142 of the
1,768 complaints filed about the Hyundai Veloster
are about the transmission —
8% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
142
Complaints
8%
Share of all complaints
6
Crashes
3
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting into gear, the vehicle failed to respond and became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the rear axle was replaced, the transmission fluid was flushed and refilled, and a shift analyzer software update was performed; however, the failure recurred days later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the wheel speed sensor had failed. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact advised the dealer to inspect the crankshaft position sensor; however, the dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to the transmission. The contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, and the contact was advised to retrieve the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and covered the cost of the rear axle replacement under a goodwill assistance program. Several cases were filed, and the contact sent a video of the failure to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
NHTSA complaint #11746142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving down the highway when I lost all power to my engine and had to coast off and exit. Prior to the incident there was no indication of a problem. White smoke began coming out of my exhaust. I brought the car to a dealership and they told me that I would need a timing job and a new turbo. They said that my car was starved for oil, regular maintenance had been kept up with on the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11737073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The vehicle was restarted. The contact shifted to reverse and pulled into a parking lot. The message that the transmission had overheated was displayed. The contact used a scanner and diagnosed the vehicle with clutch actuator failure. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 86,494.
NHTSA complaint #11731458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for an unknown recall repair. Upon retrieving the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The reverse and drive gears were inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the transmission was inoperable, the starter, the engine light were blinking, and the vehicle was slow to move. There was smoke coming from the vehicle. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11721786 — 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.
King Hyundai hung up/refused free Recall 198 inspection despite confirmed defect (rod bearing/crank damage). VIN [XXX] . Case #1824300. Safety risk—stall/fire. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11701492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for a recall repair; however, after leaving the dealer, while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle sat for two hours before being restarted and slowly driven to the place of employment, and was then driven to the residence. The contact was unable to determine if there were any warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was provided with information for towing services and a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
NHTSA complaint #11678279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The 2017 Hyundai Veloster- Value edition is a Lemon straight from the manufacturer. I purchased mine in July of 2024 with 27,000 miles. When I test drove it I questioned the clicking noises that could be heard while switching gears along with minor "shuddering" at acceleration. I was informed by gentleman at Dealer that it was a normal characteristic of owning a DCT vehicle. One year later 7/2025 I have been experiencing more intense issues with clutch/transmission. I have a great loss of power at acceleration, it will stay bogged at 1,000-1,500 RPM'S before it engages and revs with a jolt forward. It is unsafe to pull out or lane change on highway. It also is shuddering upon every acceleration from a dead stop. The clicking noises are now accompanied by clicking noises any time it shift gears. I get an intermittent smell of something burning. It is DEFINITELY UNSAFE to drive in any temperature above 75° due to the vehicle not being able to get out of its own way. All issues are intensified. I brought the vehicle to Hyundai service center and all that was recommended was a coolant flush and Dual Clutch Transmission service, which I paid to have done. I am not the original owner so any manufacturer warranty is out the window. Any research done by consumer will show pages and pages of complaints about the 2017 Veloster and DCT problems. Hyundai NEEDS TO MAKE GOOD on the unsafe garbage they sold us! Let me inform you that the vehicle I am currently making this complaint about has less than 48,000 miles today 7/9/2025
NHTSA complaint #11672257 — 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 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle started to shake. The contact stated that after shifting into gear the vehicle became difficult to drive. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a passenger’s air bag fault. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.
NHTSA complaint #11648164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I HAVE A RECALL ON THE HYUNDAI 2015 VELOSTER FOR FOUR YEARS SINCE THE LAWSUIT THAT YOU TOLD HYUNDAI CORP TO PUT LIFETIME WARRANTY ON DEFECTIVE CARS THGEY HAVE DONE NOTHING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. MY CAR AGAIN IS BROKE DOWN TO OIL AROUND SPARKPLUGS I WENT THROUGH THE SAME PROBLEM IN OCT 2023 WHICH THEY PUT A GASKET ON IT AND CHARGE ME 505.00 DOLLARS. NOW THEY ARE MAKING IT HARD TO FIND A ENGINE TO REPLACED THE MANUFACTURED DEFECT ENGINE IN IT. DEBRIS IN CRANKSHAFT AND THEN SOLD WHICH CAUSE THE CONNECTING ROD PROBLEM PREMATURE. I NEED MY CAR AND CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER PLEASE HELP ME GET THIS RESOLVE
NHTSA complaint #11639657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The component that failed is acceleration. He came from work at the Frywed when he reduced the speed from 65 to 30 and no longer accelerated .. if an independent service had no warning or failure at that time they were detected
NHTSA complaint #11634877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On October 17, 2024, owner was leaving Denver, CO on the highway and had to stop for traffic and vehicle wouldn't move. Was in drive but vehicle would not drive and pulled to side of road. Had insurance tow to nearest Hyundai dealership. Check engine light was on and dealership checked vehicle and needed to have the crankshaft position sensor replaced. Fixed the problem thank God and I was on my road shortly there after. My Veloster is 2013 with 47,000 miles at time of incident.
NHTSA complaint #11624857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The car was in Hyundai dealership for 35 days to have a recalls fixed - still showing as no remedy for ABS systems and they said they fixed it ? they had me pick up the car? And but the recall still shows no remedy ? I’m not sure it’s fixed ? and 2 weeks later the transmission goes out while I’m driving again and lose control over the vehicle and stuck on side of road had And Hyundai dealership proceeded to only be concerned on who’s paying for the diagnosis who has been the one fixing the vehicle and I have an extended warranty with Car Max. Car max sold me a car that had rusted brakes and brake lines and several recalls and now the transmission went out . I have expressed to Hyundai and Carmax - The car is not safe .
NHTSA complaint #11602781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In Dec of last year my cars dash lights started flashing no matter which gear I tried the gear would flash on the dash,when I called my extended warranty "car shield ",they recommended that I take it to a repair shop in nearby city and have a diagnostic test performed. I did so,in which after testing they said it was something on side of transmission and they weren't equipped to perform the repairs and needed to be taken to dealership instead. I picked up the vehicle and same issue was present of course, so I had it towed to a dealership and then was contacted by them that they could not do a diagnostic test until the battery was replaced because it was not starting, so I brought a battery and put it on in the place of my old one.I made sure that the vehicle was going to start before leaving and it did with no problem, so I turned it off and was contacted by the dealership saying that it was extensive damage, and car shield had to send out their own personal investigator and they refused to fix any issues and would not pay for diagnostic services or the $10,000 to cover the repairs due to unknown circumstances causing the fuse box next to battery to melt as well as damage to my wiring harness and the wiring harness for the alternator somehow. Now I have a vehicle that I paid for less than a year ago and a no good extended warranty paid for as well and a vehicle with less than 100000 miles that's useless.
NHTSA complaint #11588811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Abs component and or fuse is causing pre ignition in the motor thus causing abnormal rpm’s when idling or driving thus further causing damage to the vehicle itself
NHTSA complaint #11586988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal before the vehicle surged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the DTC scanner determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. Prior to the transmission failure, the engine and exhaust system were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11582381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and responded slowly. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated independently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where both catalytic converters were replaced, and the fuel lines were cleaned; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where the vehicle was test-driven, and the mechanic informed the contact that the failure could be related to the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11580609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure, glow relay short circuit, and ABS failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,220.
NHTSA complaint #11578441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.