Research · Compact Cars

2019 Hyundai VelosterRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 42 owner complaints for the 2019 Hyundai Veloster. Most complaints involve engine (18) and structure (8). The EPA rates it 28–30 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
28–30mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Apr 2021
Owner complaints
42
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

Engine

Free remedy

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.

EngineReported Apr 28, 2021NHTSA 21V301000

Latches

Free remedy

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019 Veloster vehicles. In certain side impact crashes, the driver's door latch housing and locking cable can become damaged, allowing the driver's side door to open.

Latches/locks/linkagesReported Apr 17, 2019NHTSA 19V311000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

42 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2019 – Jul 2026
  1. Engine18
  2. Structure8
  3. Electrical system6
  4. Engine and engine cooling3
  5. Vehicle speed control3
  6. Steering3
  7. Forward collision avoidance2
  8. Service brakes2
  9. Power train2

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
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
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

18 reports
“Engine locked on me during driving almost caused a car rear ending me during rush hour. Called AAA and they printed out a recall form for over heated piston that may cause engine damage. Towed to Tito Auto care and then printed out the same information for recall details NHTSA Campaign Number 21V301000. Advised me to take to Hyundai dealership to repair for free. Hyundai states the vendor number is not pulling up for a recall. Both AAA and Tito Autocare stated they would fight this. I am requesting you order the Hyundai Manufaturer to repair. I believe there were missed vin numbers in the recall including my vin number.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 11, 2025EngineODI 11698809

Structure

8 reports
“THE VEHICLES DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE DOES NOT WORK ON THE OUTSIDE IN COLD WEATHER, THE CAR HAS TO BE ENTERED FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. CAR IS PARKED AND UNLOCKED BUT OUTER DOOR HANDLE, ON THE DRIVERS DOOR, REFUSES TO OPERATE CORRECTLY.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 2, 2020Structure, Unknown or otherODI 11377421

Electrical system

6 reports1 crash
“When you put the car in DRIVE it will go in REVERSE. Happened several times and on the last time caused us to back into a pole and mess up the back bumper. We were trying to go forward but went in reverse. We have video proof but I can't load the video in this document.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 18, 2024Electrical system, Unknown or other, Back over preventionCrash reportedODI 11615150
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 turbo · 2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AM7) · Automatic (S6) · Manual 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 (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
283430$2,100296
Veloster
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
273430$2,100299
Veloster
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
263329$2,150308
Veloster
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
253328$2,200317
  • Veloster
    Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
    28 city · 34 hwy · $2,100/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
  • Veloster
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    27 city · 34 hwy · $2,100/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
  • Veloster
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo
    26 city · 33 hwy · $2,150/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
  • Veloster
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    25 city · 33 hwy · $2,200/yr
    28
    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
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 Hyundai Veloster as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 13052
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

2019 Veloster questions

How many recalls does the 2019 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 2019 Hyundai Veloster problems?

Owners filed 42 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (18), structure (8), electrical system (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 Hyundai Veloster get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Hyundai Veloster at 28–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026