2013 Hyundai Veloster problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 226 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Hyundai Veloster, most often about engine. There are 3 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 226
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 18
- Injuries
- 2
- Median mileage
- 85,000 mi at time of problem
Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners to park outside until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Key facts
- Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 111 of 226 complaints (49%).
- Electrical System (62) and steering (28) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 85,000 mi.
- Owners reported 2 crashes, 18 fires and 2 injuries.
- The 2013 Hyundai Veloster has 3 recalls on file.
- NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
- It has the most serious complaint record of all 9 Hyundai Veloster model years we track.
- That is 135% more complaints than the 2012 model year (96).
2013 Hyundai Veloster problems by category
- 111 complaints
- 62 complaints
- 28 complaints
- 23 complaints
- Other / Unknown · 1 crash23 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain · 1 crash16 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion · 1 crash14 complaints
- Airbags8 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash7 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers6 complaints
- Body & Structure4 complaints
- Lighting2 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech2 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts1 complaints
- Suspension1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 110 |
| Electrical system | 60 |
| Steering | 27 |
| Unknown or other | 23 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 17 |
| Power train | 16 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 13 |
| Air bags | 7 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2013 Hyundai Veloster recalls (3)
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Risk: An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · ENGINE
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.
Risk: Engine damage can increase the risk of a fire or cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
- AQ23002Opened Nov 17, 2023Open
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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, …
NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Hyundai Veloster 2 DR FWD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated |
Recent 2013 Hyundai Veloster complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Oct 5, 2026TXFire1 injuredBrakesElectrical SystemEngine
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 complaint #11769195 · source - Filed Sep 30, 2026194,000 miCTTowedAirbags
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…
NHTSA complaint #11768151 · source - Filed Sep 20, 2026LABrakesElectrical System
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…
NHTSA complaint #11765616 · source - Filed Aug 31, 202690,000 miTXEngine
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…
NHTSA complaint #11760874 · source - Filed Aug 26, 2026NMOther / Unknown
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…
NHTSA complaint #11759846 · source - Filed Aug 3, 2026FLFireTowedBrakes
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…
NHTSA complaint #11754371 · source - Filed Apr 22, 2026NEEngine
The car goes into limp mode in the middle of driving on the interstate or usually at higher speeds and loses speed quickly. This has put me at high risk for accidents when traveling between cities and has left me stranded on dangerous parts of the interstate at times. I have taken it to my Hyundai dealer I bought the car from and they said there is a knock in the engine and the whole engine would need replaced and I cannot afford that ($12k) but the car only has 125k miles…
NHTSA complaint #11733080 · source - Filed Mar 18, 2026NCEngine
As my [XXX] son was driving, his car, out of nowhere, stopped working and the steering wheel became incredibly hard to turn. It put him and other vehicles around him at risk as he was doing 50mph and his car suddenly stalled. No warning. No dash lights. It was hard for him to pull over to safety. We replaced the battery and tried to restart the car, then the engine started smoking. We immediately called for a tow. Our local shop said his engine seized. We then towed it to…
NHTSA complaint #11725147 · source
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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology