Problems · by component

2015 Hyundai Veloster engine problems

76 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2015 Hyundai Veloster cite engine, 55% of all 137 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
76
55% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“2015 Hyundai Veloster Turbo (original owner). The vehicle has three severe safety defects: TRUNK/HATCH LATCH FAILURE: The hatchback lift support/latch fails, refusing to stay open. It unexpectedly fell, which has caused repeated, severe impacts to my head and neck, resulting in an injury requiring surgery. I must manually prop it open with a mini ball to load cargo. ENGINE & TURBO FAILURE / OIL CONSUMPTION: History of engine acceleration issues and turbo failures since 4,000 miles. At 44,000 miles, the turbo completely failed, the car started to whine, then rattle, and completely turned off. Dealer (Hyundai Escondido) forced a $2,200 out-of-pocket replacement despite being under warranty, citing a lack of at-home oil change receipts. The vehicle now has a documented, rapid oil leak and excessive consumption issue that the dealer refuses to repair, despite being reported prior to warranty expiration. SEAT BELTS: The front and rear seat belt latches are malfunctioning, intermittently releasing on their own, failing to release properly, or failing to latch securely, compromising the safety of a [XXX] passenger.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 3, 2026Seat belts, Structure, EngineODI 11748212
“I am reporting a safety-related engine defect involving sudden internal engine failure, excessive oil consumption, persistent bearing knock, and overheating of the catalytic converter. The vehicle repeatedly triggered Bank 1&2O2 sensor fault codes due to oil blow-by and thermal overload. A certified mechanic documented the engine is failing internally and that the cat. converter has been damaged as a direct result of engine defect. The failure pattern is consistent with known Hyundai engine defect investigations involving bearing wear, oil consumption, stalling, and fire risk. The overheating cat. converter presents a significant safety hazard, including potential engine seizure. I purchased the vehicle used in March 2025. I am the third owner. Despite maintaining the vehicle responsibly (Regular oil changes), the engine failure progressed rapidly. Hyundai Motor America has denied a goodwill repair solely on the basis of mileage, even though the defect clearly originated long before my ownership and aligns with previously identified safety-related engine issues. Additionally, Hyundai's records show that this vehicle had an engine-related recall active during…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 29, 2026EngineODI 11734516
“I took my car to Gilroy Hyundai November 11, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. because my engine was not running normal, it shook lightly while driving at an incline and the engine light would not shut off. they charged me $284.99 to tell me what needed to be fixed, engine was not looked per Ernesto Garcia. Ernest told me they go by mileage, not actually checking the engine. He also stated that the mechanic drove it and it was fine. December 28, I was driving from Chico, CA back home to Morgan Hill, CA and the car shook and just died and left me on the side of Highway 505 Winters/San Francisco. I had it towed to Moorehead Automotive in Fairfield, CA and they said this car needs a new engine. I still owe 7,000.00 on this car and have had trouble with both Hyundai and Power (the additional insurance I purchased when i bought this car.)”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 22, 2026EngineODI 11712779
“Excessive engine oil consumption causing fouled spark plugs engine stalling. Engine was replace due to defective rod bearings at 98 000 mile under warranty and recall. Engine now ha 130,000 miles piston rings have failed. Stalled on busy freeway almost causing mutual crash.I have an appointment at the Hyundai delership October 28th 2015. Hyundai replaced one defective engine with another.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2025EngineODI 11695652
“The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for a recall repair; however, after leaving the dealer, while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle sat for two hours before being restarted and slowly driven to the place of employment, and was then driven to the residence. The contact was unable to determine if there were any warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was provided with information for towing services and a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 4, 2025Power train, EngineODI 11678279
“ABS, EPS, check engine light appeared on dashboard then car’s steering wheel stiffed and car lost power. Vehicle’s hood smells burnt and has fumes come out after driving for 10-20minutes. My safety and my family’s was endangered as this happened while driving on the road. Not at a stop sign or a red traffic light but while driving. The dealer has refused to inspect/address the issue without having me paid close to $2,500.00 for other repairs.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 27, 2025Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineODI 11669788

Showing 6 of 76 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Engine

Free remedy

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.

EngineReported Dec 1, 2020NHTSA 20V746000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026

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

Other 2015 Veloster problem areas