This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated on the inner side of the wiper blade, which could lead to poor wiping performance and/or possible scratching of the windshield glass. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to properly remove the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all new wiper blades.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Hyundai Veloster visibility problems
severe 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $350 · see visibility across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 31 visibility complaints filed for the 2013 Hyundai Veloster, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
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.
What stands out
Owners have filed 31 visibility 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering visibility 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 Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This bulletin provides the service procedure to update the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module), to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operation and ignition start logic, and installation of two anti-theft decals for the front windows.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The warranty coverage for the panoramic sunroof moving glass has been extended to 10 years or 120,000 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 ↗This bulletin provides information on the serviceable parts for the outside mirror assembly. When diagnosing and repairing the outside mirror, do not replace the entire assembly. Refer to page 2 of this TSB for replacement of individual parts.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant complaint is spontaneous sunroof failure. Owners report the panoramic sunroof glass fracturing or exploding at rest, during acceleration, or at highway speeds—sometimes from just opening or closing it—without any external impact. The glass shatters into shards that spray into the cabin; multiple owners sustained minor cuts and lacerations. The failure spans mileage from 25,000 to 130,000 miles. Dealers acknowledged it as a "known issue" tied to the glass itself. Hyundai recalled 2012 models for this defect (campaigns 12V568000, 13V051000, PE12027), but excluded many 2013 VINs despite the identical sunroof design, leaving owners to cover repair costs of $720 or more out-of-pocket. One owner reported a crackling sound from the roof after warranty replacement, raising concerns the fix didn't resolve the underlying problem.
Additional visibility-related failures include windshield wipers that won't turn off or offer intermittent function, windshield washers that don't spray, automatic rear-view mirror dimming that's too faint to reduce nighttime glare, an A/C dial that burned out (affecting defrost and visibility), and a rear hatch window that shattered without impact. A rear-window clarity issue also limited safe backing visibility for at least one owner.
Same Hyundai Veloster visibility reports on nearby years: 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Panoramic/Standard Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering
Sunroof glass fractures or explodes without external impact, releasing glass shards into the cabin and surrounding area. Occurs at rest, during acceleration, while driving at highway speeds, or when opening/closing the sunroof. Owners report no visible cause and dealers acknowledge it as a 'known issue' related to glass defect.
When: Varies: parked (stationary in driveway or carport); during operation at 15 mph to 70 mph; upon opening or closing the sunroof. Failures reported across mileage range 25,000 to 130,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud explosion or pop sound; Glass shattering without visible impact; Glass shards sprayed into cabin and onto driver/passengers; Sunroof cover jumping or detaching; Crackling sound from roof after replacement (one instance); Minor lacerations, cuts to forehead, and head trauma reported by some owners
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace entire sunroof assembly. Repair cost cited: $720 (out-of-pocket). One owner had warranty coverage; others faced denial or exclusion from recall despite same defect affecting 2012 models.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai issued recall for 2012 models (NHTSA campaigns 12V568000, 13V051000, PE12027). 2013 model Velosters excluded from recall despite identical or similar sunroof design. Dealers informed owners it was a 'known issue' and 'glass defect' but refused responsibility for out-of-warranty failures. Some owners reported Hyundai customer service provided 'very little information.'
Windshield Wiper Control Malfunction
Windshield wipers remain active when turned to off position, will not activate intermittent function, and windshield washer sprayers do not operate. Pulling fuses allows manual on/off control but does not restore intermittent function or sprayer operation.
When: Mileage not specified in complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers will not stop when placed in off position; No intermittent wiper option available; Windshield sprayers non-functional; Wipers remain in non-parked position when turned off
Repairs/costs cited: Owner pulled fuses as temporary workaround. No dealer repair documented.
Automatic Rear-View Mirror Insufficient Dimming
Photocell-controlled automatic dimming rear-view mirror dims inadequately at night, providing minimal reduction in headlight glare. Manual dimming lever is absent; only automatic photocell system available.
When: Night driving; design is present from new
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight glare from following vehicles not adequately reduced; Minimal or imperceptible dimming effect; Owner forced to manually re-aim mirror to reduce glare, which cancels intended safety benefit
A/C Dial Burnout and Defrost Degradation
A/C control dial at highest setting fails and burns out. Defrost system functions poorly after the A/C dial malfunction, reducing visibility while driving.
When: Approximately 123,000 miles; failure recurred within one week after first owner repair
Symptoms owners cite: A/C dial burned out at highest setting; A/C dial burned out again after owner repaired it once; Defrost system functions poorly; Reduced road visibility while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Owner attempted self-repair. Dealer provided diagnostic estimate but repair was not completed.
Rear Hatch Window Spontaneous Shattering
Rear hatch/liftgate window shatters without external impact while driving. No prior cracks or defects noted. Glass held partially in place only by window tint film.
When: Approximately 45 mph; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Rear hatch window glass shatters spontaneously; No visible external cause or prior damage; Glass remains partially contained only by tint film
Rear Window Poor Visibility
Rear window does not allow adequate visibility for safe backing up. Design or clarity issue prevents driver from seeing behind vehicle.
When: Design issue; present from new
Symptoms owners cite: Inadequate rear visibility when backing up; Safety concern for reversing maneuvers
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the highest dial setting of the A/C unit had failed to operate as needed. Upon repairing the dial setting on his own, the contact discovered that the dial had burned out. The contact stated that after the repair, the failure recurred nearly a week later. The contact discovered that the dial had burned out again. The dealer was…
My 2013 Hyundai veloster's sunroof exploded violently, while parked under the carport. It caused damaged to the interior and to the surrounding vehicles. According to reviews this issue is under investigation for the 2012 models, yet mine is a 2013. Obviously, the problem has been corrected. I will not feel safe driving my car once the manufacture/dealership fix it. And sadly, I've only had it…
Had visibility 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 visibility 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 $350.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Across the 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most visibility failures cluster between 27,500 and 79,800 miles, with the median around 47,105. A quarter of owners report trouble before 27,500; a quarter make it past 79,800. 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 $350 for visibility 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 visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility 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.