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2020 Hyundai Veloster: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues

What the public record actually says about the 2020 Hyundai Veloster — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.

The read

More reported complaints than most hatchback.

Owners filed 25 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 67% of 2020 hatchbacks. Engine leads the reports (28%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.

Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2020 hatchbacks, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.

Complaints filed

25

Reports to NHTSA, 2020

Safety recalls

1

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 67% of 2020 hatchbacks

The bar is this car's percentile among 2020 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 (28% of 25 reports), followed by steering (16%).

Engine28% · 7 reports
Steering16% · 4 reports
Unknown Or Other16% · 4 reports
Power Train8% · 2 reports
Electrical System4% · 1 report
Exterior Lighting4% · 1 report
Fuel System4% · 1 report
Fuel/Propulsion System4% · 1 report

+ 4 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 25 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11694293, ODI 11656722, ODI 11656796, ODI 11425462, ODI 11422965.

Recalls(1)

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.

Engine · 21V301000Details +

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.

Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

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

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2020 Hyundai Veloster 3 HB 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
Veloster2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive273430
Veloster1.6L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive283430
Veloster1.6L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive263329
Veloster2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive253328

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.

2020 Hyundai Veloster: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2020 Hyundai Veloster?

Owners filed 25 NHTSA complaints about the 2020 Hyundai Veloster — more complaints than 67% of comparable 2020 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 2020 Hyundai Veloster?

The most-reported problem areas are Engine (28% of complaints) and steering (16%).

How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Veloster have?

1 recall has been issued that affect the 2020 Hyundai Veloster, covering components such as engine. 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 2020 Hyundai Veloster get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Hyundai Veloster between 28 and 30 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.