2020 Hyundai Veloster Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Brakes, fuels system and engine issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

This vehicle is subject to a recall. Find out if your Hyundai Veloster is included in the recall.

Hatchbacks continue to grow in popularity, with the 2020 Hyundai Veloster drawing in new enthusiasts every day. The automaker claims that “every side is its bold side,” but owners are scared to look at some of the systems because of defects. In fact, the complaints are mounting up regarding the service brakes, wheels, fuel system and engine.

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2019    2021    2022

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Veloster

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Unknown Or Other
5
Engine
5
Power Train
1
Steering
1
Electrical System
1
Structure:body
1
Seats
1
Vehicle Speed Control
1
Exterior Lighting
1
Wheels
1

Problems with the Brakes

When it comes to stopping any vehicle, the service brakes must be functional and responsive. However, there are times when things malfunction to a level that creates an unpredictable drive.

Read this NHTSA review as an example. “I bought a new 2020 Hyundai Veloster three weeks ago. I have driven it five times. On three of those five occasions, when accelerating in first gear from a stop at an intersection, the car screeched to a halt, as if the wheels were locked. It did not do this every time I stopped at an intersection – it was random and unpredictable. The last incident was on 8/31/20, when the mileage was approximately 350 miles. This is a very dangerous, serious defect.”

Despite the brakes being a vital component of the vehicle, Hyundai has said nothing about this issue, nor is there a sign of anything being fixed. The “Veloster” name itself is a cross between velocity and roadster, which indicates speed, but what is stopping this performance vehicle from rear-ending a vehicle in front of it? It looks like occupants are left unprotected, but at least owners can show off their “bold side” in the process.

Problems with the Wheels

The tires of a vehicle are the only component that touches the road, making it essential that the four tires and wheels are in tip-top shape. However, this seems to be a problem for the Veloster.

One NHTSA complaint states, “Clear coat on the rims are fading and starting to dull…I only have 10k miles on the car and owned it for three months.”

Here’s another example where Hyundai doesn’t really want to get involved in any defects. Instead, the communications are only used to discuss maintenance procedures for technicians, as is seen with Service Bulletin #20-SS-002H(1). However, by doing this, the manufacturer shows how basic the technicians truly are. Why do they need guidance on how to care for tires and wheels? These are basic procedures that can be done by anyone’s grandma – more is expected from certified mechanics.

Problems with the Build Quality

While talking about the design and boldness, it’s vital to look at the structure. The car might look good, but it wasn’t built with any integrity.

Just look at this NHTSA review. “In temperatures below 35 degrees, the driver’s door does not open. It clearly makes an unlocking sound when unlock is activated, but the handle acts as if it is locked. I have to crawl through another door to open it from the inside. Only the driver’s side door is affected, and it opens as normal from the inside. Happens regardless of whether the vehicle is on or off. Obviously stationary.”

What’s more worrisome is a recall that shows a lot of lives are in danger. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V311000 states that over 12,000 vehicles have a driver’s door latch housing and locking cable that could be damaged, which allows the side door to open. If this occurs, the driver could be ejected from the vehicle during an accident. So, whether the car door won’t open or opens on its own, it poses a real threat to consumers. Malfunctioning doors must now be part of a “bold” vehicle design.

Problems with the Fuel System

A well-functioning fuel system delivers the gasoline to the engine with ease. However, the Veloster is suffering from defects with the fuel system as well.

Here is one review from Sure Critic. “This car leaks fuel after 1000 miles from fuel lines or bad fuel pump and warranty does nothing.”

Again, only crickets are being heard from Hyundai. The communications are empty regarding the fuel system, even though it is one of the most vital components of any vehicle. Instead, Hyundai is hoping that everyone will continue to focus on the “bold side.” What would be truly bold would be if the automaker might actually address and fix the multiple concerns.

Problems with the Engine

Along with the fuel system, the engine needs to be run as smoothly as possible. Yet, the Veloster is struggling to get this right.

Another Sure Critic review states, “I have probably had 3 different warranty claims already at 6,000 miles, the dealer has had the car just as long as I have! New engine after 1,200 miles from a faulty rev matching programming I believe. Loss of performance and sound from the exhaust, don’t know if it’s from the new engine or not?”

In this case, there is actually some communication about engine issues. Service Bulletin #19-01-034H talks about a needed ECM (Engine Control Module) software update that is required to optimize the battery sensor data and prevent misfires that are coming from a cylinder imbalance. Hyundai’s slogan right now is “New Thinking, New Possibilities.” With this in mind, and after looking at the above defects, it might be time for the automaker to implement some “new” practices as well. Maybe the company could start by being honest with customers about what’s going on.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Hyundai pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

Complaint Data

CategoryPower Train, Unknown Or Other
DateNov 18, 2022
StateTX
Description
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.
CategorySteering
DateNov 14, 2022
StateCO
Description
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.
CategoryElectrical System, Structure:body, Unknown Or Other
DateJan 05, 2022
StateMD
Description
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.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateNov 25, 2021
StateVA
Description
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.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateAug 08, 2021
StateVA
Description
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.
CategoryEngine
DateJul 19, 2021
StateFL
Description
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.
CategorySeats
DateJul 17, 2021
StateCA
Description
- 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
CategoryEngine, Vehicle Speed Control
DateJul 01, 2021
StateMO
Description
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.
CategoryEngine
DateJun 30, 2021
StateFL
Description
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.
CategoryEngine
DateJun 21, 2021
StateCA
Description
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.
CategoryEngine
DateApr 19, 2021
StateMS
Description
I have had 2 motor replacements from tupelo mississippi barns crossing hyundai and one I had to pay put of pocket for. I have also had to have the downpipe replaced also after my second motor replacement. I feel like this motor needs a class action lawsuit because apparently I am not the only veloster n that has had to have motor replacements and this needs to be handled asap and give me my money back all 10k
CategoryExterior Lighting
DateMar 05, 2021
StateMI
Description
When activating the turn signal, particularly when turning left, it is very easy to inadvertently turn off all exterior lights. If too much force or a "slapping" motion is used, the switch can easily rotate to off, while driving.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateSep 01, 2020
StateVA
Description
I bought a new 2020 hyundai veloster three weeks ago. I have driven it five times. On three of those five occasions, when accelerating in first gear from a stop at an intersection, the car screeched to a halt, as if the wheels were locked. It did not do this every time I stopped at an intersection - it was random and unpredictable. The last incident was on 8/31/20, when the mileage was approximately 350 miles. This is a very dangerous, serious defect.
CategoryWheels
DateMar 02, 2020
StateMS
Description
Clear coat on the rims are fading and starting to dull... I only have 10k miles on the car and owned it for 3 months

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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