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severe 87 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Of the 87 electrical complaints filed for the 2013 Hyundai Veloster, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Of the 6 model years of Hyundai Veloster we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 87.
Electrical accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 10 categories tracked.
Engine damage can increase the risk of a fire or cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Certain 2012 – 2017 model year Accent, 2012 – 2017 model year Azera, 2013 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2013 – 2019 model year Santa Fe, and 2012 – 2017 model year Veloster vehicles may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may be set. At Hyundai, we are committed to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value. In an effort to meet this commitment, the warranty coverage for the Occupant Classification System (OCS)/Occupant Detection System (ODS) under these conditions has been extended to 18 years/unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subseq
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some vehicles listed below may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and DTC(s) B1763 (OCS ECU Defect), and/or B1764 (OCS Mat Defect) may be stored. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage of the sensor for the Occupant Classification System (OCS) / Occupant Detection System (ODS) to 18 years/unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners. Refer to the warranty and parts information outlilned in this bulletin. This bulletin contains the procedure to inspect for the airbag warning light and DTC(s), replace the OCS (ODS) unit or wire harness, reset the OCS (ODS), and initialize
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some vehicles listed below may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and DTC(s) B1763 (OCS ECU Defect), and/or B1764 (OCS Mat Defect) may be stored. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage of the sensor for the Occupant Classification System (OCS) / Occupant Detection System (ODS) to 18 years/unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners. Refer to the warranty and parts information outlined in this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer (called the “Class Vehicles”) contain design flaws, including the failure to manufacture the Class Vehicles with an anti-theft device called an engine immobilizer, that make them susceptible to theft and damage. Class Vehicles manufactured without an engine immobilizer have traditional “turn-key-to-start” ignition systems.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer (called the “Class Vehicles”) contain design flaws, including the failure to manufacture the Class Vehicles with an anti-theft device called an engine immobilizer, that make them susceptible to theft and damage. Class Vehicles manufactured without an engine immobilizer have traditional “turn-key-to-start” ignition systems.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2013 Hyundai Veloster has accumulated a consistent pattern of electrical failures and engine issues across 87 complaints. The most recurring and dangerous defect is HVAC control module failure: the wiring harness and connector supplying the climate control switch melt under normal operation, producing burning smell and smoke. Owners report replacing the control head multiple times only to have it fail again within months or years. The connector and harness can overheat to the point of causing visible plastic deformation and skin burns—multiple owners cite fire risk. Hyundai recalled the same defect in 2014–2016 Velosters but excluded 2013 models despite using identical parts.
Engine and electrical failures account for the second major cluster: complete loss of power while driving, alternator failure (including engine compartment fires), transmission control module faults, and excessive oil consumption without warning light activation. Some owners report engine stalling, backfiring, or sudden motive power loss at highway speeds; one case involved spark plug melting and piston damage. Two electrical system recalls exist (campaigns 19V204000 and 23V132000), but not all 2013 VINs are included, and parts shortages have delayed repairs by months or led to extended dealer wait times.
A third safety issue is the ABS module fire risk (campaign 23V651000, issued September 2023); as of February 2024, Hyundai had issued recall notifications but provided no repair parts or timeline, leaving owners advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from structures. Additional complaints document trunk latch failure, sunroof spontaneous fracture, transmission engagement failure, excessive oil consumption with inoperative warning light, and repeated failures of door locks, windows, and headlights. Owners consistently report diagnostic charges ranging from $136 to $200 and repair quotes exceeding $2,000–$7,100, with manufacturers declining goodwill assistance despite documented defects in the same model across multiple years.
Same Hyundai Veloster electrical reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
The wiring harness and connector leading to the climate control/blower switch assembly becomes extremely hot during operation, melting plastic connectors and internal wiring. Owners report the connector can reach temperatures high enough to burn skin and cause visible deformation of plastic components.
When: Typically occurs between 45,000–116,000 miles; failures reported starting within months to several years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Wiring harness extremely hot to the touch; Electrical burning smell when AC/heat is on, especially at higher fan speeds; Melted plastic connectors and harness insulation; Smoke coming from the dash area; Temperature control knob becomes non-functional or only works at certain positions
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of wiring harness and blower resistor/control module; owners cite costs around $2,450 at dealerships. Some OEM replacement units purchased privately for self-installation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai recalls issued for 2014–2016 Veloster models (Campaign 20V393000); 2013 model year excluded despite identical components. Technical Service Bulletins exist for other model years. Dealerships acknowledge known concerns but deny warranty coverage for out-of-warranty vehicles.
The manual HVAC control switch (fan speed selector) fails repeatedly, with internal contacts burning out and the switch becoming inoperable at certain or all speed settings.
When: Failures reported as early as approximately 32,000 miles and recurring within months to 2–3 years of each replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of fan speed levels 1, 2, or 3; only speed 4 may work intermittently; Knob position does not correspond to actual fan output; Burning smell when AC/heat is engaged; Visible scorched or burned internal contacts and connector pins; Complete loss of heating/cooling function
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of manual HVAC control head unit; dealers and online suppliers offer OEM replacements. Some owners report the replacement unit fails again within months. Repair costs range $400–$700 when done at a dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai acknowledges known concerns to some owners but offers no recall or goodwill assistance for 2013 models. Other model years (2014–2016) included in recall or TSB coverage. Parts warranty applies only to certified installations within the warranty period.
Vehicle experiences sudden loss of electrical power, alternator failure, or engine damage. Some cases involve the alternator catching fire; others show blown engine rods or complete engine failure with no warning.
When: Reported at mileages ranging from 80,000 to 145,000 miles; one case at 120,000 miles during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power while driving (loss of power steering, brakes, lights); Engine stalling or loss of motive power without warning; Check engine light illuminated before failure; Backfiring and stalling; Smoke from under the hood; Melted spark plugs and holes in pistons; Blown alternator fuse; No oil pressure warning light activation when oil level is dangerously low
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light illumination (code P0087 mentioned in one complaint for fuel pressure issue)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement quoted at approximately $4,500–$5,000. Some owners report high diagnostic fees ($150–$200) with dealers unable or unwilling to diagnose the root cause. One owner reported paying $200 just to confirm the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai Motor America Campaign 19V204000 (Electrical System, Engine) issued for some 2013 Velosters, but not all VINs are included. Recall remedy involves engine wiring harness and/or fuse box replacement. Many owners report the recall repair had no parts available or extended wait times (34+ weeks). Manufacturer denies responsibility in some cases even after recall completion.
Vehicle suddenly loses all electrical power while driving or when attempting to start, affecting lights, power steering, power brakes, and transmission operation. Root cause traced to blown alternator fuse or degraded fuse box and engine wiring harness.
When: Reported at various mileages including 45,000 and 80,000+ miles; some failures intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: All electrical systems fail simultaneously (no lights, power steering, power brakes, transmission shift); Power loss while driving at highway speeds or in motion; Inability to shift transmission after power loss; Power fails intermittently when using key fob or trying to enter vehicle; Vehicle stranded in parking garage or on roadside for 45 minutes to 1 hour until power restores; No warning lights illuminate before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replacement of entire fuse box and engine wiring harness. Battery replacement performed as precautionary measure but did not resolve the issue. No cost information provided by complainants.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai Campaign 23V132000 (Electrical System) issued for some 2013 Velosters; not all VINs included. Campaign exists but parts supply issues have delayed repairs. Manufacturer referred contacts to dealership for diagnosis and repair.
Transmission fails to engage or shift properly. TCM module requires replacement, and vehicle enters limp mode after part installation. Dealers subsequently recommend full transmission replacement.
When: Reported at approximately 80,000 miles on a second-hand purchase; failure occurred within one month of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not go into gear; Gear selection light blinking on dashboard; Intermittent transmission problems on and off; Vehicle enters limp mode after TCM replacement; No acceleration or very limited acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: TCM module replacement required; part availability delayed an owner 8 months. After replacement, vehicle required reprogramming at dealership. Dealership then recommended full transmission replacement for $7,100. Owner reports multiple other 2013 Veloster owners experiencing the same failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Parts availability from dealership severely delayed (8-month wait). Dealership diagnosed additional recall (road bearings) during TCM reprogramming visit.
ABS module develops internal fault that poses risk of fire in the engine compartment, whether the vehicle is running or parked.
When: Recall notification issued in 2023 (NHTSA Campaign 23V651000); no repair timeline established
Symptoms owners cite: ABS kicks in during every braking event, even at stop lights (noted as abnormal behavior on other 2013 Velosters); No warning light or indication of the fire risk
Repairs/costs cited: As of the complaints received, no repair parts were available. Owners advised to park vehicle outdoors away from structures as temporary safety measure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai issued recall notification NHTSA Campaign 23V651000 in September 2023 but has not provided repair parts or timeline as of February 2024 (5 months later). Multiple owners report calling dealerships and Hyundai corporate, both stating no fix is available and no estimated completion date provided.
Sunroof suddenly bursts or shatters while vehicle is in motion on the highway, sending glass fragments into the cabin and onto occupants.
When: Occurred February 27, 2016 at 65 mph, approximately 3–4 years after purchase in October 2012
Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof explodes with loud bang similar to gunshot; Glass shatters inward and outward; Roof frame bent as if forced open from inside out; No prior warning or vibration
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of sunroof and frame; total cost $1,490 after $500 insurance deductible
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for 2012 Veloster sunroof defect, but 2013 models not included despite early 2013 units using the same defective component. Hyundai dealership denied ever hearing of similar issue. Owner argues vehicle was manufactured in 2012 and should be covered under 2012 recall.
Trunk latch fails to operate properly, with intermittent or permanent inability to open the trunk. Electrical system at fault according to dealers.
When: Intermittent failure reported on 50,000-mile vehicle; permanent failure thereafter
Symptoms owners cite: Trunk will not open via normal release button; Emergency release from inside trunk inoperable; Intermittent failures lasting months before permanent failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership estimated repair cost $400. Temporary fix involved cycling electric door locks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer identified as electrical issue but did not resolve. Owner notes recall issued for some model years but 2013 not included, despite multiple Veloster owners reporting the same problem.
Engine burns oil at an abnormally high rate without the low oil pressure warning light functioning. Vehicle may be damaged if oil level reaches zero.
When: Reported at 80,000 miles and consistently over 2-year period
Symptoms owners cite: Engine consuming 2–3 quarts of oil every 3–3.5 weeks; Oil dipstick shows no oil despite high consumption rate; Low oil pressure warning light fails to illuminate even when oil level is critically low; Engine rough idle and loss of acceleration power when oil is depleted; No indication of oil leaks
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer advised oil consumption test but did not complete it; vehicle not repaired. Independent mechanics attribute excessive consumption to GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine design but note the oil warning system failure is a separate defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised owner to take vehicle to dealer for oil consumption test; no further communication or remedy provided.
Active fire develops under the hood during highway operation, requiring emergency response and extinguishing by passerby or fire department.
When: Occurred May 1, 2025 during highway operation; brake line fire recall active at time of incident
Symptoms owners cite: Flames visible emanating from under the hood; Fire beneath plastic engine cover
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealership; Hyundai inspected approximately 30 days after incident
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai Motor America sent inspector and reviewed documentation. Despite active recall for brake line fire risk, HMA concluded no product defect was identified and denied responsibility for the incident or any compensation.
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly while driving at various speeds, with engine overheating but no warning light illumination. Spark plug melting and piston damage reported.
When: Reported at approximately 120,000–145,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving at highway speeds (55–70 mph); Abnormal popping and clunking noises before stall; Smoke from engine compartment; Oil in engine compartment; No warning lights illuminated before failure; Melted spark plugs with holes in pistons
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealership; not diagnosed or repaired. One owner linked to NHTSA Campaign 19V204000 but VIN not included in recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but no further assistance provided. Recall 19V204000 exists for some VINs but not all; extended wait times for parts reported.
Speedometer and tachometer needles are deep red color on black background, making them nearly invisible to drivers with red-green color blindness (5–10% of male population).
When: Issue present from manufacture; discovered when driving rental vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer needle nearly invisible against black gauge face; Tachometer needle nearly invisible; Requires extended time looking away from road to locate needles; Safety hazard in rented or employer vehicles where driver did not select the vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available; design defect of instrument cluster
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented. Complainant suggests Hyundai chose styling over safety despite awareness that 5–10% of male drivers have this color vision deficiency.
Crank pulley detaches from engine while vehicle is in motion, causing loss of alternator, water pump, and AC compressor function via the serpentine belt.
When: Occurred at approximately 50 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Crank pulley falls off motor; Loss of alternator function and battery drain; Water pump failure and immediate engine overheating; AC compressor failure; Vehicle stranded
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented
Occupants receive electrical shocks from the steering wheel and dashboard areas of the vehicle.
When: Issue progressive, starting with small shocks then affecting multiple areas
Symptoms owners cite: Electrical shocks from door handles and steering wheel; Shocks from steering wheel when turning on lights; Static buildup throughout cabin
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership visit did not resolve issue; service advisor stated only oil change was performed despite three-page work list provided by owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service incomplete despite owner's concern about cross-country travel
Turbocharger stops functioning and begins smoking; after dealer service, turbo installation fails to resolve smoking and vehicle performance issues. Engine and turbo become filled with excessive oil.
When: Turbo failure occurred during ownership; subsequent issues after dealer service
Symptoms owners cite: Turbo smoking; Vehicle smoking after turbo service; No acceleration/vehicle will not move when pressing gas pedal; Turbo and engine filled with oil; Vehicle will not start
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo replacement attempted; vehicle kept at dealer for one month initially, then two weeks on second visit
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No communication documented; vehicle remains inoperable
Vehicle fails to shift into reverse or drive when commanded, despite no warning light. Issue recurs intermittently.
When: Reported at approximately 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to respond when shifted into reverse (R) or drive (D); No warning light illuminated; Temporary recovery after shifting to park and restarting
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic unable to duplicate failure; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer opened case and referred owner to dealer; VIN not included in related electrical recall (23V132000)
Check engine light illuminates with unknown error code; vehicle requires replacement of all four fuel injectors but is not repaired.
When: Reported at approximately 84,150 miles, after recall repair was completed
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates while driving at 60 mph; Unknown error code for cylinder #4
Codes mentioned: Cylinder #4 unknown error code
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed need for all four fuel injector replacement; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle referred to dealer; manufacturer not informed of the failure. Recall repair (19V204000) had been completed prior to this failure.
Driver and passenger door windows and locks fail to operate properly or respond to controls.
When: Intermittent failures reported
Symptoms owners cite: Driver-side window and passenger rear window fail to lower when engaged; Passenger door does not unlock from inside when vehicle in park; Technician unable to replicate malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer twice; technician unable to replicate issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No repair completed
Headlight bulbs fail repeatedly and frequently; vehicle's computer/electrical brain module requires replacement multiple times with refurbished (non-new) units.
When: Multiple failures over vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight bulbs require replacement 6 times; Vehicle's main computer/electrical control module requires replacement 2 times; Only refurbished replacement modules available, not new
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple component replacements; refurbished parts used for main electrical module
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for software/electrical issues on some 2013 VINs, but complainant's VIN not listed despite experiencing electrical problems
Stereo speaker system comes loose from harness repeatedly; multiple headlight and fog light failures.
When: Multiple occurrences over ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Stereo speaker system comes loose from harness; Headlights fail repeatedly; Factory fog lights fail repeatedly and require expensive repair; Paint chipping in straight lines despite dealer denying defect
Repairs/costs cited: Speaker harness repaired but failed again; headlight and fog light repairs cost several hundred dollars
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer identified speaker issue as recall issue but did not provide resolution
Engine backfires, stalls, and produces smoke while driving at highway speed, with check engine light illumination.
When: Reported at approximately 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle backfires while driving 55–65 mph; Vehicle stalls; Smoke from underneath hood; Check engine warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to residence; dealership did not diagnose or repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not informed; owner noted vehicle had prior issues with abnormal knocking noise that dealership could not diagnose. Related to NHTSA Campaign 19V204000 but owner not notified of VIN inclusion.
Synthesized from 87 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Smelled a burning plastic smell and later realized that setting #4 on HVAC fan no longer worked. Vehicle was in motion on a highway at the time.
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the HVAC system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the wiring to the HVAC control switch was burned. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V393000 (Equipment). The vehicle was diagnosed but was not repaired. The…
While traveling down the road at approximately 50 MPH the crank pulley fell off the motor. This prevents the alternator, water pump and ac compressor from functioning as they are belt driven. With the alternator not functioning the batter will be drained to the point of dead (depending on what accessories are on) and with the water pump not functioning the car will almost immediately overheat…
While driving in the highway I had a burn wire smell when my air conditioner was set at blower speed 4 and it stop working at that setting. I was doing dome research and found the controller has a tendency to get burn indide due to be unable to hold the blower electrical load. I think this can turn into a fire hazard. Found info in forums, youtube videos etc. Lot of people is dealing with this to…
It's a meaningful issue. 87 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
Across the 46 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 78,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.