2015 Hyundai Veloster Owner Complaints

2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo (original owner). The vehicle has three severe safety defects: TRUNK/HATCH LATCH FAILURE: The hatchback lift support/latch fails, refusing to stay open. It unexpectedly fell, which has caused repeated, severe impacts to my head and neck, resulting in an injury requiring surgery. I must manually prop it open with a mini ball to load cargo. ENGINE & TURBO FAILURE / OIL CONSUMPTION: History of engine acceleration issues and turbo failures since 4,000 miles. At 44,000 miles, the turbo completely failed, the car started to whine, then rattle, and completely turned off. Dealer (Hyundai Escondido) forced a $2,200 out-of-pocket replacement despite being under warranty, citing a lack of at-home oil change receipts. The vehicle now has a documented, rapid oil leak and excessive consumption issue that the dealer refuses to repair, despite being reported prior to warranty expiration. SEAT BELTS: The front and rear seat belt latches are malfunctioning, intermittently releasing on their own, failing to release properly, or failing to latch securely, compromising the safety of a [XXX] passenger. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11748212

Incident

Dec 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting into gear, the vehicle failed to respond and became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the rear axle was replaced, the transmission fluid was flushed and refilled, and a shift analyzer software update was performed; however, the failure recurred days later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the wheel speed sensor had failed. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact advised the dealer to inspect the crankshaft position sensor; however, the dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to the transmission. The contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, and the contact was advised to retrieve the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and covered the cost of the rear axle replacement under a goodwill assistance program. Several cases were filed, and the contact sent a video of the failure to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ID

11746142

Incident

Jan 15, 2026

Mileage

62,000 mi

The climate control fan knob suddenly stopped working. I smelled a burning smell on the interior of the car. I pulled the panel off and noticed that the plug to the climate control harness was burnt. I can no longer utilize the climate control system.

NHTSA ID

11743354

Incident

Apr 18, 2026

I am reporting a safety-related engine defect involving sudden internal engine failure, excessive oil consumption, persistent bearing knock, and overheating of the catalytic converter. The vehicle repeatedly triggered Bank 1&2O2 sensor fault codes due to oil blow-by and thermal overload. A certified mechanic documented the engine is failing internally and that the cat. converter has been damaged as a direct result of engine defect. The failure pattern is consistent with known Hyundai engine defect investigations involving bearing wear, oil consumption, stalling, and fire risk. The overheating cat. converter presents a significant safety hazard, including potential engine seizure. I purchased the vehicle used in March 2025. I am the third owner. Despite maintaining the vehicle responsibly (Regular oil changes), the engine failure progressed rapidly. Hyundai Motor America has denied a goodwill repair solely on the basis of mileage, even though the defect clearly originated long before my ownership and aligns with previously identified safety-related engine issues. Additionally, Hyundai's records show that this vehicle had an engine-related recall active during prior ownership period; the recall was never performed by the Hyundai dealership that sold the vehicle to the previous owner. This raises concerns about improper recall handling and whether the defect should have been corrected before the vehicle was resold. Given the safety implications, the documented defect pattern, and the unresolved recall history, I am requesting NHTSA's review of this matter. The engine failure poses a serious safety risk; Hyundai's refusal to address a known defect, the vehicle is unsafe to operate. Timeline: 2014 Hatchett Hyundai West, KS 17,665 mi.; 2017-H. West serviced vehicle, 58,918; 2019-Engine powertrain alert 83856mi; 2020- Edmund Hyundai, OK-engine power train 100179 mi; 2021- Edmund 145418mi.; Hy. Noblesville, IN 167,603mi.; 2024 - H.N. 171937; 2025 - denied repair 188890.

NHTSA ID

11734516

Incident

Apr 10, 2026

I took my car to Gilroy Hyundai November 11, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. because my engine was not running normal, it shook lightly while driving at an incline and the engine light would not shut off. they charged me $284.99 to tell me what needed to be fixed, engine was not looked per Ernesto Garcia. Ernest told me they go by mileage, not actually checking the engine. He also stated that the mechanic drove it and it was fine. December 28, I was driving from Chico, CA back home to Morgan Hill, CA and the car shook and just died and left me on the side of Highway 505 Winters/San Francisco. I had it towed to Moorehead Automotive in Fairfield, CA and they said this car needs a new engine. I still owe 7,000.00 on this car and have had trouble with both Hyundai and Power (the additional insurance I purchased when i bought this car.)

NHTSA ID

11712779

Incident

Dec 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who performed a tune-up on the vehicle. The contact stated that several days after the tune-up, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle hesitated and sounded as if the vehicle was going to stall. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine was losing pressure and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that before the vehicle had the tune-up, the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact had not noticed any oil stains on the ground. The check engine light was occasionally illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ID

11699391

Incident

Sep 14, 2025

Mileage

72,000 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Veloster. The contact reported that oil was leaking out of the exhaust. The vehicle was sputtering and running rough while driving at various speeds, and hesitated while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The dealer informed the contact that metal shavings were found in the oil pan during the oil change. The contact stated that the Oxygen sensors and catalytic converter were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was contacted and advised the contact to return the vehicle to the dealer. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11695740

Incident

Oct 27, 2024

Excessive engine oil consumption causing fouled spark plugs engine stalling. Engine was replace due to defective rod bearings at 98 000 mile under warranty and recall. Engine now ha 130,000 miles piston rings have failed. Stalled on busy freeway almost causing mutual crash.I have an appointment at the Hyundai delership October 28th 2015. Hyundai replaced one defective engine with another.

NHTSA ID

11695652

Incident

Oct 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for a recall repair; however, after leaving the dealer, while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle sat for two hours before being restarted and slowly driven to the place of employment, and was then driven to the residence. The contact was unable to determine if there were any warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was provided with information for towing services and a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.

NHTSA ID

11678279

Incident

Jul 17, 2025

Mileage

176,000 mi

ABS, EPS, check engine light appeared on dashboard then car’s steering wheel stiffed and car lost power. Vehicle’s hood smells burnt and has fumes come out after driving for 10-20minutes. My safety and my family’s was endangered as this happened while driving on the road. Not at a stop sign or a red traffic light but while driving. The dealer has refused to inspect/address the issue without having me paid close to $2,500.00 for other repairs.

NHTSA ID

11669788

Incident

Jun 24, 2025

The climate control switch melted. Available for inspection I was getting smoked out by plastic fumes. Researched this issues with all data No No lights.

NHTSA ID

11667039

Incident

Feb 25, 2025

Motor started knocking yesterday 4/8/25 which was immediately followed by multiple dash sensors for oil and battery. As I pulled over to get assistance at a Jiffy Lube, the car stalled and wasn’t drivable but they also confirmed that the car should not be driven for risk of blowing the engine. Will be taking my vehicle in for an evaluation as soon as I am able to get it towed for further inspection and diagnostics.

NHTSA ID

11653606

Incident

Apr 8, 2025

Spun rod bearings. Noticed that was the issue with play in piston doing a screwdriver test and noticing thru under the oil pan before tear down. Had to pry the bearing off with pliers and hit with a screwdriver to remove. I have plenty of photos and videos

NHTSA ID

11643619

Incident

Jun 3, 2023

I HAVE A RECALL ON THE HYUNDAI 2015 VELOSTER FOR FOUR YEARS SINCE THE LAWSUIT THAT YOU TOLD HYUNDAI CORP TO PUT LIFETIME WARRANTY ON DEFECTIVE CARS THGEY HAVE DONE NOTHING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. MY CAR AGAIN IS BROKE DOWN TO OIL AROUND SPARKPLUGS I WENT THROUGH THE SAME PROBLEM IN OCT 2023 WHICH THEY PUT A GASKET ON IT AND CHARGE ME 505.00 DOLLARS. NOW THEY ARE MAKING IT HARD TO FIND A ENGINE TO REPLACED THE MANUFACTURED DEFECT ENGINE IN IT. DEBRIS IN CRANKSHAFT AND THEN SOLD WHICH CAUSE THE CONNECTING ROD PROBLEM PREMATURE. I NEED MY CAR AND CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER PLEASE HELP ME GET THIS RESOLVE

NHTSA ID

11639657

Incident

Jan 30, 2025

Spontaneous rod knocking, hindered performance which in tern poor acceleration, which could become a safety risk especially when commuting on a freeway. High risk of motor vehicle accidents or could lead to a fatal incident if left stranded on major roadways and railroad crossings.

NHTSA ID

11634696

Incident

Dec 22, 2024

my car 2015 Hyundia Veloster has been under recall since 2021 for connecting rod failure in engine and oil leaking around spark plugs that could cause a fire plus what the other recall is. Hyundai Corp refuses to repair my car, it has ksds, oil consumption, refuse to do engine inspection, wanting to charge me for items related to a recall. my car as stated with you before eating oil, poor compression stalls knock loses power i recently had to pay 3200.00 for catalytic converters so i would have a car only to find out it could happen again due to recall number198. i need someone to help me get this resolve. why should have to replace my engine when it under recall and you can't sell your car due to that? i have been fighting Hyundai Corp for two years i had oil around my spark plugs in 2023, black spark plugs 2024

NHTSA ID

11631975

Incident

Oct 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound and smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle then lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. An unknown warning light was flashing before the vehicle had lost power; however, there were no warning lights illuminated once the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure and had not provided the contact with a specific diagnostic report. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 44,000.

NHTSA ID

11618978

Incident

Oct 9, 2024

Mileage

44,000 mi

I HAVE BEEN TRYING FOR OVER A YEAR TO GET MY ENGINE REPLACED IT IS RECALL AND NO DEALER SHIP IN MACON GA OR MILLEDEGVILLE GA HAS DONE NOTHING BUT CHARGE ME UN NECESSARY MONEY. THE FIRST THING OIL CONSUMPTION, STALLS WHEN GOING OUT IN THE ROAD, LOST OF COMPRESSION, CLOGG MY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS WHICH COST ME 3200.00 WHICH I WAS TOLD IS GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN WITH THE FAIL ENGINE. THE OTHER VISITS WERE AT DEALSHIP TOO OIL IN SPARK PLUGS STALLING OUT LUCKY TO GET IT HOME THAT TIME OCT 2023 AT MILLEDEGVILLE HYUNDAI THE OTHER TIME THERE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON GASKET REPLACED AGAIN BLACK SPARK PLUGS 505.00 AND 405.00 ADDITIONAL MONEY CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME . MY CAR IS STILL STALLING, NO COMPRESSION,OIL CONSUMPTION NUMBER 198

NHTSA ID

11618231

Incident

Oct 5, 2024

AC Fan control switch has melted and filled car with smoke. Fan control switch has overheated. The switch has melted and will not work at all.

NHTSA ID

11612425

Incident

Sep 3, 2024

The Hvac heater control assembly and panel shorted out and melted all the components (wiring harness, connector, temperature control knob). All these parts need replaced. There's no AC, heat or defrost, etc...until this is fixed. Also this is a 16 year old drivers vehicle and could have resulted in a much worse incident if she had been driving it when it occurred.

NHTSA ID

11609108

Incident

Aug 14, 2024

nothing has been done for the recall engine, Hyundai recall 198 which states damage engine can increase the risk of fire or engine stall increasing the risk of a crash. why is Hyundai selling cars that are recall for engines . as stated before oil consumption, jerks, no compression, going up hills is rough, cabin gets warmer than usual Hyundai Corp told me that the clogged catalytic converters were no cause by engine failure is this correct i have to pay for them. i have the recall for the brakes finally making a appt can you help me my engine is getting worse i'm afraid to drive it.

NHTSA ID

11599541

Incident

Apr 25, 2024

The connection to my AC control knob burned up and my AC only works between 2 & 3. This could have easily caused a fire as the connection and the knob are melted and burned. How has there not been a recall for this issue as there are many complaints that have been reported on this issue. This is a safety hazard!

NHTSA ID

11598698

Incident

May 22, 2024

my car is recall for connecting rod bearing failure hyundai gave us a extended warranty for this 15 years or 150,00 miles plus i have 20 year 200,00 mile warranty too my engine has oil consumption a quart every 2- 3 weeks been in the Hyundai shop October 2023 for oil around spark plugs jerking engine trying to stall i had my car tow they did a tune up charge me for towing and spark plugs said it was part of engine failure. next in 04/24 engine light came on compression has been getting worse over two years car tow was told catalytic converters were clogged which is not covered so there another bill on me which i think at 124 plus mileage was due to engine problems but Hyundai Corp denied this of course. They want me to drive the car until the engine light flashes in middle of nowhere all i want is my recall engine fixed so i will feel safe in my car there was a lawsuit on the connecting rod bearing failure RECENTLY nothing has been done i can't afford another car at my age

NHTSA ID

11598693

Incident

Apr 25, 2024

On 06/252024 I was driving on my way home and my cars climate control were unresponsive and I smelt something burning. I arrived home removed the center console of my vehicle and noticed the AC control plug had melted and was burnt.

NHTSA ID

11597238

Incident

Jun 24, 2024

problem with car engine has been recall for several years, brakes have been recall for 2-3 years now my emissions are mess up from recall engine which now i do not have a car to drive, being a heart patient, veteran, it is hard without one and i can't afford a new one i have done all Maintenace and everything on my end to keep it going. engine eats oil, loses compression on road knocking had in shop twice still no fixing the problems my engine light is on i have been told by dealer my car can catch on fire from brakes and engine getting hot in the cabin jerks tried to cut out on me several times afraid to drive it anymore. hyundai is putting everything off until it blows us up i guess. can you help me? i wrote to hyundai corp and sent contacts through the computer no response back wiper doesnt work or gps all broke in it, never use the back wiper but once,also clogged catalytic converters confirm by hyundai dealership

NHTSA ID

11593038

Incident

Jan 1, 1999