Research · Compact Cars

2014 Hyundai VelosterRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 86 owner complaints for the 2014 Hyundai Veloster. Most complaints involve engine (34) and electrical system (22). The EPA rates it 26–30 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
26–30mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Sep 2023
Owner complaints
86
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 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
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

86 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2014 – Jul 2026
  1. Engine34
  2. Electrical system22
  3. Steering14
  4. Service brakes5
  5. Structure5
  6. Air bags3
  7. Service brakes, hydraulic3
  8. Power train3
  9. Exterior lighting3

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
2013427
201486
2015137
2016225
201750
201942
202025
202111
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
5
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

34 reports3 fires
“While driving at approximately 70MPH on the highway, my 2014 Hyundai Tucson Limited suddenly locked up with no warning lights, no noise and no prior symptoms. The engine completely seized, causing immediate loss of power. I was barely able to coast off the highway exit to a final stop on the feeder shoulder, in a desolate area. The vehicle has always been properly maintained and is in excellent condition. Upon research, I learned that Hyundai has known of internal engine defects caused by metallic debris left from manufacturing since 2010, which can cause bearing failure and engine seizure. My Tucson's failure matches the same pattern described in Hyundai's Theta II engine recall and warranty extension campaigns. This sudden failure created an extremely dangerous situation at highway speed and possibility of injury while being stranded on an open road. Many owners, myself included, were never properly notified of the risks. I am filing this report because this incident represents a serious safety defect and potential recurrence among similar vehicles that may not yet be covered by recall. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 4, 2025EngineODI 11697541

Electrical system

22 reports3 fires
“The HVAC manual heater control unit in my 2014 Veloster Turbo failed, causing extreme electrical resistance that melted, blackened, and discolored the factory wiring harness connector plug behind the dashboard. This caused an active thermal incident and a direct fire hazard inside the cabin. Hyundai is aware of this exact safety defect and is running Service Campaign TY6 (TSB 16-01-070) to fix it, but they are using narrow VIN filtering to deny coverage to identical vehicle configurations. I had to pay out of pocket for a genuine Hyundai replacement part to mitigate this fire risk. Hyundai Corporate (National Case #42974992) has formally denied my reimbursement claim on a technicality, actively ignoring the physical thermal damage and fire risk to my vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 21, 2026Electrical systemODI 11751823

Steering

14 reports
“MY STEERING IS STICKING WHEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD LIKE A MAGNET IS HOLDING IT IN PLACE WITCH MAKES IT HARD TO STAY IN THE LANE. L HAVE ALSO NOTICE THAT MY INTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD GET BRIGHT AND DIM ON THEIR OWN AT TIMES. I ALSO HAVE MY HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 2, 2021Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11398821
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 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 Nov 10, 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
273530$2,100288
Veloster
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
263429$2,150301
Veloster
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
243327$2,300321
Veloster
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
243126$2,400333
  • Veloster
    Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    27 city · 35 hwy · $2,100/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
  • Veloster
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    26 city · 34 hwy · $2,150/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
  • Veloster
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
    24 city · 33 hwy · $2,300/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • Veloster
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
    24 city · 31 hwy · $2,400/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Hyundai VELOSTER 3 C FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
10.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 8653
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

2014 Veloster questions

How many recalls does the 2014 Hyundai Veloster have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 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 2014 Hyundai Veloster problems?

Owners filed 86 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (34), electrical system (22), steering (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2014 Hyundai Veloster get?

The EPA rates the 2014 Hyundai Veloster at 26–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2014 Hyundai Veloster?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2014 Hyundai Veloster 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026