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Verdict

2013 Hyundai Veloster: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues

What the public record actually says about the 2013 Hyundai Veloster — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.

The read

More reported complaints than most hatchback.

Owners filed 419 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 82% of 2013 hatchbacks. Engine leads the reports (27%). 3 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.

Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2013 hatchbacks, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.

Complaints filed

419

Reports to NHTSA, 2013

Safety recalls

3

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

29.5

EPA estimate

Complaint volume vs. segment peers

More complaints than 82% of 2013 hatchbacks

The bar is this car's percentile among 2013 hatchbacks by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.

Known issues

Engine issues lead owner complaints (27% of 419 reports), followed by electrical system (21%).

Engine27% · 115 reports
Electrical System21% · 88 reports
Steering14% · 58 reports
Power Train7% · 31 reports
Unknown Or Other6% · 26 reports
Visibility5% · 22 reports
Service Brakes5% · 20 reports
Structure3% · 13 reports

+ 12 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 419 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11558815, ODI 11461596, ODI 11349757, ODI 11341791, ODI 11341671.

Recalls(3)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Electrical System · 19V204000Details +

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013 Veloster vehicles that are equipped with 1.6 liter turbo engines. The engine management software may cause premature ignition (pre-ignition) of the air/fuel mixture in the engine. The resulting excessive cylinder pressure may damage the engine.

Risk: Engine damage can increase the risk of a fire or cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. The recall began May 14, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 182.

Electrical System · 23V132000Details +

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.

Risk: An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the RPAS fuse and sensor, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 28, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 242.

Service Brakes · 23V651000Details +

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.

Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on record

Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Crash-test ratings

2013 Hyundai Veloster 2 DR FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Veloster1.6L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive273731
Veloster1.6L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive283731
Veloster1.6L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive243528
Veloster1.6L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive243127

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare model years

"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.

2013 Hyundai Veloster: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2013 Hyundai Veloster?

Owners filed 419 NHTSA complaints about the 2013 Hyundai Veloster — more complaints than 82% of comparable 2013 hatchbacks, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.

What are the most common problems on the 2013 Hyundai Veloster?

The most-reported problem areas are Engine (27% of complaints) and electrical system (21%).

How many recalls does the 2013 Hyundai Veloster have?

3 recalls have been issued that affect the 2013 Hyundai Veloster, covering components such as electrical system. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2013 Hyundai Veloster get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Hyundai Veloster between 27 and 31 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.