Research · Compact Cars

2013 Hyundai VelosterRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 426 owner complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Veloster. Most complaints involve engine (172) and electrical system (99). The EPA rates it 27–31 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
27–31mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Sep 2023
Owner complaints
426
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes

Park outsideFree remedy

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Sep 22, 2023NHTSA 23V651000

Electrical system

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Feb 28, 2023NHTSA 23V132000

Electrical system: software

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Mar 14, 2019NHTSA 19V204000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

426 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2012 – Oct 2026
  1. Engine172
  2. Electrical system99
  3. Steering59
  4. Power train35
  5. Visibility24
  6. Fuel/propulsion system21
  7. Structure20
  8. Service brakes, hydraulic17
  9. Vehicle speed control14

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Veloster model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2012296
2013426
201486
2015137
2016225
201750
201942
202025
202111
Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
34
Injuries reported
10
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

172 reports23 fires
“My 2013 Hyundai Veloster caught fire spontaneously while it was turned off and parked in my garage. The fire originated in the engine compartment, specifically around the ABS module area. The vehicle has an open and incomplete safety recall for this exact issue (Recall 251 / NHTSA Campaign 23V-651000). The Mission Fire Department responded to the scene to extinguish the fire”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineFire reportedODI 11769195

Electrical system

99 reports10 fires
“My 2013 Hyundai Veloster experienced a catastrophic failure of the ABS module covered under Recall 23V-651 (Campaign 251). The brakes went completely to the floor while operating, and the ABS module is shorting out every replacement fuse, creating an imminent engine fire hazard. Hyundai Corporate has explicitly refused to remedy the underlying defective component causing this fire hazard, only offering to replace the blown fuse. This is a direct failure by the manufacturer to safely remedy a federally recalled defect."”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 20, 2026Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11765616

Steering

59 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal clicking sound emanating from the front of the vehicle, after which she became aware that there was excessive left and right play in the steering wheel. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 67,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 18, 2024SteeringODI 11620566
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl · 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (AM6) · Manual 6-spd · Automatic 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Veloster
Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
283731$2,050288
Veloster
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
273731$2,050294
Veloster
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
243528$2,300318
Veloster
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
243127$2,400317
  • Veloster
    Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    28 city · 37 hwy · $2,050/yr
    31
    mpg comb.
  • Veloster
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    27 city · 37 hwy · $2,050/yr
    31
    mpg comb.
  • Veloster
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
    24 city · 35 hwy · $2,300/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • Veloster
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
    24 city · 31 hwy · $2,400/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 Hyundai Veloster as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 7535
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2013 Veloster questions

How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Veloster have?

3 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Veloster problems?

Owners filed 426 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (172), electrical system (99), steering (59). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2013 Hyundai Veloster get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Hyundai Veloster at 27–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026