VEHICLE BUYER'S GUIDE
Hyundai Veloster2012–2022
Year-by-year buyer intelligence from NHTSA safety data — reliability, value, and which years to target or avoid.
Best Years to Buy a Hyundai Veloster
Buyer Score combines reliability (65%) and depreciation value (35%) — higher is better.
Hyundai Veloster Years to Avoid
1 recall · 282 complaints
6 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
2 recalls · 187 complaints
18 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
1 recall · 153 complaints
5 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Federal Defect Investigations
NHTSA investigations are the stage that precedes a recall. 2 past investigations into the Veloster became recalls.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Data current as of October 28, 2026.
Hyundai Veloster — Year-by-Year Comparison
Every model year ranked by Buyer Score. Click any year for its detailed problem report.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability | Value | Buyer Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 91 | 89 | 90 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 1 | 12 | — | — | 91 | 92 | 91 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 1 | 15 | — | — | 91 | 91 | 91 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 2 | 30 | 3 | — | 85 | 87 | 86 | Good |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 91 | 81 | 88 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 0 | 44 | 3 | — | 81 | 74 | 79 | Good |
| 2016 | 1 | 153 | 5 | — | 66 | 67 | 66 | Caution |
| 2015 | 1 | 88 | 1 | — | 66 | 60 | 64 | Good |
| 2014 | 0 | 71 | — | — | 73 | 54 | 66 | Good |
| 2013 | 1 | 282 | 6 | — | 66 | 49 | 60 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 2 | 187 | 18 | — | 66 | 45 | 59 | Avoid |
Buyer Score = Reliability (65%) + Value window (35%). Deaths and injuries sourced from NHTSA complaint filings. Year links open full NHTSA problem reports.
Known Hyundai Veloster Problems
Most frequently reported components across all model years, from NHTSA owner complaints.
Complaint counts across all model years. Numbers indicate frequency, not severity.
Shopping by Era
How each generation of the Veloster compares — best year within each era shown.
2018–Present
Modern safety tech, refreshed platforms, updated powertrains. Higher purchase price but lower reliability risk. Best pick in this era: 2020 (Buyer Score 91).
2013–2017
Mid-decade models in the depreciation sweet spot — typically 35–55% below original MSRP. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and recall completion. Best: 2017 (Buyer Score 79).
Pre-2013
Older Veloster models are deeply depreciated but carry higher wear and repair risk. High mileage is common. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and verify full recall history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best year Veloster to buy?+
The 2020 Hyundai Veloster scores highest on our Buyer Score (91/100) — combining a reliability score of 91/100 with a value score of 91/100. It has 1 recall and 15 NHTSA complaints on record.
Which Veloster years have the most problems?+
The 2013, 2012, 2016 model years have the highest problem scores in our analysis. The 2013 Veloster leads with 1 recalls and 282 owner complaints.
What is the Buyer Score?+
The Buyer Score is a composite metric that combines reliability (65% weight) and depreciation value (35% weight). Reliability reflects recall and complaint severity. Value reflects how much of the vehicle's depreciation has already been absorbed by prior owners — a 4–6 year old vehicle typically sits in the sweet spot.
What are the most common Veloster problems?+
The most frequently reported Hyundai Veloster issues involve: ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, POWER TRAIN. These are aggregated across all model years from NHTSA owner complaint filings. Frequency of complaints does not necessarily indicate severity.
Deep-Dive Research
A buyer's guide shows model-level risk. A VIN report shows the individual vehicle — accidents, odometer history, open recalls, and auction records.