This TSB provides a procedure to diagnose and replace, if necessary, an automatic transmission with Incorrect Ratio DTC (transmission clutch slip in gear above limit) listed on Page 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Hyundai Veloster powertrain problems
severe 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
What stands out
Owners have filed 31 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 5 model years of Hyundai Veloster in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
Hyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media. For certain vehicles that cannot be updated with the software (Campaign 993), Hyundai is offering customers steering wheel locks at the dealer (Campaign P32). This Dealer Best Practices Guide provides information to assist dealership personnel with customer questions relating to the immobilizer software upgrade, window decals and steering wheel lock ant-theft solutions available from
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The Powertrain warranty coverage for certain engine repairs and/or replacement where the engine damage, defect, or failure is related to connecting rod bearing wear, has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first, and is valid for original and subsequent owners.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with the following symptoms and DTC, follow the Service Procedure on Page 4. ï· Check Engine light on ï· DTC P0880/P088000 - TCM Power signal error open/short ï· Transmission stuck in 4th gear fail-safe ï· Harsh shift into Reverse and Drive
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Veloster's powertrain shows a troubling pattern across 31 complaint narratives. Engine failures are severe: owners report connecting rods thrown through the block, catastrophic failures with loud bangs and oil spilling, and metal shavings found inside engines—sometimes requiring full replacement between 47,000 and 126,000 miles. One owner's dealership was so backlogged with similar engine failures that the repair took three months.
Transmission and clutch problems plague both manual and dual-clutch-automatic models. Manual owners report clutch pedals dropping to the floor or sticking, preventing gear engagement. DCT owners describe a one-second lag on acceleration that creates traffic merge hazards, or gears slipping out during normal driving. Shift failures occur as early as 1,000 miles, with some vehicles repaired 32+ times without resolution.
Stalling while driving is a recurring safety hazard: five separate instances reported by one owner in traffic, with no warning and no reliable dealer fix.
Engine misfiring and rough idle occur repeatedly despite multiple coil pack and spark plug replacements, suggesting an undiagnosed root cause. Excessive oil consumption (3–4 quarts between changes) is documented but dealers deny warranty coverage unless owners run expensive in-service oil consumption tests.
Electrical failures disable multiple systems—climate control harnesses melt, windows fail, wipers stop, turn signals go dead, and transmission shifters lock up—often before 30,000 miles. Dealers quote $7,000+ for complete rewiring and deny coverage as "electrical" issues outside warranty.
Catalytic converters fail prematurely, replaced multiple times on single vehicles, likely from unburned fuel caused by misfires.
Across these failures, owners report dealer denial of warranty coverage despite recall issuance for similar defects, refusal to diagnose intermittent issues, and dismissal of complaints as "normal characteristics."
Same Hyundai Veloster powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Rod Knock / Catastrophic Engine Failure
Engine throws connecting rod or locks up completely, often with loud bang, metal clang, or grinding noise. Oil spews or splashes internally. Owners report metal shavings found in engine during teardown. Typically requires complete engine replacement.
When: Between 47,000–126,000 miles; some within 2 months of purchase (one at 73K, one at 47K); one at 1,000 miles with early intervention needed
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang or clanging from engine; Loss of power while driving; Smoke from hood; Oil spilling or splashing; Metal shavings inside engine
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement $3,000–$5,000+; one owner reported dealership took 3 months to complete repair due to backlog of similar failures; another had turbo failure at $1,200, then rod failure requiring $3,000–$5,000 additional repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for metal shavings (NHTSA 19V204000 / Hyundai 182); some owners denied coverage under recall; denied warranty claims despite vehicle being under warranty limit
Engine Stalling While Driving
Engine shuts off completely while operating at speed or idle. Five or more separate occurrences reported by one owner. Occurs without warning in traffic, creating immediate safety hazard.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; one owner reports five separate instances over several years; others report sporadic events
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving; No warning before stall; Occurs in traffic and on busy roads
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to diagnose in some cases; one owner had engine replaced, issue recurred within one month; local mechanic reported seeing similar problems in multiple other Hyundai vehicles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai USA refused to investigate in at least one case; turbo model recall issued (2019) but non-turbo models reportedly not covered
Transmission Shift / Engagement Failure
Transmission will not shift from park to drive, or will not engage gears despite shifter moving. Includes DCT transmission lag on acceleration, gear slipping, and transmission disengaging while driving. Manual transmission owners report clutch pedal dropping to floor or sticking.
When: As early as 1,000 miles; also reported at 9,800, 47,000, 60,000+ miles; sporadic throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter moves but transmission does not engage; Car stuck in park or reverse; Jerking/hesitation when accelerating from stop; One-second delay before acceleration response (DCT); Vehicle slips out of gear during normal driving; Transmission disengages while engine running; Clutch pedal drops to floor or sticks (manual); Car will not move despite being in drive
Repairs/costs cited: Gear actuator and transmission replaced; clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder suspected in manual models; dealership unable to replicate in many cases despite multiple service visits (one owner: 32 repair attempts); manual transmission clutch pedal issue—dealer refuses to fix because cannot replicate
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai claims jerking/hesitation on DCT models is 'normal'; claims electrical issues (including shift issues) not covered under warranty; manual transmission clutch issues not addressed
Engine Misfiring and Coil Pack Failure
Repeated misfiring causing rough idle, power loss, and knocking sounds. Coil packs fail repeatedly even after replacement. Owner suspects ECU issue underlying repeated coil pack failures.
When: 5–6 months of ownership, recurred 3–4 months after repair; ongoing through 2019–2020
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle; RPM dropping under acceleration; Knocking sound from engine; Loss of power under acceleration; Check engine light illuminated; Misfire code detected on reader
Repairs/costs cited: Coil packs replaced twice; spark plugs replaced; tune-up performed; issue recurred after each repair. Owner believes underlying ECU defect causing repeated coil pack failures and premature catalytic converter damage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai service campaign (19V204000) issued; owner reports service campaign completed (06/01/19) but same problems returned within one year; dealership again diagnosed bad coil pack; Hyundai deemed issue out of warranty despite service campaign; owner states known engine failures due to ECU reported but not addressed
Electrical System Failure / Wiring Harness Burn
Widespread electrical failure affecting climate control, windows, wipers, turn signals, seat belt sensor, and transmission shifter override. One owner had aftermarket remote start removed but issue persisted. Climate control harness melts and burns out replacement switches.
When: Early in ownership; reported at various mileages; one at under 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Climate control switch burns out repeatedly; Windows will not operate or operate intermittently; Windshield wipers non-functional; Turn signals/hazards non-operational; Seat belt sensor not working; Transmission shifter locked (requires override function); Melting/burning smell from vents; Main harness burnt/melting
Repairs/costs cited: Aftermarket auto-start removed but issue persisted; Hyundai suggested complete vehicle rewiring at $7,000+ cost; climate control main harness replacement needed (melts after switch replacement); no permanent fix found
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai claims electrical issues not covered under warranty; refused to diagnose root cause despite issue occurring under 30,000 miles; unsure of what is causing problem
Oil Consumption / Burning Oil Excessively
Turbo and non-turbo models burning 3–4 quarts of oil between scheduled oil changes. Oil being expelled through exhaust, potentially damaging turbocharger and engine.
When: Throughout ownership; occurs with regular oil change intervals and normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption (3–4 quarts between changes); Oil being expelled through exhaust; Check engine light; Potential turbo damage; Loss of fuel efficiency
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships refuse to investigate under 100,000-mile powertrain warranty without owner performing oil consumption test (every 1,000 miles). Owner reports once mileage exceeds 100,000, warranty voids. Shop manager aware of problem but will not fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 100,000-mile powertrain warranty offered but not honored until oil consumption test completed; dealerships give 'different excuses' and will not address issue under warranty
Catalytic Converter Failure
Catalytic converter fails prematurely, often due to unburned fuel from engine misfires. One owner replaced converter three times; another replaced early at under 20,000 miles.
When: As early as 2–5 months of ownership; one replaced three times over vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced performance; Check engine light; Exhaust manifold failure (sometimes related)
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced at dealership early in ownership; one owner had three replacements; believed to be caused by unburned fuel from misfires and poor combustion
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under warranty on first replacement; no pattern recognition or root-cause investigation noted
Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
Crankshaft position sensor fails, causing loss of motive power and check engine light. Vehicle will not move despite being in drive.
When: At 47,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of motive power; Check engine light illuminated; Vehicle will not drive despite being in gear
Repairs/costs cited: Crankshaft position sensor replaced at dealership; resolved the issue
Clutch Pedal Mechanical Failure (Manual Transmission)
Clutch pedal collapses or sticks to floor during operation, preventing gear engagement. Issue is intermittent and occurs both while driving and parked with engine running or off.
When: Sporadic throughout ownership; one instance at 130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pedal drops to floor without operator input; Clutch pedal sticks to floor; Unable to shift into or out of gears; Requires manual lifting of pedal to regain control
Repairs/costs cited: Suspected master cylinder or slave cylinder issue; dealership refuses to address because cannot replicate at will; manual lifting of pedal is only temporary fix
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership refuses to diagnose or repair because issue cannot be replicated; no manufacturer response documented
Loss of Motive Power / Limp Mode
Vehicle loses power while driving or unable to exceed certain speed (e.g., 40 mph max) despite shifter in drive. Check engine light illuminates. Dealer unable to determine cause in some cases.
When: At 126,000 miles (one case); at 172,000 miles (another); various points in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses power while driving; Unable to exceed 40 mph; Check engine light illuminated; Vehicle shakes when braking after power loss
Repairs/costs cited: One case linked to recall 23V651000 (service brakes hydraulic) but part not available; dealer unable to diagnose in other cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case opened with manufacturer; recall parts unavailable after extended wait
Vehicle Rolling Backward on Incline
Vehicle rolls backward intermittently when stopped on incline despite being in drive or with brake applied.
When: At 9,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward at stop light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to diagnose
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer claims vehicle operated normally and issue is normal characteristic of transmission
Turbocharger Catastrophic Failure
Turbocharger suddenly fails, requiring replacement. After turbo repair, connecting rods thrown through engine block, requiring second catastrophic engine repair.
When: Within one month of each other; vehicle in motion both times
Symptoms owners cite: Turbocharger failure; Connecting rods thrown through engine block
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger replacement $1,200; subsequent engine block damage requiring $3,000–$5,000 repair
Transmission Control / Shift Actuator Issues
Gear actuator and transmission replaced but vehicle unable to change gears or start sporadically. Vehicle stalls intermittently. Failure could not be diagnosed or replicated despite 32+ service visits.
When: As early as 1,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to change gears or start vehicle sporadically; Vehicle stalls intermittently; Nearly caused crash on more than one occasion
Repairs/costs cited: Gear actuator replaced; transmission replaced; vehicle repaired over 32 times but issue not resolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure
Spark Plug / Combustion Issues
Owners replacing spark plugs repeatedly for misfires and rough idle. Indicates underlying combustion or fuel delivery problem.
When: 5–6 months into ownership; recurring after replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle; Misfiring; Loss of power
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs replaced; coil packs also replaced; issue recurs
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 Hyundai Veloster?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 Hyundai Veloster?
It's a meaningful issue. 31 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 29,321 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 73,678. A quarter of owners report trouble before 29,321; a quarter make it past 115,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Hyundai/Veloster.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.