VehicleVerdict

2013 Hyundai Veloster problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster carries two red flags at once: 577 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 6.3× 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 10 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 172 reports (30% of the total).

577

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

11

Crash-involved

40

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Veloster years?

Veloster NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Veloster years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Veloster problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine17230%
Electrical System10118%
Steering5810%
Other539%
Visibility & Wipers366%
Transmission356%
Brakes275%
Fuel System224%
Body & Structure203%
Speed Control142%
Airbags122%
Lighting81%
Suspension81%
Tires & Wheels51%
Seat Belts31%
Driver Assistance20%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2013 Hyundai Veloster have recalls?

3 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.

19V204000EngineMarch 14, 2019 · 16,487 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

“DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING FLEW UNDER MY CAR AND SUDDENLY STARTED SMOKING AND A FLAME CAME OUT. THERE WAS LOUD BANGING UNDER THE HOOD: LIKE A BOOM. WE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY BEFORE IT COMPLETELY DIED AND IT CAUGHT SPARKS. WE DO NOT HAVE ANY PHOTOS SINCE THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 16, 2020 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 22, 2025 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI VELOSTER. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE WITH THE POWER STEERING AND STEERING COLUMN BUSHING. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY AND JERKED TO THE LEFT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 6, 2019 · crash

“I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT WHILE MY CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. MY CAR WOULD NOT BRAKE AT THE RED LIGHT CAUSING A COLLISION WITH AN INTERSECTING VEHICLE. MY FRONT IS DAMAGED AND THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE. CAR COLLIDED TWICE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 19, 2020 · crash

“The blower for the AC and heater stopped working. It evidently caught fire because there is a burnt smell. When I searched the problem, I noticed that you already did a recall for this but left out the 2013 models. This is extremely dangerous as it could catch fire while driving. Please add the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · November 1, 2022 · fire

2013 Hyundai Veloster — common questions

Is the 2013 Hyundai Veloster reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 577 complaints put the 2013 model at #1 of 10 Veloster years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Veloster years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Veloster problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (172 complaints), electrical system (101 complaints), steering (58 complaints).

Does the 2013 Hyundai Veloster have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Hyundai Veloster. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 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.