Hyundai Veloster Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Hyundai Veloster model year (2012–2022) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Hyundai Veloster Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 416 complaints
9 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 443
6 recalls · 294 complaints
28 reported injuries
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 368
1 recall · 211 complaints
9 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 232
Best Hyundai Veloster Years to Buy
0 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 0
0 recalls · 9 complaints
Main area: LANE DEPARTURE
Problem score: 9
1 recall · 11 complaints
Main area: LANE DEPARTURE
Problem score: 14
Found the right year? Verify that specific Veloster with a free VIN report.
Hyundai Veloster — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 0 | 9 | 9 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 1 | 11 | 14 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 1 | 23 | 26 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 2 | 41 | 53 | Good |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 0 | 47 | 49 | Good |
| 2016 | 1 | 211 | 232 | Caution |
| 2015 | 2 | 132 | 146 | Good |
| 2014 | 2 | 83 | 89 | Good |
| 2013 | 3 | 416 | 443 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 6 | 294 | 368 | Avoid |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Hyundai Veloster Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2018Recent Veloster models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2018 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade Veloster units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Veloster models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report. Confirm all historical recalls have been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Veloster should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2013 Hyundai Veloster if possible. It has 3 recalls, 416 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is ENGINE. The overall problem score is 443 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Veloster to buy?+
The 2018 Hyundai Veloster is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 0. It has only 0 recalls and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Veloster has the fewest problems?+
The 2018, 2022, 2021 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Hyundai Veloster Research
Check a Specific Hyundai Veloster VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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