VehicleVerdict

2012 Hyundai Veloster problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster carries two red flags at once: 408 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 4.5× the Veloster norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Veloster years to avoid. Complainants reported 38 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (71), engine (64), and steering (42), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

408

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

22

Crash-involved

17

Fires reported

38

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Veloster years?

Veloster NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted577 complaints2012: 408 complaints2013: 577 complaints2014: 114 complaints2015: 186 complaints2016: 300 complaints2017: 69 complaints2019: 62 complaints2020: 29 complaints2021: 15 complaints2022: 9 complaints
Veloster NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Veloster years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Hyundai Veloster problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers7117%
Engine6416%
Steering4210%
Electrical System4110%
Other4010%
Transmission328%
Brakes297%
Body & Structure256%
Tires & Wheels174%
Speed Control154%
Airbags123%
Seat Belts72%
Fuel System51%
Suspension31%
Lighting20%
Driver Assistance20%
Seats10%

Does the 2012 Hyundai Veloster have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V651000BrakesSeptember 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

23V132000Electrical SystemFebruary 28, 2023 · 25,715 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

20V393000Electrical SystemJuly 2, 2020 · 272,126 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.

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.

13V051000Visibility & WipersFebruary 19, 2013 · 6,071 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the assembly was weakend at the factory, the panoramic glass panel may break while the vehicle is in motion leading to personal injury or a vehicle crash.

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.

12V567000BrakesDecember 7, 2012 · 4,490 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the parking brake components bind, the parking brake may not operate properly, and the parking brake may drag while driving or may not fully engage when the vehicle is parked. If the parking brake is not fully engaged when parked, a manual transmission may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

12V568000Visibility & WipersDecember 7, 2012 · 13,500 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the assembly was weakend at the factory, the panoramic glass panel may break while the vehicle is in motion leading to personal injury or a vehicle crash.

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

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, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE 10 FREEWAY GOING WEST IN TONOPAUGH, ARIZONA. I HEARD A HUGE EXPLOSION AND DID NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED...IF I WAS BEING SHOT AT; THE CAR EXPLODED, A BOMB WENT OFF OR WHAT. THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED AND IN MY HYSTERICAL POSITION, I SEE GLASS FLYING ALL OVER THE ENTIRE CAR...I HAD TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 17, 2014 · crash

“I HEARD SOMETHING DROP AND THEN THE CAR STARTED SMOKING. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, TURNED OFF THE CAR, AND WENT TO OPEN THE HOOD, BUT SAW FLAMES. THE ENTIRE FRONT HALF WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. A COUPLE YEARS AGO I HAD TO GET AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT DUE TO OIL OVER CONSUMPTION. THE SAME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 8, 2021 · fire

“Over the last year, I’ve had to purchase three air conditioner switches after driving for several years with it being out the first one we replaced caused a small electrical fire as did all of the others. This has been an ongoing issue not just with my car, but my sister‘s in-laws who is a 2014…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 29, 2024 · fire

“Over the last year, I’ve had to purchase three air conditioner switches after driving for several years with it being out the first one we replaced caused a small electrical fire as did all of the others. This has been an ongoing issue not just with my car, but my sister‘s in-laws who is a 2014…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 29, 2024 · fire

“I HEARD SOMETHING DROP AND THEN THE CAR STARTED SMOKING. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, TURNED OFF THE CAR, AND WENT TO OPEN THE HOOD, BUT SAW FLAMES. THE ENTIRE FRONT HALF WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. A COUPLE YEARS AGO I HAD TO GET AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT DUE TO OIL OVER CONSUMPTION. THE SAME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 8, 2021 · fire

2012 Hyundai Veloster — common questions

Is the 2012 Hyundai Veloster reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 408 complaints put the 2012 model at #2 of 10 Veloster years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Veloster years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Veloster problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (71 complaints), engine (64 complaints), steering (42 complaints).

Does the 2012 Hyundai Veloster have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Hyundai Veloster. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Hyundai Veloster under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Hyundai Veloster years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Veloster years to avoid are 2013, 2012, 2016, 2015, 2014. The cleanest record among Veloster years belongs to 2022.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.