2019 Hyundai Veloster: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 42 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (36% of complaints); the 2021 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Apr 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I started to hear a grinding sound when breaking and I took it into a Meineke dealer to see about getting it fixed. During a general diagnostic they discovered that 3 of the four brakes were not working and the calipers needed replaced. I was told this was due to a manufacturer issue and that there will be a recall on these parts soon but no ETA. They informed me that they have seen this similar issue on many 2019 Hyundai Velosters and there would be a recall soon but I have no ETA and I cannot drive my vehicle.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2025
“Engine locked on me during driving almost caused a car rear ending me during rush hour. Called AAA and they printed out a recall form for over heated piston that may cause engine damage. Towed to Tito Auto care and then printed out the same information for recall details NHTSA Campaign Number 21V301000. Advised me to take to Hyundai dealership to repair for free. Hyundai states the vendor number is not pulling up for a recall. Both AAA and Tito Autocare stated they would fight this. I am requesting you order the Hyundai Manufaturer to repair. I believe there were missed vin numbers in the recall including my vin number.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2025
“This car was recalled for a bad engine and because their computer would not throw off a code they refused to replace the bad engine. It has 60000 miles on it and has been well maintained. The rocker arms have gone bad and there are countless others who have the same issue that Hyundai refuses to address because now computer code was thrown off. They hide behind this to avoid replacing their bad engines.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2025
“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2024
“When you put the car in DRIVE it will go in REVERSE. Happened several times and on the last time caused us to back into a pole and mess up the back bumper. We were trying to go forward but went in reverse. We have video proof but I can't load the video in this document.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2024
“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was parked in extremely cold weather, the driver's side door failed to open or close as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the door actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred a year later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jan 2024
“2.0 engine loss of power and stalls. Engine makes knocking noises and timing chain slipping. First reported to dealership on August 21 and was told they could not be able to look at the car for three months. Vehicle was kept out of service for four weeks. Reported to dealership again on 9/14/2023 and visited the dealership on 9/16 after no response. Also notified the dealership of recall involving this year model engine but received no recall notice from Hyundai. All symptoms of this recall were experienced with this vehicle.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2023
“My rpm's were running very low after putting gas to the point the car felt like it would turn off when at idle. I was stopped on a highway at a light when the car revved low and shut off completely. The light was green and I had to sit and try to get it back on, it started right up. Brought it to the dealer and they found no issue with the car. Rpm's have still been low to the point the car seems like it wants to stall & I'm not sure what to do. It doesn't make me feel safe driving it.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2023
“My engine is having the same issue as the other Hyundai Engines that have an active recall for it. The piston oil ring recall. My car is consuming 1qt of oil in roughly 800-1000 miles and burning it into the exhaust. I fear this will continue and cause issues and possibly be a fire hazard like the recall states.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2023
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Veloster vehicles. In certain side impact crashes, the driver's door latch housing and locking cable can become damaged, allowing the driver's side door to open.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side door latch assembly and lower channel, free of charge. The recall began June 17, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 183.
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 2019 Hyundai Veloster reliable?
NHTSA has 42 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2019 Hyundai Veloster. The most complained-about area is engine (36% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2019 Hyundai Veloster problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 13,546 miles or less.
Does the 2019 Hyundai Veloster have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine. 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.