Problems · NHTSA complaints

2013 Hyundai Veloster problems

Owners filed 427 complaints about the 2013 Hyundai Veloster with NHTSA between Oct 2012 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (172).

Complaints
427
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
34
Reported by owners
Injuries
10
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine172
  2. Electrical system99
  3. Steering59
  4. Power train35
  5. Visibility24
  6. Fuel/propulsion system22
  7. Structure20
  8. Service brakes, hydraulic17
  9. Vehicle speed control14
  10. Service brakes13
  11. Air bags13
  12. Visibility/wiper12
  13. Suspension8
  14. Exterior lighting8

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20123
201319
201422
201518
20168
201714
201824
201991
202052
202141
202232
202343
202429
202515
202616

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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 fires2 related recalls
“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

Power train

35 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle started to shake. The contact stated that after shifting into gear the vehicle became difficult to drive. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a passenger’s air bag fault. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 13, 2025Power train, Air bags, EngineODI 11648164

Visibility

24 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the highest dial setting of the A/C unit had failed to operate as needed. Upon repairing the dial setting on his own, the contact discovered that the dial had burned out. The contact stated that after the repair, the failure recurred nearly a week later. The contact discovered that the dial had burned out again. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was given an estimate for a diagnostic test. The contact stated that failure had caused the defrost system to function poorly, which reduced the road's visibility while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 29, 2025VisibilityODI 11707608

Fuel/propulsion system

22 reports1 crash1 fire
“1. COMPONENT FAILED / INSPECTION AVAILABLE: The EVAP canister system failed to retain fuel vapors due to a leak at a structural bracket bolt hole drilled by a technician. The vent valve wiring harness malfunctioned after being physically severed by the shop. All photos, video proof, and OBD2 logs are preserved and available for inspection upon request. 2. SAFETY RISK: Safety was compromised by fuel vapor emissions. The dealer falsified Special Parts Order (SPO) recall records, releasing the vehicle into public operation with an active fuel vapor leak, creating an immediate fire hazard and exposure to toxic fumes. Severing the vent valve wiring rendered emission diagnostics completely non-operational. 3. CONFIRMED BY DEALER/INDEPENDENT: The original canister failure was confirmed by a manufacturer warranty authorization. The failure of the dealer's bracket remedy was confirmed via a home smoke test with clear video evidence of the leak. Physical damage to the electrical harness was visually confirmed via before/after photos taken immediately upon picking up the vehicle. 4. INSPECTION BY OTHERS: Inspected by manufacturer representatives at Twin City Hyundai…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 28, 2026Unknown or other, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11774168
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

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