Problems · NHTSA complaints
2020 Hyundai Veloster problems
Owners filed 25 complaints about the 2020 Hyundai Veloster with NHTSA between Mar 2020 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (10).
Complaints
25
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine10
- Power train3
- Electrical system2
- Structure2
- Steering2
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Forward collision avoidance1
- Lane departure1
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Seats1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Exterior lighting1
- Wheels1
- Other / unknown6
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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
2
9
3
1
3
5
2
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 2 |
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.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
10 reports1 related recall
“Vehicle was checked for Hyundai recall 203 in 2022. Engine suffered a catastrophic failure in March of 2024 at around 94,000 miles due to the improperly heat treated piston rings referenced in Hyundai recall 203. Dealership only replaced the short block after suffering an attempted thrown rod, resulting in debris left in the engine. A teardown of the engine was required this year to unstick the OCV 2 Valve which should have been replaced with a Long Block replacement after the catastrophic rod failure. No check engine light or oil pressure light appeared before the original catastrophic failure. Technician report confirmed there was no oil sludge sticking the valve. About 2 weeks ago I had received a P0016 and eventually a P0171 code. During this time I had a rough idle and my car would constantly try to pull itself forwards when braking or idling due to the engine constantly pulling more air and fuel through then it should. Doing my due diligence I replaced my 2 VVT Solenoids and a PCV Valve on my own before ultimately needing to bring it in.”
Power train
3 reports
“The engine/engine management system malfunctioned. The vehicle began repeatedly stalling and shutting off while I was driving and while stopped in traffic. The vehicle is now no longer able to start and run and will need to be towed to a Hyundai dealer. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the engine shut off unexpectedly in active traffic. When the engine stalled, I lost the ability to continue accelerating and had to put the vehicle in Park and restart it. This occurred more than once and could have caused a collision, especially in intersections or congested traffic. An independent diagnostic scan was performed and showed engine misfire faults, although it did not identify a specific cylinder. The vehicle has not yet been fully inspected by Hyundai because it is currently inoperable and needs to be towed to the dealer. Hyundai has confirmed that there is an active software/campaign update associated with my VIN. I am also aware of Hyundai engine-related campaigns involving certain 2019–2021 Veloster vehicles with the 2.0L Nu engine, and my vehicle is experiencing similar symptoms,…”
Electrical system
2 reports
“During cold temperatures (sub 32F), the driver's side door will not open from the outside. Occasionally the passenger door is affected as well. This required crawling through the hatch to open the doors from the inside. When the key fob is actuated you can hear and audible click in the area of the door lock, but it can't be opened. Once the weather warms and the car warms up the doors perform normally. This has never occurred during the warmer months.”
Structure
2 reports
“Glass roof spontaneously shattered. Car was sitting in direct California sun. Nothing touched the roof but heat, the entire panel shattered and the car is undriveable.Thankfully my car was unoccupied at the time. I have heard there had been class action lawsuits in the past regarding this vehicle make and model involving years up to 2018 but models including 2020 like mine have also had complaints reported. Just adding this to the list of complaints filed.”
Steering
2 reports
“While driving my steering wheel will lock up and I’ll get an error message for lane keep assist on the dash. I never use lane keep assist so even when it’s off it does this. I have to keep turning my car off and back on for my steering wheel to unlock and the error will disappear.”
Fuel/propulsion system
1 report
“Gas was shooting out of my gas tank cap, strong gasoline smells in and out side the vehicle, popping noise coming from the back from the gas tank expanding so much it pushed up the rear seat. This puts me and others at risk of fire, explosion and toxic exposure. This problem has been reproduced. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer. A check engine light came on for a evap sensor but the next day it was gone.”
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.