2020 HYUNDAI Veloster

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
Good Reliability

This 2020 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the HYUNDAI brand.

Key Factor:below-average recall rate

📋Why This Matters

Powertrain issues affect both daily reliability and long-term ownership costs. Unexpected stalling creates inconvenience at best and safety hazards at worst.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:powertrain reliability
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Expert Analysis

The 2020 Veloster analysis highlights key safety metrics.

Safety & Reliability Score

91/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-1.15
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 HYUNDAI Veloster

Model Year2020
MakeHYUNDAI
ModelVeloster
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Mar20
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

4 complaints (17% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 23 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
3(13%)
🟡Medium
3(13%)
🟢Low
17(74%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 0-20k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 33,998 miles.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 5 of 23 complaints (22% coverage)
0-20k
3 reports (60%)
20k-40k
1 reports (20%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
1 reports (20%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

ENGINE

Official Safety Recalls (1)

Campaign: 21V301000

ENGINE

Summary

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.

Consequence

A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

23 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 Veloster.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Check Engine Light17%
Warning17%
Hesitate13%
Fire9%
Noise9%
Acceleration Issues9%
Stall9%
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ENGINE

My spark plugs misfired

Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Gas was shooting out of my gas tank cap, strong gasoline smells in and out side the vehicle, popping noise coming from the back from the gas tank expanding so much it pushed up the rear seat. This puts me and others at risk of fire, explosion and toxic exposure. This problem has been reproduced. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer. A check engine light came on for a evap sensor but the next day it was gone.

Body/Interior🔵 Low
STRUCTURE

Glass roof spontaneously shattered. Car was sitting in direct California sun. Nothing touched the roof but heat, the entire panel shattered and the car is undriveable.Thankfully my car was unoccupied at the time. I have heard there had been class action lawsuits in the past regarding this vehicle make and model involving years up to 2018 but models including 2020 like mine have also had complaints reported. Just adding this to the list of complaints filed.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

I have a 2020 Hyundai veloster 2.0L and their is a knocking noise coming for the engine for the piston haven’t been properly heated right and when I search the vin up on here it come up as a different car in the picture

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the piston oil rings, resulting in damages to the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The VIN was included in the recall, but the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

ON 2/14/2024, my car started not to accelerate after the Crash Collision light came on. My car pulled off like it was a snail but picked up speed after I drove a bit. I had to put my hazard flasher lights on in order for other car not run over me, which was a major safety issues and put me and my grandson at risk of being hurt. There was no check engine light coming up just the warning flashed (only for a second) up (crash collision) and the symbol of car crashing into another vehicle with triangle symbol then it went away after awhile. I managed to make it to the car dealership but it took almost a month before they determine it was the camera and crank shaft. They repaired the vehicle from 2/14/2024 but two weeks ago the Crash Collision light flashed up again.(7/18/2024) I made it to the dealership again but now my car has been sitting for three weeks because they only have one technician. *Also, I am having a problem with the molding or plastic on my window. The molding on the window that stops rain for flowing down in your door has melted off on both window. The plastic/rubber molding is literally melting off and smearing on my window

Steering/Suspension🔵 Low
STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE

While driving my steering wheel will lock up and I’ll get an error message for lane keep assist on the dash. I never use lane keep assist so even when it’s off it does this. I have to keep turning my car off and back on for my steering wheel to unlock and the error will disappear.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact's son owns a 2020 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's son pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the contact's family-owned auto repair shop, where the high-pressure fuel pump was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced for the second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When driving the car, it will intermittingly hesitate and as I press on the pedal the engine revs up but does not increase in speed. This has happened multiple times in the past month and is extremely dangerous. The other day I almost got hit by the car behind me and luckily there was an inlet I was able to pull into, stop and put into park, then when I put it into drive it worked again. As I came to next traffic light, it did it again and I was unable to pull over due to traffic, I put vehicle into neutral and then back into drive and it worked again to get me home. It took me 3 weeks to get an appointment with dealership and they say there is nothing wrong with it because it is not coming up on the computer. Very scared every time I need to drive it as I do not know when or where it will happen again.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2020 HYUNDAI Veloster?

Yes, the 2020 HYUNDAI Veloster has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including ENGINE.

Is the 2020 HYUNDAI Veloster safe to drive?

The 2020 HYUNDAI Veloster has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2020 HYUNDAI Veloster has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local HYUNDAI dealer.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Engine

Issue: presents fire risk under certain conditions

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm engine recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all engine recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:21V301000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your HYUNDAI dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

This information is especially relevant for drivers who rely on stop-and-go traffic or frequently use auto start-stop systems.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your HYUNDAI dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
  • This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.