

150,000 mi

I have issues with past recalls, but they are not showing up in this list. I had a Body Throttle recall and 5 minutes after it was fixed it broke down and then again a week after and a month after altogether until the body throttle had to be replaced. I had the knock sensor recall done and now it went off code P-1326 is showing with a check engine light and it only drives 62mph. I mean the engine is bad and may catch on fire, and need to be replaced. Yes, the dealer knows and is waiting for my car to be put on the engine replacement list, which has been over 4 months now. There is a lawsuit to change it but Hyundai is not doing it.

NHTSA ID

11538622

Incident

Aug 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while her son was driving the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed back to the residence and an independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11537829

Incident

Jun 1, 2023

Mileage

200,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while shifting into gear, the vehicle failed to move. Upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle was fluttering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the repair parts were on backorder. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V132000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11530165

Incident

Jun 12, 2023

Mileage

83,000 mi

I am writing to formally file a complaint against Hyundai USA regarding the engine damage, defect caused by connecting rod bearing failure that I am experiencing with my 2012 Hyundai Veloster. Hyundai is fully aware that countless owners have experience the same issues and have sent letters detailing the problems. I have always choose a Hyundai affiliated dealership to have all my services and repairs done. It has always been more expensive, but I wanted my vehicle to be in good shape and believed that I would receive the best services through them. The problems with my vehicle started in late 2019 or early 2020 when I was driving with my family on the highway. It felt as if the car was about to fall to a sudden stop, and the speed suddenly started decreasing, and eventually the vehicle couldn’t go over 60 miles/ hour and dropping even lower. That problem created a safety hazard to me and my family since we were driving on the highway and were hundreds of miles away from our destination. After months of not being able to drive the car and having the same problems, I took the vehicle back to the dealer’s service center and had paid them to have some repairs done. However, after a few days, the same issue started again, and had to get it repaired again. The same problems persisted, and after consulting with the technicians, I was told that the dealer had contacted Hyundai and that it is a manufacturing defect and Hyundai needs to change the engine since all the many repairs that had been done but did not solve the known issues. They had reassured me that because I have always kept with regular maintains of my vehicle through the affiliated Hyundai dealers and should have no problems getting the engine replaced. The engine still has not been replaced, all the while I am still paying car insurance on the vehicle. I have bled enough money on a vehicle that I am not be able to drive. I shouldn't have to pay Hyundai close to $5,000 for their defected engine.

NHTSA ID

11510020

Incident

Mar 3, 2020

I got a routine oil change at an old change place and then needed another one 2 1/2 weeks later. The employees at the shop informed me that my vehicle was burning through the oil extremely fast and that the oil dipstick was bare when they checked the oil level. They checked for leaks and found none. The very next day I started hearing a clicking noise coming from the engine and the check engine light was on. I took the vehicle to Autozone in order to run diagnostics on the vehicle to find the problem. The employee there said it was the knock sensor informing us that something is wrong with the engine. I then took the vehicle to a mechanic to see if the problem could be alleviated. The mechanic informed me that there was nothing he could do because of the manufacturing defects of this specific engine. He informed me of a number of filed complaints about this specific engine and it having the same exact problems. The mechanic also informed me that I should immediately stop driving the vehicle because the engine knocking and there is an extremely high risk of it blowing up. I had no idea this engine would do that and have been taking care of the vehicle through routine maintenance since I purchased the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11497049

Incident

Dec 12, 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated he noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a software update was performed and a piston test was performed and no failure was found. The contact stated on another occasion he heard an abnormal sawing sound coming from the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 180,200.

NHTSA ID

11482689

Incident

Apr 2, 2022

Mileage

180,200 mi

I had a recall done on my car, and driving 10 mins from the shop it lost power. I called the shop they had me pull over and try shutting off the car and starting it back up which didn't work so i was told to drive back if i can make it , it took 25 mins with the throttle going up and down. They had it for about a hour or two and said it was the oil being low 2 qts. But, they put 3qts in, they got it working and 2 weeks later it did the same thing, I called and took it back they said it was the spark plugs and I had to pay for that. I explain to them I had no problems until the recall was done and they say the recall was good. So now we 2 months out and the thing which the recall was for is completely broken (Throttle /ECM). I was on Christmas vacation when it went into protection mode and I couldn't drive it. It showed no codes until I had mechanic come change out the throttle Body but it still doesn't work because these codes P0222 and P0123, which is the throttle position pedal. I had to tow the car back because that's not a regular carried part for auto parts stores. What's the next steps on getting this fixed because Hyundai refuse to fix it.

NHTSA ID

11445835

Incident

Dec 26, 2021

The contact's granddaughter owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while his granddaughter was driving 65 MPH, an abnormal booming sound emitted from the vehicle as the vehicle shutoff without warning. Due to the failure, his granddaughter had the vehicle towed to his home where he discovered that the compression rod bearing had blown threw the engine block. The contact stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11441990

Incident

Nov 27, 2021

Mileage

65 mi

Engine knocking around 75k miles. Oil changed every 2000 miles. Proper maintenance. Loud knocking noise.

NHTSA ID

11429072

Incident

Jun 14, 2021

Started with knocking and ticking noise then failure to accelerate. Engine failed due to unknown reasons. Have been confirmed by car mechanic licensed and insured

NHTSA ID

11426784

Incident

May 10, 2021

First Crankshaft position sensor was bad now Camshaft position sensor bad.

NHTSA ID

11423927

Incident

Jul 7, 2021

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS BLINKING. CAR IS LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD . 108,000 MILES. I PUT 8,000 ON IT. CAR LIGHTS GO OUT AFTER REPLACING , STEERING COLUMN, ELECTRICAL ISSUES , OIL IN SPARK PLUGS , FUEL LINE SEEMS CLOGGED , EMERGENCY BRAKE DOESN'T HOLD EVERY TIME, ECT TAKING TO HYUNDAI IN THE MORNING. DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID

11405277

Incident

Feb 19, 2021

Mileage

108,000 mi