2012 Hyundai Veloster: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 295 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (17% of complaints); the 2014 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Sep 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 295 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving on the interstate, at approximately 70mph, the sunroof glass shattered causing glass to fall into the vehicle and into the face of the driver. This was not caused by any outside object or force, but simply shattered. Upon searching the web, I discovered NHSTA campaign #12V592000 and 12V56800 and Hyundai recall #108. While I was notified by Hyundai about other vehicle recalls, I was not notified about this one.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2026
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2025
“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”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Visibility · May 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.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2024
“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.”Owner report · Steering · May 2024
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 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.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2024
“Brakes catastrophic failure due to brake line corrosion. Complete lose of fluid and pressure. The undercoating was not done right or possibly at all so road salts ate through the lines. All lines replaced at a cost of roughly $2000.00. This is already a recall in Canada so like do something about it.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2024
“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the gear shift indicator located on the instrument panel started flashing. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear and failed to remain in drive(D) as intended. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and parked. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuse panel, the transmission, and the alternator wiring harnesses had melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 15 of these complaints and injuries in 29 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
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.
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 America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.
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.
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 is recalling certain model year 2012 Veloster vehicles manufactured from July 4, 2011, through October 31, 2011 and equipped with panoramic sunroofs. The panoramic sunroof assembly may have been weakened during installation at the factory.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the sunroof's integrity and replace the sunroof glass assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began during March 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012 Veloster vehicles manufactured from July 2, 2011, through February 27, 2012 and equipped with manual transmissions. Moisture and road grime may cause the parking brake components to bind.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake caliper assemblies free of charge. The safety recall began January 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012 Veloster vehicles manufactured from November 1, 2011, through April 17, 2012 and equipped with panoramic sunroofs. The panoramic sunroof assembly may been weakened during installation at the factory.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the sunroof's integrity and replace the sunroof glass assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began January 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2012 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Veloster by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Hyundai Veloster reliable?
NHTSA has 295 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The most complained-about area is engine (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Veloster problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 55,578 miles or less.
Does the 2012 Hyundai Veloster have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.