67 of the
1,768 complaints filed about the Hyundai Veloster
are about the fuel system —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that gas fumes were entering inside the vehicle and exhaust fumes were present while driving the vehicle and while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on several occasions and to several dealers; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The master cylinder was replaced, and the high-pressure fuel pump was replaced due to a reported internal fuel leak, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle at a gas station, fuel leaked from the vehicle with a strong fuel odor. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000.
NHTSA complaint #11746173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
"CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE & INEFFECTIVE RECALL REMEDY (NHTSA 19V-204): While traveling at highway speeds, with my two children and boyfriend, the vehicle went completely black. Car loss complete power, going into a limp mode( 'Loss of Motive Power') The Check Engine Light began flashing before going solid. When I was able to pull to the shoulder, I tried to start the car and noticed the radio screen was black and stayed black(before this time, the screen would some times go blank or completely black and then turn back on). Car would start and shake really hard with noise coming from engine, and then car would die. Since then I have been going back and forth with Hyundai Motors and Hyundai dealer, telling them that this is not a warranty issue, but a safety issue and they both have ignored and didn't enology this at all. This happened October 4th, 2025 Recall of 182 was completed but it failed. The vehicle is at the Dalton Hyundai dealer in Nation City. Dealer confirmed zero compression in engine and want $5000 to tare engine to see if it would be under warranty but I keep telling them this is a safety issue that is still accruing and under the 573 Recall/19v-204 I tried to get help throw the BBB and got denied because of age and being the second owner and they told me to contact NHTSA I am a single mother of two young kids, I bought car on 01/26/25 and still owe money on car. Since 10/4/25 I have had to pay out of pocket for a car rental just get to work. My car is up for repo due to me not able to pay for a rental and my monthly car payment. I am lost and don't know what else I can do to get this matter seen. When buying this car the sale person said it is a good car, it will save money on gas, and it has been a nightmare.
NHTSA complaint #11720265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving my 2016 Hyundai Veloster (VIN: [XXX] ) on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration. I went from 60 mph down to 20 mph with no throttle response, and the car only continued moving briefly from momentum. I was forced to stop in unsafe highway conditions and had the vehicle towed home. Prior to this complete failure, the car had recurring transmission/drive issues: it would start, but when placed in reverse it moved backward, and when shifted into drive it still only moved backward. Despite repeated repair attempts, the problems persisted. A certified mechanic later inspected the vehicle and confirmed severe internal engine damage, including metallic noises, blue smoke, oil leakage from worn piston rings, and complete compression loss. The mechanic concluded the vehicle requires deep engine repair or replacement. These failures are consistent with widespread reports of Hyundai Veloster engine defects, which pose serious safety risks to drivers. My vehicle is now inoperable despite responsible maintenance and repeated attempts to fix the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11703913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
After an update for a recall for brake issues, the dealership updated the knock sensor update without my consent. After the knock sensor software was installed, my 2012 Hyundai veloster will not operate without going into protection mode. Hyundai states that they can not reverse the software update to make my vehicle operable again. This has already come up as a safety concern as my wife was on the interstate when the vehicle shut down in 70+ mph traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11684004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am the second owner of a 2016 Hyundai Veloster Base, purchased used at approximately 19,976 miles. Since then, the vehicle has experienced multiple major powertrain-related failures. At 49,196 miles, the first catalytic converter failed and was replaced. Later, both the engine and second catalytic converter were replaced by Kearny Mesa Hyundai, a certified Hyundai dealership in San Diego, CA. When I brought the vehicle to Kearny Mesa Hyundai, there were no warning lights or active diagnostic trouble codes. However, the dealership’s service documentation stated that a P0420 code (catalyst system efficiency below threshold) was present — a code that was not active when I dropped off the vehicle, raising concerns about diagnostic accuracy or documentation. Now, at 61,982 miles, I brought the vehicle to Hyundai Ontario due to delayed shifting and hesitation when accelerating. The dealership diagnosed internal transmission failure and quoted approximately $5,000 for repairs. There were no warning lights or codes detected, meaning this diagnosis is based solely on driving symptoms. The failure of two catalytic converters, the engine, and now the transmission — all within approximately 42,000 miles of ownership — raises serious concerns about the long-term reliability of this vehicle and possible manufacturing defects. The transmission symptoms pose a serious safety risk, especially when merging or accelerating into traffic. I am requesting that this vehicle be investigated for potential systemic issues affecting its powertrain components.
NHTSA complaint #11664980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Midas where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pressure regulator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11622544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shortly after finishing major repairs at my local dealer, I started to expirience, what I believe, now, to be a "low-end engine knock". Engine knock can usually occur due to oil starvation, where the connecting rod bearings are worn and debris enters the engine. So, I brought my car back to the dealer to ask them what this strange noise was I was hearing; I asked them if it could be the brand new clutch, or their equipment they left in the engine bay for me. They gave me an answer and it was to not drive the car anymore. One employee of the dealer even suggested "wrapping it around a telephone pole"... They told me what the repairs would cost and I had not qualified for a warranty extention so I left. I acquired a definitive diagnostic elsewhere and was shown the gravity of the situation. My oil filter had caught pieces of the engine and it was dubbed an engine knock. This incident took me completely by surprise. I regularly changed my oil and never saw my levels get so low that they would be considered empty. I have only owned the car for 5 years and it being only 8 years old, I was hoping to enjoy the driving expirience for years to come. That sensation has been replaced with apprehension and possible engine fire... how do I afford to buy a new car every 5 years if I can't drive the one I have now??
NHTSA complaint #11621647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
One night I was driving on the highway and my check engine light came on. At first I thought it was weird because I had just gotten the car from a dealership three weeks prior. I pulled into a gas station and checked my oil which was low so I added some oil that I had bought. As I was driving home the car suddenly developed a tick and started to lose power. The turbo stopped working. I was pretty concerned about this so the next morning I decided to top off the oil and I decided to take the car into a shop. The first shop heard the engine knock and told me that my crankshaft might be going bad but I wanted a second opinion so I took it to a trusted shop who heard the engine knock and told me the engine would need to be replaced. I called the warranty company and they inspected it at the shop and said the engine would need to be torn down for diagnosis. I had to agree to pay for the shop to tear down the engine if it would not be covered. The shop found metal shavings in the oil pan. Once the engine was apart, they said that the rod bearing was bad. The car and engine are available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11611684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
problem with car engine has been recall for several years, brakes have been recall for 2-3 years now my emissions are mess up from recall engine which now i do not have a car to drive, being a heart patient, veteran, it is hard without one and i can't afford a new one i have done all Maintenace and everything on my end to keep it going. engine eats oil, loses compression on road knocking had in shop twice still no fixing the problems my engine light is on i have been told by dealer my car can catch on fire from brakes and engine getting hot in the cabin jerks tried to cut out on me several times afraid to drive it anymore. hyundai is putting everything off until it blows us up i guess. can you help me? i wrote to hyundai corp and sent contacts through the computer no response back wiper doesnt work or gps all broke in it, never use the back wiper but once,also clogged catalytic converters confirm by hyundai dealership
NHTSA complaint #11593038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
First the turbo stopped working n smoking. Took it to the dealer n they had it for a month.. Get it back one day later had to have it towed . Vehicle was there for another 2 weeks got it back and it started to smoke. I pressed on the gas pedal n the car wouldn’t move! The first time the turbo was supposed to be replaced I believe ever since it was sent there to be replaced it was never the same. I still have the car and it will not start. The turbo n engine are filled with oils .
NHTSA complaint #11588739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Code: P0087 show up when I scanned it. I was driving on freeway and my car lose power suddenly. This could potentially cause accident because it’s was heavy traffic time.
NHTSA complaint #11582266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
15 Warranty repairs with less than 60K mileage that were discovered for the vehicle’s history. To date I have replaced: Catalytic Converter (Discovered this is a common issue with the vehicle) Infotainment Front Struts Rear Shocks Motor mounts Driver Side window motor (Previously repaired by Hyundai Replaced by Hyundai 1/7/2020 at 56k miles, malfunction a 2nd time) Windshield Wiper Motor (Previously repaired by Hyundai Replaced by Hyundai 10/7/2019 at 54K miles, malfunction a 2nd time) a/c motor blower Oxygen Sensor Fuel Injectors (common issue) Driver Side/Passenger Side control arms Windshield Wiper hoses due to dry rot All 4 ignition coils Battery Leads
NHTSA complaint #11580059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knocking on engine. All service necessary for the vehicle has been up to date. Hyundai Dealer has said to wait for a recall. Rod bearing recall has happened and my vehicle was never recalled.
NHTSA complaint #11577695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
I have had the ABS checked by Hyundai dealership per recall and they told me there was no issues, but I’m having a lot of problems with accelerating, and it shifting gears, I don’t think the system is really diagnosing, whenever I turn my car on sometimes it will do a diagnostic read, but it can’t send data, and it will take a while for the system to reset itself. It does smell like my car is smoking and I will have to physically roll my window down and/or poke my head out the window to make sure it’s not smoking. I’m checking my temperature gauge in my car to make sure it id within normal range. And when the check engine light comes on, sometimes it will come up and will blink for a few seconds and then disappear. Then I will go to O’Reilly’s or Advanced Auto Zone to get a reading the common codes that have come up were P0401, P0442,
NHTSA complaint #11570498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump sensor. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 143,000.
NHTSA complaint #11538599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.