2013 Hyundai Veloster engine problems

The 2013 Hyundai Veloster has 172 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 30% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

172

Engine complaints

30%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Veloster engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2013 Hyundai Veloster have?

NHTSA has 172 complaints about the 2013 Hyundai Veloster engine — 30% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2013 Hyundai Veloster engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 19V204000.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.