2012 Hyundai Veloster Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Visibility6718.4%
- Engine6417.6%
- Steering4211.5%
- Electrical3810.4%
- Powertrain (other)318.5%
- Brakes287.7%
- Body & structure256.9%
- Driver assistance205.5%
- Other / unspecified133.6%
- Airbags123.3%
- Seat belts71.9%
- Tires & wheels51.4%
- Fuel system51.4%
- Suspension30.8%
- Exterior lighting20.5%
- Transmission10.3%
- Interior & seats10.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the sunroof suddenly shattered, raining glass down into the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to provide the contact with a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 58,000.
While driving on I-85 near Atlanta, GA on 12/16/2022 at approximately 5:30 pm the sunroof exploded. The sunroof cover was closed so there was not an injury due to the shattering glass.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Over the last year, I’ve had to purchase three air conditioner switches after driving for several years with it being out the first one we replaced caused a small electrical fire as did all of the others. This has been an ongoing issue not just with my car, but my sister‘s in-laws who is a 2014 model I looked online. It has been reported over the years basically since the cars come out of this same issue can you please Issue a safety recall before somebody’s house or vehicle or both catches fire completely. This is not safe at all. I have already put in a request for the safety recall on several other occasions this is unacceptable unsafe and a very large problem across the United States since this vehicle has come out please do something.
While driving and trying to travel in a straight line the steering wheel would bind snd stick while trying make slight corrections. This would cause the vehicle to constantly swerve from side to side. The Hyundai dealer (Classic Hyundai) misdiagnosed the problem and claimed the car needed new strut bearings. An independent consultant found it was caused by an open ball bearing on the steering shaft just under the steering wheel. The bearing did not have proper dust seals and therefore allowed dirt to enter rolling race area cause the binding. This is a Hyundai design fault and should have be subject to a recall.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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)
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The car was in Hyundai dealership for 35 days to have a recalls fixed - still showing as no remedy for ABS systems and they said they fixed it ? they had me pick up the car? And but the recall still shows no remedy ? I’m not sure it’s fixed ? and 2 weeks later the transmission goes out while I’m driving again and lose control over the vehicle and stuck on side of road had And Hyundai dealership proceeded to only be concerned on who’s paying for the diagnosis who has been the one fixing the vehicle and I have an extended warranty with Car Max. Car max sold me a car that had rusted brakes and brake lines and several recalls and now the transmission went out . I have expressed to Hyundai and Carmax - The car is not safe .
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car was in Hyundai dealership for 35 days to have a recalls fixed - still showing as no remedy for ABS systems and they said they fixed it ? they had me pick up the car? And but the recall still shows no remedy ? I’m not sure it’s fixed ? and 2 weeks later the transmission goes out while I’m driving again and lose control over the vehicle and stuck on side of road had And Hyundai dealership proceeded to only be concerned on who’s paying for the diagnosis who has been the one fixing the vehicle and I have an extended warranty with Car Max. Car max sold me a car that had rusted brakes and brake lines and several recalls and now the transmission went out . I have expressed to Hyundai and Carmax - The car is not safe .
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
On Tue 6/17 I was driving my 2012 Hyundai Veloster home when the sunroof glass spontaneously exploded (no notifications)then the sound of shattering glass. There were no cars ahead of me and none behind so it was doubtful there was damage done to other people. I did have small chunks of glass fall on me and in the car. Humble Hyundai dealership can't find the recall. I called the main office it's recall campaign # is 108. The dealership said the recall had to be opened back up so they can see it. Otherwise I will be hit with a bill too high for me to handle. Please help asap. Thank you
The car was in Hyundai dealership for 35 days to have a recalls fixed - still showing as no remedy for ABS systems and they said they fixed it ? they had me pick up the car? And but the recall still shows no remedy ? I’m not sure it’s fixed ? and 2 weeks later the transmission goes out while I’m driving again and lose control over the vehicle and stuck on side of road had And Hyundai dealership proceeded to only be concerned on who’s paying for the diagnosis who has been the one fixing the vehicle and I have an extended warranty with Car Max. Car max sold me a car that had rusted brakes and brake lines and several recalls and now the transmission went out . I have expressed to Hyundai and Carmax - The car is not safe .
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed at a local mechanic with an evaporative emission system leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V393000 (Equipment). The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.
The plating on the wheels is coming off causing a safty hazzard.The dealer will not do anything about it.Wheel could break apart causing a accident.Wheels are available for inspection upon request.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
On January 15, 2026, at approximately 7:51 a.m., my son was involved in a motor vehicle collision that disabled three vehicles. His vehicle sustained significant damage and was declared a total loss. During the collision, the driver-side airbag did not deploy, and the seat belt failed to engage. As a result of the restraint system failures, my son sustained head trauma and required medical evaluation. There were no prior warnings or indicator lights suggesting a malfunction of the airbag or seat belt systems prior to the crash. The failure of these safety systems raises concern about a potential defect that could pose a risk to other drivers. This complaint is submitted to document the incident and to request that it be reviewed for potential investigation or recall action in the interest of public safety.
AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR A COUPLE DAYS. AFTER THOROUGH RESEARCH, OTHER HYUNDAI MODELS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAG AND IS UNDER RECALL. HOWEVER, MY VEHICLE IS NOT. I PROCEEDED TO GO GET DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHICH CONFIRMED THAT THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION IS THE SAME AS OTHER VEHICLES. MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE NOTICE FIRST APPEARED.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
On January 15, 2026, at approximately 7:51 a.m., my son was involved in a motor vehicle collision that disabled three vehicles. His vehicle sustained significant damage and was declared a total loss. During the collision, the driver-side airbag did not deploy, and the seat belt failed to engage. As a result of the restraint system failures, my son sustained head trauma and required medical evaluation. There were no prior warnings or indicator lights suggesting a malfunction of the airbag or seat belt systems prior to the crash. The failure of these safety systems raises concern about a potential defect that could pose a risk to other drivers. This complaint is submitted to document the incident and to request that it be reviewed for potential investigation or recall action in the interest of public safety.
UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, AS I WAS SHIFTING INTO SECOND GEAR, THE SEATBELT MOUNTING ASSEMBLY DISLODGED FROM THE WALL OF THE VEHICLE. ONCE DISLOGED, THE WEIGHT OF THE FALLING ASSEMBLY CAUSED THE BELT TO TWIST AND BECOME STUCK IN THE SLOT WHERE THE BELT RETRACTS INTO THE WALL OF THE CAR, LEAVING THE BELT SOMEWHAT LOOSE AND NON FUNCTIONAL. THIS IS NOW THE SECOND SAFETY COMPLAINT I HAVE FILED ON THE SAME CAR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Veloster equipt with Lexani LXUHP207 tires size 215/40/18. The contact stated that after purchasing the new tires the daughter was driving approximately 65 mph when the rear passenger side tire experienced sidewall separation causing the daughter to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a guard rail. During the crash, the vehicle was destroyed. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. No injuries were reported. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the incident. The VIN was not available.
KUMHO KH25 215/40R18, TIRE BULGE. KUMHO DEALER IN GAITHERSBURG MD INSPECTED AND SAID IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. TIRE BOUGHT IN FEBRUARY 2014 FROM TIRERACK.COM. TIRERACK.COM IS REPLACING THE TIRE PENDING FURTHER INSPECTION. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump sensor. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 143,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The subframe/suspension has completely rotten away
STEERING WHEEL CLICKS AND VIBRATES DURING TURNS & LANE CHANGES. THIS ISSUE IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS & HAS PROBABLY CAUSED WRECKS. I BELIEVE THAT THE ISSUE IS IN THE PLASTIC PARTS USED. THE SUSPENSION & STRUTS ARE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT CAR IS 5 YEARS OLD, BOUGHT NEW OFF SHOW ROOM FLOOR 2/14.2013. CAR HAS 80000 MILES AND IS ON THE SECOND SET OF LOW PROFILE TIRES. I FOLLOW THE MAINTENANCE GUIDE IN THE MANUAL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The electrical system was faulty since day one. When a turn signal is on and you turn the steering wheel that direction the light will turn off. This is SO DANGEROUS. The speed is also very iffy every time you break
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI VELOSTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT BULBS BURNED OUT OFTEN. ALSO, WHILE IDLING AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE JERKED, LOST POWER, AND SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AUTOMATICALLY IN INTERVALS AND THE ENGINE MADE A KNOCKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURES WERE NOT REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE APPROACHING A TRAFFIC CIRCLE, THE DRIVER SLOWED THE CAR FROM 30 MPH TO ABOUT 15 MPH FOR TRAFFIC SEQUENCING. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED, THE RPM INCREASED TO ABOUT 6000, BUT THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE FOR 3-5 SECONDS, WHICH CAUSED ONCOMING CARS TO SWERVE TO AVOID A COLLISION. A SIMILAR SITUATION DEVELOPED SEVERAL WEEKS LATER WHEN MERGING FROM ONE FREEWAY ONTO ANOTHER. SEVERAL MECHANICS HAVE TERMED THIS SITUATION AS A "FALSE NEUTRAL," WHERE THE COMPUTER CONTROLS ATTEMPT TO DETERMINE INTO WHICH GEAR TO DOWNSHIFT, IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE ACCELERATION TORQUE. WHATEVER IT IS, ALTHOUGH HYUNDAI MECHANICS SAY IT'S "NORMAL," I THINK IT IS UNSAFE AND THE PROBLEM MUST BE ADDRESSED. TIMELY AND RELIABLE ACCELERATION SHOULD BE A GIVEN IN ANY NEW VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS A DUAL-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION, WHICH THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALER STATED WAS SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE DELAYED ACCELERATION, BUT WAS NORMAL. UPDATED IVOQ 05/22/12 *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THERE IS ONE SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT WITH THIS CAR, THE SIDE MIRROR ADJUSTMENTS (IN PARTICULAR THE PASSENGER'S SIDE). THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO PROPERLY ADJUST THE MIRROR AND THEY STATED THAT THE LIMITED ADJUSTABLE WAS "JUST HOW IT WAS DESIGNED." THEREFORE, I WOULD LIKE THIS RESEARCHED FURTHER AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS TAKEN. THIS CAR IS NOT AS SAFE AS IT SHOULD BE. SPECIFICALLY, WHEN A TALL, LARGER PERSON HAS THE SEAT SET IN THE FAR BACK POSITION, AND SITS UP FAIRLY HIGH, THE RIGHT SIDE MIRROR CANNOT BE PROPERLY ADJUSTED, AND IN COMBINATION WITH THE REAR VIEW MIRRORS AND THE LEFT SIDE MIRROR, IT CREATES "BLIND SPOTS," AND, IN PARTICULAR, A VERY LARGE "BLIND SPOT" TO THE RIGHT--VERY DANGEROUS WHEN CHANGING LANES OR PASSING! *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .