WORST Hyundai Veloster Years To Avoid, as per Real Owner Complaints

If you’re thinking about getting a Hyundai Veloster, it’s good to know which years have had a lot of problems and recalls.

The 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2019 are the years to avoid, known for issues like engine troubles and electrical problems. These issues can make the car less reliable and even unsafe.

So, why are these years particularly bad, and how do they stack up against more reliable models?

Let’s dive into what makes these years stand out and what to look for in a dependable Veloster.

Key Takeaways

• Avoid the 2012 and 2013 models because they have a lot of complaints and many recalls for engine and electrical problems.
• The 2016 Veloster also has reliability issues with 151 complaints and 20 recalls.
• The 2019 model has significant problems with 222 complaints and 20 recalls.
• First-generation models (2012-2014) often have issues with connecting rods and piston rings.
• Electrical problems are common in Veloster models from 2012 to 2016.

Common Hyundai Veloster Problems

When thinking about getting a Hyundai Veloster, there are some common problems you should know about. For starters, older models from 2012 have had engine issues, particularly with connecting rods, which can cause serious damage. Even the newer models aren’t perfect; some have problems with piston rings that affect how well the car runs.

Other frequent issues include door latch failures and leaks in the panoramic windows. If you’re looking at first-generation models, be aware that the parking brake can malfunction.

Keeping up with regular maintenance can help prevent or fix these problems, ensuring your Veloster stays dependable. Knowing about these common issues can help you make a smarter choice when buying.

Veloster Generations Overview

The Hyundai Veloster has seen a lot of improvements over the years. The first generation, especially the 2012 and 2013 models, had problems with the engine, steering, and visibility. But starting from 2017, with the second generation, the Veloster has become more reliable and has fewer issues.

Here’s a quick overview:

Generation	Model Years	Key Issues
First Generation	2012-2013	Engine, Steering, Visibility
First Generation	2014-2016	Some reliability issues
Second Generation	2017-2020	Better reliability
Second Generation	2021-Present	High reliability

If you’re thinking about getting a Veloster, it’s better to go for models from 2017 and onwards to avoid common problems.

Worst Years of Hyundai Veloster

When looking at the worst years for the Hyundai Veloster, 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2019 are the ones that stand out because of a lot of complaints and serious recall issues.

In 2012, there were 198 complaints and 20 recalls, and in 2013, there were 184 complaints and 25 recalls, showing ongoing problems.

Similarly, 2016 and 2019 also had a lot of issues, with 151 and 222 complaints respectively, and each year had 20 or more recalls.

High Complaint Years

If you’re thinking about buying a Hyundai Veloster, be careful with the 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2019 models. These years have a lot of complaints and recalls. People have reported major issues, especially with the engine and electrical systems.

Here’s a quick look at the numbers:

Model Year	Complaints	Recalls
2012	198	20
2013	184	25
2016	151	25
2019	Data N/A	Data N/A

These problems have led to many recalls, which could be a problem for new buyers. If you’re set on one of these years, make sure to check the car’s history and maintenance records carefully. Skipping these high complaint years might save you some trouble down the road.

Severe Recall Issues

Let’s talk about the serious recall issues affecting the 2012 to 2016 Hyundai Veloster models. These years saw many recalls, mainly because of major engine problems. One big issue was with the connecting rod, which could cause engine failures and even fires.

Here are the main problems:

1. Engine problems: Defective connecting rods causing the engine to fail.
2. Steering issues: Faulty steering systems leading to loss of control.
3. Electrical problems: Frequent electrical failures affecting the vehicle’s overall function.
4. Power train issues: Problems with the transmission and drivetrain, making the car unreliable.

Avoiding Velosters from these years can save you from a lot of trouble and expensive repairs.

2012 Hyundai Veloster Issues

The Hyundai Veloster, especially the 2012, 2013, and 2014 models, has a lot of problems.

The 2012 model often has engine issues, steering problems, and defects in the sun/moon roof assembly that can affect visibility.

The 2013 model is known for engine troubles, electrical system issues, and power train problems.

The 2014 model continues to have steering and engine problems, along with issues with the body structure and electrical system failures.

Because of these frequent problems, it’s probably best to avoid these years if you’re looking to buy a used Veloster.

There are many complaints and recalls for these models, showing they’ve ongoing reliability issues.

2013 Hyundai Veloster Issues

The Hyundai Veloster has had some significant problems over the years, including engine failures, steering issues, and electrical system glitches. These issues have been reported for different model years and are a concern for both potential buyers and current owners.

Here’s a breakdown of the main problems:

1. Engine Failures: Many owners have experienced their engines shutting down suddenly, which is a big safety concern.
2. Steering Issues: Problems with the steering system can make it hard to control the car.
3. Electrical System Glitches: Electrical problems can cause different parts of the car to stop working without warning.
4. High Recall Rates: Some model years, like 2012 and 2016, have had a lot of recalls, showing that these problems are pretty common.

2016 Hyundai Veloster Issues

If you’re looking at the main problems with the Hyundai Veloster, there are six big ones to watch out for. These include engine issues, steering problems, and electrical system failures.

Engine issues can make the car stall and lose power, which is pretty common.

Steering problems often come from bad steering columns and can make the car handle poorly.

Electrical system failures show up as broken infotainment systems and bad wiring, which hurts the car’s reliability.

Other important problems include faulty brakes, suspension issues, and transmission failures.

Fixing these problems is key to keeping your car safe and running well. Knowing about these issues, especially in the 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2019 models, can help you avoid expensive repairs.

2019 Hyundai Veloster Issues

The Hyundai Veloster has had some serious issues that can really affect how it drives and how reliable it is. These problems are especially common in the 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2019 models.

1. Engine Problems: The engine often stalls and loses power.
2. Steering Issues: It’s hard to control the car, especially when driving fast.
3. Electrical Failures: The infotainment system and other controls stop working.
4. Transmission Troubles: There are delays when shifting gears, and sometimes the gears slip.

There are usually 20-25 recalls each year, which shows how serious these problems are. These issues can make driving less enjoyable and lead to expensive repairs. If you avoid these model years, you’re more likely to get a more reliable Hyundai Veloster.

Engine Problems in Veloster

If you’re thinking about buying a used Hyundai Veloster, watch out for major engine problems in some model years.

First-generation models from 2012 to 2014 often have issues with connecting rods, while second-generation models have problems with the piston rings.

These issues can cause a drop in power and acceleration, making some Veloster years less reliable and more expensive to maintain.

Connecting Rod Faults

Hyundai Veloster models, especially from 2012 and 2013, have had problems with connecting rods that can lead to serious engine damage if not fixed quickly. These rods are key parts that help turn the pistons’ up-and-down movement into the spinning motion that powers your car.

Problems with these rods can cause:

• Major Engine Damage: This can ruin your engine.
• Higher Maintenance Costs: You’ll need more repairs and replacements.
• Less Reliability: Your car is more likely to break down.
• Lower Resale Value: It’s harder to sell because of these known issues.

If you own an early Veloster, make sure to get regular check-ups and maintenance to catch these problems early.

If you’re thinking about buying a used Veloster, watch out for these model years to avoid expensive repairs.

Piston Ring Issues

Veloster models from 2012 to 2016 often have problems with piston rings that can lead to poor engine performance and slow acceleration. These issues happen because the piston rings weren’t treated with heat properly, causing them to wear out sooner than they should.

When the piston rings wear down, the engine can’t keep the cylinders sealed right, which leads to bad fuel burning, less power, and more oil usage. The 2012 Veloster is especially known for these problems, but it also happens in models from 2013 to 2016.

Regular maintenance can help a bit, but it doesn’t always fix the issue. If you’re thinking about getting a Veloster from these years, you should know that you might face big engine repairs because of the piston ring problems.

Power and Acceleration

If you’re having power and acceleration problems with your Hyundai Veloster, it might be due to engine issues, like connecting rod problems or piston ring failures. These problems have affected several models and can make driving really annoying, especially during daily commutes or on the highway.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Engine issues since 2012: Early models often had problems with the connecting rods.
2. Piston ring failures: These are common in second-generation Velosters.
3. Performance problems: When the engine acts up, you’ll see a drop in power and acceleration.
4. Regular maintenance: Keeping up with maintenance can help prevent and fix these issues, making sure your Veloster runs smoothly.

Knowing these points is important for a reliable and powerful drive.

Electrical System Malfunctions

When looking at Hyundai Veloster models from 2012 to 2016, be aware that they often have electrical problems. Common issues include bad wiring, electrical shorts, and malfunctioning parts. Owners have reported trouble with the dashboard display, infotainment system, and power windows because of these electrical issues. There have even been recalls due to these problems, showing how serious they can be. It’s a good idea to get professional help to diagnose and fix these issues.

Issue	Affected Parts	Model Years
Bad Wiring	Dashboard Display	2012-2016
Electrical Shorts	Infotainment System	2012-2016
Malfunctioning Parts	Power Windows	2012-2016

Getting advice from a professional can help you deal with these electrical problems effectively.

Steering and Handling Concerns

Steering problems in Hyundai Veloster models from 2012 to 2016 have been a big issue, causing worries about how safe and easy they’re to drive. Many drivers have noticed these problems, which can lead to dangerous situations.

Here are some of the common issues:

1. Steering Wheel Vibration: This can be scary and make you feel less confident about controlling the car.
2. Steering Lock-Up: This happens suddenly and can be very dangerous while driving.
3. Poor Responsiveness: Slow reactions can make it hard to steer safely.
4. Steering Drift: This makes it tough to keep the car going straight, which can increase the chance of accidents.

These steering problems show why it’s important to get these cars checked out and maintained regularly.

Legal Issues and Lawsuits

There have been several class-action lawsuits against Hyundai, pointing out major problems with the Veloster, such as engine fires, sunroof explosions, and electrical issues.

One notable case, Nicholas Wylie et al. v. Hyundai Motor America, reached a settlement that addressed many of the concerns raised by Veloster owners. However, other lawsuits, like Thornhill, Billy Glenn, and Guy Coss v. Hyundai Motor Company, are still ongoing, with complaints coming from various places. There’s a chance that these cases could be certified as class actions, giving affected parties a way to seek legal resolutions.

Hyundai has issued recent recalls and proposed settlements to try and fix these safety and quality issues and reduce legal risks. These legal battles highlight the importance of being aware of potential problems with the Veloster.

Recalls and Safety Concerns

The Hyundai Veloster has had a lot of recalls over the years, which is a big safety concern for anyone thinking about buying one. These recalls affect many different model years, showing that the problems have been ongoing.

Here are some key points:

1. 2012 Veloster: Had 20 recalls, which is a lot of safety issues for one year.
2. 2013 and 2016 Veloster: Both had 25 recalls each, pointing to serious safety problems.
3. 2014 Veloster: Had 22 recalls, so it also has major safety concerns.
4. 2019 Veloster: Known as one of the worst years due to a high number of safety issues and recalls.

These numbers show that there have been consistent safety problems with the Hyundai Veloster over several years, so it’s important to think about these issues before buying one.

Reliability Rankings and PainRank

Given all the recalls and safety concerns, it’s important to look at the reliability rankings and PainRank scores for the Hyundai Veloster. PainRank measures how often and how serious reported problems are.

For the Hyundai Veloster, the years 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2019 have really high PainRank scores, which means they’ve a lot of reliability issues. Common problems include engine breakdowns, steering troubles, and electrical system failures.

These years have a lot of complaints and recalls, which hurt their reliability rankings. If you’re thinking about buying a Hyundai Veloster, you might want to avoid these specific years to lower the chances of running into these issues. Choosing other model years might give you a more reliable car.

Comparing First and Second Generations

When comparing the first and second generations of the Hyundai Veloster, you’ll notice that the first-generation models (2012-2017) have a lot more reliability issues compared to the second-generation models (2019-present).

The first generation has a high PainRank of 7.5 and 118 complaints. Common problems include:

1. Engine issues
2. Steering concerns
3. Electrical malfunctions
4. Overall reliability

On the other hand, the second-generation Velosters are seen as more reliable and have fewer complaints. If you care about reliability, it’s best to avoid the first-generation Hyundai Veloster.

The newer generation has better technology and engineering, making them a more dependable choice. Keep these points in mind when deciding which model to go for.

Best Hyundai Veloster Years

If you’re looking at a Hyundai Veloster, check out the 2014, 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2021 models for the best mix of performance and reliability. These years stand out based on data from safety and reliability reports, as well as driver reviews.

The 2014 and 2015 models offer solid performance with fewer reported issues. The 2017 model keeps up the trend with better engine reliability.

The 2020 and 2021 models, part of the latest generation, come with advanced features and improved safety. While the 2018 Hyundai Veloster is known for its reliability, the 2020 and 2021 models are better for the latest tech and safety features.

Choosing any of these years will likely give you a more reliable and hassle-free driving experience.

When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Santa and Hyundai Sonata. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.

Conclusion

If you’re considering a Hyundai Veloster, it’s a good idea to avoid the 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2019 models because they’ve a lot of problems. As the saying goes, ‘Prevention is better than cure.’

Choosing Veloster models from 2017 onwards will likely save you from engine and electrical issues.

Do your research and pick carefully to ensure a reliable and safe ride.