2013 Hyundai Veloster: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 424 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (36% of complaints); the 2014 and 2015 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 3 new complaints 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 424 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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."”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2026
“Electrical wiring harness and connector melting and blower transistor overheating with know Hyundai internal documentation, all causing a smoke smell and fire hazard. I'm on my 3rd manual Heater / HVAC Control Unit. Fire risk acknowledged by Hyundai dealership and customer affairs. Forced to pay diagnostics fees despite know safety issues, Cost for repairs out the door around 2,450 out the door. Car sitting at the Hyundai dealership waiting for me to repair or not. I cant be driving a fire hazard vehical.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle stopped and failed to accelerate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that there was no special warranty coverage on the vehicle for the repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2025
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2025
“Smoke, burning smell came from ac control unit. Ac wiring unit, knob completely burned/melted. Reported to Hyundai local and corporate office no resolution other then I just have to replace the unit. Please note this happened in 2022 (40,000 miles today vehicle had 58,000miles) and I paid in full for the replacement the 1st time.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2025
“My 2013 Hyundai Veloster (VIN: [XXX] ) has the known P1326 fault related to the Theta II engine defect. Despite a rod bearing test that passed, the engine now requires replacement, confirmed by the dealer, who quoted me $8,494. Hyundai refuses to assist, even though I am under the 150,000-mile extended warranty. This is a safety risk and fits the class-action defect criteria. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2025
“The knob for the A/C can not handle the amperage when in the 4 position, it gets too hot, melts, and shuts off the system. It is available for inspection. Hyundai is acutely aware of this problem and recalled it in other years, the same as their junk engines, but once again the owners of the 2013 are left out in the dark. This is a fire hazard that the manufacturer is trying to sweep under the rug, there are service bulletins out on it for other years.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2025
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the braking system malfunctioned, and the brake pedal extended to the floorboard while being depressed. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was discovered that brake fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); which was linked to the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 73,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2025
“The air conditioner knob doesn't work when I put it at 4. Took it apart and the wires are burn including the pigtail that holds the wires into the knob.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 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 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.
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 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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2013 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Veloster years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
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 2013 Hyundai Veloster reliable?
NHTSA has 424 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The most complained-about area is engine (36% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2013 Hyundai Veloster problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 71,000 miles or less.
Does the 2013 Hyundai Veloster have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic. 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.