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2012 Hyundai Veloster

The Verdict

44 Proceed with Caution

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster has 295 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (161 complaints) and engine (66 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 44/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Hyundai Veloster, consider the 2021 model year which has 96% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2021 has 96% fewer complaints

View the 2021 Hyundai Veloster dashboard →

44

Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution

About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 4

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

23V132000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Veloster vehicles. High conductive liquid may leak into the Reverse Park Aid Sensor (RPAS), which can result in an electrical short c...

Risk

An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the RPAS fuse and sensor, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 28, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

13V051000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012 Veloster vehicles manufactured from July 4, 2011, through October 31, 2011 and equipped with panoramic sunroofs. The panoramic sunroof assembly may hav...

Risk

If the assembly was weakend at the factory, the panoramic glass panel may break while the vehicle is in motion leading to personal injury or a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the sunroof's integrity and replace the sunroof glass assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began during March 2013. Owner...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

12V568000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012 Veloster vehicles manufactured from November 1, 2011, through April 17, 2012 and equipped with panoramic sunroofs. The panoramic sunroof assembly may b...

Risk

If the assembly was weakend at the factory, the panoramic glass panel may break while the vehicle is in motion leading to personal injury or a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the sunroof's integrity and replace the sunroof glass assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began January 22, 2013. Owners...

Reported Jul 12, 2012

12V567000 PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE

Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012 Veloster vehicles manufactured from July 2, 2011, through February 27, 2012 and equipped with manual transmissions. Moisture and road grime may cause t...

Risk

If the parking brake components bind, the parking brake may not operate properly, and the parking brake may drag while driving or may not fully engage when the vehicle is parked. If the parking br...

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake caliper assemblies free of charge. The safety recall began January 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

Reported Jul 12, 2012

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
201216120336615
2013124237717817
201423518362
201523518819
20162551815121
20171114276
20191016212
2020902102
202180030

By Category

Body
161
Engine
66
Electrical
33
Brakes
20
Transmission
15

By Severity

1
134
2
122
3
16
4
23

Worst Problems

Complaints

Body 3

While driving on the interstate, at approximately 70mph, the sunroof glass shattered causing glass to fall into the vehicle and into the face of the driver. This was not caused by any outside object or force, but simply shattered. Upon searching the web, I discovered NHSTA campaign #12V592000 and 12V56800 and Hyundai recall #108. While I was notified by Hyundai about other vehicle recalls, I was not notified about this one.

22d ago
Engine 2

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.

4mo ago
Electrical 4

On January 15, 2026, at approximately 7:51 a.m., my son was involved in a motor vehicle collision that disabled three vehicles. His vehicle sustained significant damage and was declared a total loss. During the collision, the driver-side airbag did not deploy, and the seat belt failed to engage. As a result of the restraint system failures, my son sustained head trauma and required medical evaluation. There were no prior warnings or indicator lights suggesting a malfunction of the airbag or seat belt systems prior to the crash. The failure of these safety systems raises concern about a potential defect that could pose a risk to other drivers. This complaint is submitted to document the incident and to request that it be reviewed for potential investigation or recall action in the interest of public safety.

5mo ago
Engine 1

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.

10mo ago
Engine 4

I stood my [XXX] nephew up in the front passengers side floorboard of the 2012 hyundia voloster manual transmission with push start . I stepped out of the car on the passage side of the car the car was parked in first gear no one was on the driver's side . I bent over to get my shoes on and baby reached over and pushed the start button on the car the car should not have started since the clutch was not pressed in but unfortunately the car started and lunged forward being on a incline it was as if someone smashed on the gas pedal I ran with the car as far as I could but it was going so fast I could not get into the car to stop it I was drug trying to stop the car the car flew thru a fence , into the woods, down a steep hill then crossed a one lane road traveled up a hill thru another patch of woods before going up hill and hitting a tree all the while our nephew was not in a car seat the car was bouncing side to side when it went off road to cross a creek so I know the baby was thrown around in the car he had to of been that car was going so fast I was screaming in fear that he would not be alive when I made it to the car now the key was in my purse located in the passenger side floorboard where I stood the baby up at so when I reached the car the doors had automatically locked the car was still running and the baby was screaming I could not leave the baby to go get help so I tried to tell him to open the door but like I said he is [XXX] old he didn't know what I was telling him to do and since the car went thru the fence it knocked the wiper blades off and the metal was going back and forth on the glass and it was so loud screeching back and forth and baby is screaming and I could not get to him and I know the screeching is scaring him even more so I reached up the pull the wipers away from the windshield and when I did baby leans on the door to see what I was doing and he hits the windows button and the windows came down just far enough to get it unlock INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

11mo ago
Body 1

On [XXX] I was driving when I heard a sudden explosion followed by shattering glass. There was glass in my car and chunks flew off onto the road. It was the panoramic sunroof on my 2012 Hyundai Veloster that had a recall #108 NHTSA campaign # 12V568000. Hyundai Humble is not acknowledging my VIN # [XXX] although the car was produced within the time frame and IS a safety issue created by the manufacturer. I researched and saw that recalls were supposed to last the lifetime of the vehicle. I previously filed a complaint O/L on 6/19/25. Case# [XXX] and never received a call back. Please help. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

12mo ago
Body 2

On Tue 6/17 I was driving my 2012 Hyundai Veloster home when the sunroof glass spontaneously exploded (no notifications)then the sound of shattering glass. There were no cars ahead of me and none behind so it was doubtful there was damage done to other people. I did have small chunks of glass fall on me and in the car. Humble Hyundai dealership can't find the recall. I called the main office it's recall campaign # is 108. The dealership said the recall had to be opened back up so they can see it. Otherwise I will be hit with a bill too high for me to handle. Please help asap. Thank you

13mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the sunroof suddenly shattered, raining glass down into the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to provide the contact with a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 58,000.

14mo ago
Engine 1

Subject: Issue After ABS Recall Service on My 2012 Hyundai Veloster Dear [Hyundai Customer Service/Dealer Name], I recently took my 2012 Hyundai Veloster to the dealer for the ABS recall service, where they performed an ECM and ECU upgrade as part of the fix. However, immediately after the recall service, my car began experiencing a serious issue. The Check Engine light turned on, and now the car won’t accelerate past 4,000 RPM. This problem did not exist before the recall, and I believe it may be related to the update or service performed. I would appreciate it if you could look into this matter, as the issue started right after the recall work. Please advise on the next steps and whether this can be inspected and fixed at no cost. Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to your prompt response. Regard, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

17mo ago
Engine 2

My engine is blown. The extended warranty offered by hyundai does not cover the time period or mileage I've had deeming it useless. This is a serious problem and it should be addressed properly. I cannot drive this vehicle. I still owe on my loan. The warranty is not sufficient for the damages accrued regardless if I had signed up in time. This is dangerous, criminal and I'd like reimbursement.

19mo ago
Electrical 4

Over the last year, I’ve had to purchase three air conditioner switches after driving for several years with it being out the first one we replaced caused a small electrical fire as did all of the others. This has been an ongoing issue not just with my car, but my sister‘s in-laws who is a 2014 model I looked online. It has been reported over the years basically since the cars come out of this same issue can you please Issue a safety recall before somebody’s house or vehicle or both catches fire completely. This is not safe at all. I have already put in a request for the safety recall on several other occasions this is unacceptable unsafe and a very large problem across the United States since this vehicle has come out please do something.

19mo ago
Body 1

RECALL 242 REV PARKING AID SENSOR, RECALL 251 REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE.

23mo ago
Electrical 1

The Hvac Temperature Control Unit has faulty wiring and plastic dials to where the wiring over heats and melts the Hvac control unit . Multiple complaints on this and nothing has been done . My wiring has melted completely and is a FIRE HAZARD

24mo ago
Transmission 1

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 .

24mo ago
Body 1

While driving and trying to travel in a straight line the steering wheel would bind snd stick while trying make slight corrections. This would cause the vehicle to constantly swerve from side to side. The Hyundai dealer (Classic Hyundai) misdiagnosed the problem and claimed the car needed new strut bearings. An independent consultant found it was caused by an open ball bearing on the steering shaft just under the steering wheel. The bearing did not have proper dust seals and therefore allowed dirt to enter rolling race area cause the binding. This is a Hyundai design fault and should have be subject to a recall.

25mo ago
Transmission 4

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.

26mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the gear shift indicator located on the instrument panel started flashing. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear and failed to remain in drive(D) as intended. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and parked. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuse panel, the transmission, and the alternator wiring harnesses had melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

26mo ago
Brakes 1

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

27mo ago
Electrical 2

Since the make of this car and it’s further year generations people can complained about the a/c control switch burning out and actually it melts the inside of the part. Upon replacing it will short out again and again. So my people have called Hyundai over this issue and they 22 years after my car was made still have not issued a recall. Please someone do something about this!!!PLEASE!!! They don’t sell a replacement part and Hyundai is making 200+ just for the part they “need” to replace (whole unit) for a $5 part of the unit. As someone who lives in AZ it can be fatal to not have A/C. Additionally the stearing controls have also shorted out. This while card electronics are a hazard and a money pit!

27mo ago
Engine 2

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.

28mo ago

295 total

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