Problems · by component
2012 Hyundai Veloster engine problems
61 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2012 Hyundai Veloster cite engine, 21% of all 296 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
61
21% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
What owners say about the engine
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for an unknown recall repair. Upon retrieving the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The reverse and drive gears were inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the transmission was inoperable, the starter, the engine light were blinking, and the vehicle was slow to move. There was smoke coming from the vehicle. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
“After an update for a recall for brake issues, the dealership updated the knock sensor update without my consent. After the knock sensor software was installed, my 2012 Hyundai veloster will not operate without going into protection mode. Hyundai states that they can not reverse the software update to make my vehicle operable again. This has already come up as a safety concern as my wife was on the interstate when the vehicle shut down in 70+ mph traffic.”
“I stood my [XXX] nephew up in the front passengers side floorboard of the 2012 hyundia voloster manual transmission with push start . I stepped out of the car on the passage side of the car the car was parked in first gear no one was on the driver's side . I bent over to get my shoes on and baby reached over and pushed the start button on the car the car should not have started since the clutch was not pressed in but unfortunately the car started and lunged forward being on a incline it was as if someone smashed on the gas pedal I ran with the car as far as I could but it was going so fast I could not get into the car to stop it I was drug trying to stop the car the car flew thru a fence , into the woods, down a steep hill then crossed a one lane road traveled up a hill thru another patch of woods before going up hill and hitting a tree all the while our nephew was not in a car seat the car was bouncing side to side when it went off road to cross a creek so I know the baby was thrown around in the car he had to of been that car was going so fast I was screaming in fear that he would not be alive when I made it to the car now the key was in my purse located in…”
“Subject: Issue After ABS Recall Service on My 2012 Hyundai Veloster Dear [Hyundai Customer Service/Dealer Name], I recently took my 2012 Hyundai Veloster to the dealer for the ABS recall service, where they performed an ECM and ECU upgrade as part of the fix. However, immediately after the recall service, my car began experiencing a serious issue. The Check Engine light turned on, and now the car won’t accelerate past 4,000 RPM. This problem did not exist before the recall, and I believe it may be related to the update or service performed. I would appreciate it if you could look into this matter, as the issue started right after the recall work. Please advise on the next steps and whether this can be inspected and fixed at no cost. Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to your prompt response. Regard, [XXX] [XXX]”
“My engine is blown. The extended warranty offered by hyundai does not cover the time period or mileage I've had deeming it useless. This is a serious problem and it should be addressed properly. I cannot drive this vehicle. I still owe on my loan. The warranty is not sufficient for the damages accrued regardless if I had signed up in time. This is dangerous, criminal and I'd like reimbursement.”
“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure, glow relay short circuit, and ABS failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,220.”
Showing 6 of 61 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.