Owners have filed 29 complaints
about the 2020 Hyundai Veloster with NHTSA between 2020 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 7
Against the median year of the Hyundai Veloster. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
71% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2020 compares with every other Hyundai Veloster
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2020 Hyundai Veloster
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
827.6%
Median failure at 60,500 miles
Other & Unspecified
620.7%
Median failure at 300 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
26.9%
Fuel & Propulsion
26.9%
Median failure at 39,000 miles
Body & Structure
26.9%
Steering
26.9%
Median failure at 17,990 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
26.9%
Seats
13.4%
Wheels
13.4%
Median failure at 9,930 miles
Lights
13.4%
Median failure at 25,000 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
13.4%
Electrical System
13.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
114.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
114.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
114.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
342.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
114.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2020 Hyundai Veloster 3 HB FWD
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2020peak 4Oct 2025
Recalls on the 2020 Hyundai Veloster
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
21V301000
ENGINE
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20244037,579 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the high-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, the engine may run rough and the check engine light may turn on. This could also cause a sudden loss of engine power while driving. Note: For the Elantra, Kona and Veloster models, this recall only affects the N performance versions. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Hyundai will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the engine control module software. The high-pressure fuel pump will be replaced, if necessary.
Recall 202125276,192 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine's piston oil rings may be defective. This can cause engine wear that can lead to increased oil consumption. Eventually, this can create abnormal engine noise and the oil pressure warning light may turn on. If you continue to drive the vehicle with these symptoms, the engine could fail. Note: This only affects vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L Nu MPI engine. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Hyundai will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the engine. The engine will be replaced, if necessary. Hyundai is also developing a Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software update to be installed when available; it will alert the driver of potential damage before an engine failure occurs.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Gainesville, GA
ENGINE
My spark plugs misfired
NHTSA complaint #11694293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11686504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntington Beach, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11668350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tom’s River, NJ
ENGINE
I have a 2020 Hyundai veloster 2.0L and their is a knocking noise coming for the engine for the piston haven’t been properly heated right and when I search the vin up on here it come up as a different car in the picture
NHTSA complaint #11656722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesToms River, NJ
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the piston oil rings, resulting in damages to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The VIN was included in the recall, but the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11656796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, GA
POWER TRAIN
ON 2/14/2024, my car started not to accelerate after the Crash Collision light came on. My car pulled off like it was a snail but picked up speed after I drove a bit. I had to put my hazard flasher lights on in order for other car not run over me, which was a major safety issues and put me and my grandson at risk of being hurt. There was no check engine light coming up just the warning flashed (only for a second) up (crash collision) and the symbol of car crashing into another vehicle with triangle symbol then it went away after awhile. I managed to make it to the car dealership but it took almost a month before they determine it was the camera and crank shaft. They repaired the vehicle from 2/14/2024 but two weeks ago the Crash Collision light flashed up again.(7/18/2024) I made it to the dealership again but now my car has been sitting for three weeks because they only have one technician. *Also, I am having a problem with the molding or plastic on my window. The molding on the window that stops rain for flowing down in your door has melted off on both window. The plastic/rubber molding is literally melting off and smearing on my window
NHTSA complaint #11606255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, GA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
ON 2/14/2024, my car started not to accelerate after the Crash Collision light came on. My car pulled off like it was a snail but picked up speed after I drove a bit. I had to put my hazard flasher lights on in order for other car not run over me, which was a major safety issues and put me and my grandson at risk of being hurt. There was no check engine light coming up just the warning flashed (only for a second) up (crash collision) and the symbol of car crashing into another vehicle with triangle symbol then it went away after awhile. I managed to make it to the car dealership but it took almost a month before they determine it was the camera and crank shaft. They repaired the vehicle from 2/14/2024 but two weeks ago the Crash Collision light flashed up again.(7/18/2024) I made it to the dealership again but now my car has been sitting for three weeks because they only have one technician. *Also, I am having a problem with the molding or plastic on my window. The molding on the window that stops rain for flowing down in your door has melted off on both window. The plastic/rubber molding is literally melting off and smearing on my window
NHTSA complaint #11606255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynchburg, VA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11595539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lynchburg, VA
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
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.
NHTSA complaint #11595539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesNewbury Park, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact's son owns a 2020 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's son pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the contact's family-owned auto repair shop, where the high-pressure fuel pump was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced for the second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
NHTSA complaint #11570820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When driving the car, it will intermittingly hesitate and as I press on the pedal the engine revs up but does not increase in speed. This has happened multiple times in the past month and is extremely dangerous. The other day I almost got hit by the car behind me and luckily there was an inlet I was able to pull into, stop and put into park, then when I put it into drive it worked again. As I came to next traffic light, it did it again and I was unable to pull over due to traffic, I put vehicle into neutral and then back into drive and it worked again to get me home. It took me 3 weeks to get an appointment with dealership and they say there is nothing wrong with it because it is not coming up on the computer. Very scared every time I need to drive it as I do not know when or where it will happen again.
NHTSA complaint #11525099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garland, TX
POWER TRAIN
In the manual car to get in reverse there is a "lock out" sling that only allows you to go in reverse when you pull up on it. When the manual stick shift goes back to neutral the lock out valve pops closed only allowing gears 1-6 The lock out is not coming down and is sticking so you think you are going into 1st gear but you are still in reverse. Basically imagine you go into reverse in a parking lot, putting it in drive and when you give the car gas it goes backwards. I have had almost 15 incidents in the last 2 weeks after I figured out what was happening. This is dangerous and has caused many close calls hitting other vehicles. I am bringing the car back to Huffhines Hyundai but only after a week of not being offered a loaner car and allowing me to drive in this car after at least 3 direct calls about the problem and the danger of having to drive the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11494192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garland, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In the manual car to get in reverse there is a "lock out" sling that only allows you to go in reverse when you pull up on it. When the manual stick shift goes back to neutral the lock out valve pops closed only allowing gears 1-6 The lock out is not coming down and is sticking so you think you are going into 1st gear but you are still in reverse. Basically imagine you go into reverse in a parking lot, putting it in drive and when you give the car gas it goes backwards. I have had almost 15 incidents in the last 2 weeks after I figured out what was happening. This is dangerous and has caused many close calls hitting other vehicles. I am bringing the car back to Huffhines Hyundai but only after a week of not being offered a loaner car and allowing me to drive in this car after at least 3 direct calls about the problem and the danger of having to drive the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11494192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,990 milesGolden, CO
STEERING
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated, and the power steering failed. The contact stated that he was able to drive to his residence by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure unless the warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 17,990.
NHTSA complaint #11493545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Arm, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11446275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Arm, MD
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11446275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Arm, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11446275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fredericksburg, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My engine on three separate occasions has stalled out on me on busy roadways. Since then the problem has no been duplicated but the engine light is on and has been unresolved and engine performance is below average.
NHTSA complaint #11441672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When I was driving and got up to to the front gates, my car stalled. I knew I didn’t stall my car myself so I was curious what happened and didn’t think much of it so I just turned my car back on. Then the check engine light came on. As I started my car again it would act weird and just start to hesitate kind of. I went to park and as I came back the car would not turn on. It would just keep trying to turn over at really low rpms then shut off. After that it would not turn on what so ever. Hyundai is currently in the process of looking at it.
NHTSA complaint #11428204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Veloster. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact mentioned that the oil light illuminated on the instrument panel soon after receiving an oil change. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11425462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CA
SEATS
- Lumbar support on driver seat cracked or snapped and no longer is functional what so ever - The seat itself feels sunken and nothing like the passenger seat which does not have lumbar support - Unknown - No inspection of vehicle yet - No prior notifications or signs of failure
NHTSA complaint #11425277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ozark, MO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
When pressing the gas pedal at a lower speed, the engine would hesitate and the car would not increase in speed...regardless of how hard I pressed. This has been randomly happening for the past few weeks. Today I received a recall notice in the mail and will be bringing the vehicle in. Just wanted to make sure that the company was aware for reporting purposes. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11423034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ozark, MO
ENGINE
When pressing the gas pedal at a lower speed, the engine would hesitate and the car would not increase in speed...regardless of how hard I pressed. This has been randomly happening for the past few weeks. Today I received a recall notice in the mail and will be bringing the vehicle in. Just wanted to make sure that the company was aware for reporting purposes. Thank you.
NHTSA complaint #11423034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St. Cloud, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Veloster. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11422965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stevensons Ranch, CA
ENGINE
On June 11th, 2021, as I was driving on the freeway my car lost all power. I was doing 65 in the second lane on the right. The sudden loss of power almost caused a semitruck to hit me. This was do to engine problems laid out in the current recall. I didnt know about the recall, Hyundai still hasnt notified their customers. My car has 13k miles and I've had Valvoline change my oil every 3k miles (last oil change at 10k). In a matter of 3k miles my car burnt all engine oil. (there were no oil leaks). No dashboard lights came on to inform me my oil was low.
NHTSA complaint #11421676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.