RoadVitals

2013 Hyundai Veloster

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “park outside” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 23V651000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
427
+2 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Sep 22, 2023
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
40
10 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 427 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Veloster, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and steering categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 174 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
23V651000NHTSA advisory: park outside

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Sep 22, 2023
1,649,478 units potentially affected
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Hyundai Motor AmericaManufacturer number 251View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Feb 28, 2023
25,715 units potentially affected
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Veloster vehicles. High conductive liquid may leak into the Reverse Park Aid Sensor (RPAS), which can result in an electrical short circuit.
The risk: An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the RPAS fuse and sensor, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 28, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 242.
Hyundai Motor AmericaManufacturer number 242View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE

Mar 14, 2019
16,487 units potentially affected
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013 Veloster vehicles that are equipped with 1.6 liter turbo engines. The engine management software may cause premature ignition (pre-ignition) of the air/fuel mixture in the engine. The resulting excessive cylinder pressure may damage the engine.
The risk: Engine damage can increase the risk of a fire or cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. The recall began May 14, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 182.
Hyundai Motor AmericaManufacturer number 182View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

AQ23002OpenAudit Query

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel system
Filed Oct 28, 2026

1. COMPONENT FAILED / INSPECTION AVAILABLE: The EVAP canister system failed to retain fuel vapors due to a leak at a structural bracket bolt hole drilled by a technician. The vent valve wiring harness malfunctioned after being physically severed by the shop. All photos, video proof, and OBD2 logs are preserved and available for inspection upon request. 2. SAFETY RISK: Safety was compromised by fuel vapor emissions. The dealer falsified Special Parts Order (SPO) recall records, releasing the vehicle into public operation with an active fuel vapor leak, creating an immediate fire hazard and exposure to toxic fumes. Severing the vent valve wiring rendered emission diagnostics completely non-operational. 3. CONFIRMED BY DEALER/INDEPENDENT: The original canister failure was confirmed by a manufacturer warranty authorization. The failure of the dealer's bracket remedy was confirmed via a home smoke test with clear video evidence of the leak. Physical damage to the electrical harness was visually confirmed via before/after photos taken immediately upon picking up the vehicle. 4. INSPECTION BY OTHERS: Inspected by manufacturer representatives at Twin City Hyundai (Alcoa, TN) under open safety campaigns. The service department falsified safety recall metrics to hide non-compliance, misdiagnosed leaks to solicit $1,100+ in fraudulent repairs, and issued a lifetime service ban to cover up their actions when confronted with proof. 5. WARNING LAMPS & SYMPTOMS: Check Engine Light displayed permanent trouble code P0442 (EVAP small leak). Following the dealer's canister installation and damage to the wiring, a new electrical circuit code triggered immediately. Following my manual repair of the dealer-inflicted harness damage, the permanent P0442 code completely cleared on its own, proving the dealership's diagnosis was fraudulent.

NHTSA ID
11774168
Incident
Oct 12, 2026
Steering
Filed Oct 15, 2026

Clunking sound in steering wheel caused by disintegration of EPS rubber coupler. This is due to a design flaw in the OEM part where the rubber turns gummy.

NHTSA ID
11771275
Incident
Oct 7, 2026
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 5, 2026
Fire reported1 injury reported

My 2013 Hyundai Veloster caught fire spontaneously while it was turned off and parked in my garage. The fire originated in the engine compartment, specifically around the ABS module area. The vehicle has an open and incomplete safety recall for this exact issue (Recall 251 / NHTSA Campaign 23V-651000). The Mission Fire Department responded to the scene to extinguish the fire

NHTSA ID
11769195
Incident
Sep 27, 2026
Airbags
Filed Sep 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine and air bag warning lights intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was driven over deep potholes on the highway, which damaged the steering column and caused the steering wheel to become loose. The contact filed a Police report after the issue, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the driver's side air bag was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired by the insurance company. The failure mileage was approximately 194,000.

NHTSA ID
11768151
Incident
Sep 1, 2025
Mileage
194,000 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed Sep 20, 2026

My 2013 Hyundai Veloster experienced a catastrophic failure of the ABS module covered under Recall 23V-651 (Campaign 251). The brakes went completely to the floor while operating, and the ABS module is shorting out every replacement fuse, creating an imminent engine fire hazard. Hyundai Corporate has explicitly refused to remedy the underlying defective component causing this fire hazard, only offering to replace the blown fuse. This is a direct failure by the manufacturer to safely remedy a federally recalled defect."

NHTSA ID
11765616
Incident
Sep 10, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, abnormal sounds emanated from the engine compartment, and the check oil light illuminated while making left turns. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that an engine cleaning was needed; however, the service was not performed. The vehicle was later returned to the same dealer, where the same diagnosis was provided. The service was performed, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID
11760874
Incident
Aug 20, 2021
Mileage
90,000 mi
Filed Aug 26, 2026

Complaint: Manufacture has not remedied the issue in a timely manner. No incident YET but we limit driving the vehicle because of: Manufacturer Recall Number251 NHTSA Recall Number23V651000 Recall Status Recall Incomplete This recall is from September 22, 2023. It's been nearly 3 years. Our vehicle also has an issue with the headlight constantly going out and the battery being drained. I'm not sure if this is related to this particular recall or just a totally new issue to deal with.

NHTSA ID
11759846
Incident
Aug 26, 2026
Brakes
Filed Aug 3, 2026
Fire reported

The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it caught on fire. The vehicle became engulfed in flames, and the authorities were called to the scene. The Fire Department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was later towed to an impound lot where it was deemed a total loss. No injuries were reported. A police report was filed. A nearby roadside electrical box was damaged due to the heat from the fire. Prior to the fire, the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V132000 (Electrical System). The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle did not have a parking sensor, and the recall repair would not apply to the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact later discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the owner was not made aware of the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11754371
Incident
Jul 21, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

26-01-089H DN

STRUCTURE:BODY

Campaign Description: In certain areas, a vehicle’s underbody may exhibit corrosion due to road-salt usage. As a preventative measure, a cavity wax coating is applied to the internal surfaces of underbody components and an undercoating spray is applied to exterior surfaces of specified underbody components. This bulletin describes the procedure to perform this preventative service on certain 2012 – 2017MY Velosters (FS).

26-01-089H TSB

STRUCTURE:BODY

Certain Veloster (FS) vehicles may exhibit underbody corrosion due to road salt usage. As a preventative measure, this bulletin provides the procedure to apply a cavity wax coating to internal surfaces of underbody components, and an undercoating spray to exterior surfaces of specified underbody components.

26-GI-004H

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

Some Hyundai vehicles may be equipped with a parking distance warning (PDW) sensor(s) that may trigger various DTCs and display warning messages on the instrument cluster, resulting in the PDW sensor(s) failing to detect nearby objects or triggering multiple false alarms. This condition may be a result of external damage to the PDW sensor membrane or sensor cover from rock chips or road debris, a collision, or previous vehicle repairs or modifications.

26-EM-016H TSB

ENGINE

Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles diagnosed with this condition. All internal combustion engines consume some engine oil during normal operation, depending on driving conditions and mileage, and this procedure should only be performed when deemed necessary based on inspection and diagnosis of the vehicle as outlined in TSB 26-EM-015H, Engine Oil Consumption – Inspection & Repair Guidelines, or the latest revision.

26-EM-015H TSB

ENGINE

Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles exhibiting this condition. All internal combustion engines consume engine oil as part of normal engine operation. Oil consumption rates may vary based on mileage, operating conditions, driving habits, and maintenance history. Hyundai recommends following the prescribed maintenance schedule and periodically checking the engine oil level using the dipstick to maintain proper engine oil level.

Z01 Letter

AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Certain 2012 – 2017 model year Accent, 2012 – 2017 model year Azera, 2013 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2013 – 2019 model year Santa Fe, and 2012 – 2017 model year Veloster vehicles may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may be set. At Hyundai, we are committed to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value. In an effort to meet this commitment, the warranty coverage for the Occupant Classification System (OCS)/Occupant Detection System (ODS) under these conditions has been extended to 18 years/unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Hyundai Veloster by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2022000—
2021111032.0
2020251036.5
2019422047.6
2018000—
2017500042.5
20162261156.9
20151372257.9
2014852153.9
2013Viewing4273160.7
20122966262.3
2011000—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.