This TSB references the Op codes to use for claim submission and the Parts required based on the vehicle’s inspection results from TSB 22-01-023H (DTC P1326 – Engine Bearing Inspection/Engine Replacement) or the latest version.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Hyundai Veloster engine problems
severe 57 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
57
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 57 engine complaints filed for the 2015 Hyundai Veloster, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Engine accounts for 43% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 7 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 57 engine 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 engine 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 is conducting a campaign to enhance the knock sensor software to detect abnormal engine bearing noise before potentially severe engine damage occurs. If abnormal engine bearing noise is detected, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will blink continuously, and the vehicle will be placed in Engine Protection Mode allowing the customer to drive to the nearest Hyundai dealer for diagnosis and repair. In addition, DTC P132600 will be recorded in the ECM. The vehicle can continue to be operated for a limited time in Engine Protection Mode, but it will accelerate slower and have a reduced maximum speed. Engine RPMs will be limited to approximately 1800-2000 RPM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗A class action lawsuit against Hyundai Motor America (âHMAâ) alleges that certain Hyundai vehicles (âClass Vehiclesâ) were manufactured, marketed, sold, and/or leased with an engine defect that can result in sudden engine seizure, stalling, engine failure, and in some circumstances, engine fire, and that some owners and lessees of Class Vehicles have been improperly denied repairs under warranty. Neither HMA nor Hyundai Motor Company have been found liable for any of the claims alleged in the lawsuit. The parties have instead reached a voluntary settlement (the âSettlementâ) to avoid lengthy litigation and to provide owners of Class Vehicles certain benefits.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗OP CODE/PART NUMBER (REFERENCE GUIDE FOR SERVICE CAMPAIGN T6G)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2015 Hyundai Velosters describe a consistent pattern of internal engine failure, typically involving bearing wear and excessive oil consumption. The most common symptom is a knocking or ticking sound from the engine, followed by loss of power, stalling, and illumination of the check engine light—often at highway speeds where the failure creates a serious safety hazard. Many report the vehicle enters limp mode, restricting speed to 10–20 mph or forcing a complete shutdown requiring towing.
Oil-related issues are pervasive: owners mention oil leaking into the exhaust, fouled spark plugs from oil blow-by, and the need to top off oil every few days or weekly. Some dealers have found metal shavings in the oil pan during inspections, indicating internal bearing damage. Damaged catalytic converters appear as a secondary failure in multiple cases, with overheating and clogging attributed to oil blow-by and combustion problems from the failing engine.
Several owners report engine fires, with one documenting flames in the engine compartment at 53,000 miles and another's vehicle catching fire after a replacement engine failed. Owners also describe frustration with recall delays—parts unavailability, VINs excluded from recall coverage despite matching symptoms, and repairs not completed even after recall notification. Some dealers replaced engines that subsequently failed again, and warranty denials based on mileage are common even when the defect originated before the current owner's purchase.
Same Hyundai Veloster engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Connecting rod bearing wear and internal engine failure
Premature wear of connecting rod bearings leading to spun bearings, internal engine damage, and complete loss of engine function. Owners report knocking/ticking noises, loss of power, stalling, and diagnostic confirmation of bearing wear despite regular maintenance.
When: Reported between 40,000 and 190,000 miles; many failures in the 60,000–140,000 mile range despite regular oil changes
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking or ticking sound from engine compartment; Loss of motive power while driving; Engine stalling, often at highway speeds; Check engine light illuminated, sometimes flashing; Vehicle enters limp mode, restricted to 10–20 mph; Interior vibration when pulling over; Engine fails to restart or will not exceed low speeds
Codes mentioned: P0441 (Incorrect purge flow), Bank 1 & 2 O2 sensor fault codes, Connecting rod bearing failure confirmed by mechanic inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required, typically $6,000–$10,000 from salvage yard or dealership. Some dealers replaced engines that subsequently failed again; metal shavings found in oil pan during inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 20V746000 (Engine recall for connecting rod bearing failure); however, many owners report VINs excluded from recall despite matching symptoms. Hyundai denied goodwill repairs citing mileage, even when defect originated before current ownership. Some recall parts unavailable for extended periods.
Excessive oil consumption and blow-by
Engine loses oil at abnormally high rates, fouling spark plugs and contaminating the exhaust system. Owners add oil every few days to weekly; dealers confirm manufacturer defect.
When: Occurs throughout ownership; some reported within months of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops requiring frequent top-offs (every 2–3 weeks or more frequently); Black or fouled spark plugs; Oil leaking from exhaust, emitting black smoke; Oil in engine compartment; Oil warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement attempted but did not resolve underlying issue. Hyundai allows 1 quart loss per 1,000 miles per specification; owners report exceeding this rate. Dealers mention sludge and metal shedding in engine.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai denied oil consumption warranty claims in several cases; denial of extended warranty coverage. Some dealers acknowledged manufacturer defect but declined to proceed with recall engine replacement.
Catalytic converter damage secondary to engine failure
Catalytic converter overheats, becomes clogged, or is damaged as a direct result of oil blow-by and combustion issues from the failing engine. Owners charged $3,200 or more for replacement; some converters clog again after repair.
When: Develops as secondary failure during engine failure progression; noted at 80,000–190,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Catalytic converter overheating; Converter clogging reducing power and causing limp mode; Check engine light related to converter efficiency
Codes mentioned: Catalytic converter fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement cost $3,200+ at dealership; some owners report clogging recurs after repair. Dealers replaced converter without addressing underlying engine issue, resulting in repeat failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai stated clogged catalytic converters are not covered under warranty or recall, even when caused by engine defect. Owners denied coverage despite documented connection to engine failure.
Engine fire risk
Engine fire occurring during normal driving, including one documented case at 53,000 miles with flames in the engine compartment and another post-replacement engine fire at 60,000 miles.
When: At 53,000 miles and 60,000 miles in documented cases
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke under dashboard or from engine compartment; Flames visible in engine compartment when hood opened; No warning lights immediately prior in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; fire department called. Second case involved a replacement engine that caught fire shortly after installation by dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 20V746000 specifically cites fire risk as safety hazard. One dealer service manager unable to determine fire cause from photos. Insurance declared vehicle total loss.
Loss of power and acceleration hesitation
Engine fails to respond to accelerator input or loses power suddenly during highway driving. Vehicle decelerates independently or will not accelerate when pedal depressed, sometimes requiring shifting into park and drive to regain function.
When: Occurs at various mileages and unpredictably, including early in ownership (under 3,000 miles for some used purchases)
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of motive power while driving at highway speeds (50–70 mph); Engine hesitation; vehicle will not accelerate; Reduced power to 10–20 mph in limp mode; Engine light illuminated; Power loss occurs multiple times over months or years
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates attempted without lasting resolution. Spark plug and catalytic converter replacement did not cure underlying issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai's case managers mentioned goodwill repair consideration in some cases but no action taken. Extended warranty denied in multiple cases citing sludge/metal shedding as evidence of owner neglect despite regular maintenance.
Recall non-completion and parts unavailability
NHTSA Campaign 20V746000 parts unavailable for extended periods (months to over a year), preventing recall completion. Some VINs excluded from recall despite vehicle exhibiting identical failure symptoms.
When: Ongoing as of complaint dates; some complaints filed in 2025 citing multi-month delays
Symptoms owners cite: Owner notified of recall but unable to schedule repair; Parts not available from Hyundai for weeks to months; VIN exclusion from recall despite matching symptoms; Dealerships unable or unwilling to perform recall due to parts shortage
Repairs/costs cited: Owners left waiting indefinitely with unsafe vehicles; some overseas military personnel unable to complete recall at all due to dealer refusal.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 20V746000 issued but parts distribution problematic. Hyundai denied recalls to some owners; one military owner overseas told recall could not be completed after three-week wait.
Engine failure post-recall repair
Engine fails again shortly after Hyundai performed recall repair or installed replacement engine. One owner's replacement engine caught fire; another's replacement overheated immediately upon pickup.
When: Within weeks to months of replacement engine installation
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating same night replacement received; Engine fire four months after replacement installation; Loss of power and limp mode after recall repair completion
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership installed second replacement engine at cost of nearly $10K; owner now out of service again. Another owner received fire-damaged vehicle and insurance declared total loss.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai provided case numbers but no remedy after repeat failures. One dealership's service manager claimed inability to determine fire cause from photos.
Synthesized from 57 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
check engine light has been coming on and off for over a year, either comes back negative and goes away on its own or i’m told there’s a plethora of problems that need to be fixed. it’s been on now for about a month and i’ve been told again it could be anything. there is a recall on this engine and i was never notified
The car I bought in February in a used car lot was, per the salesperson, in excellent condition, had recently done oil changes, and had allegedly no failures. After less than 3k miles, I got stalled on the freeway with a knocking noise; Frank Hyundai mechanics diagnosed it with a CVV oil sensor red flag. I then paid for the repairs after getting denied from both my Hyundai warranty and my…
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while driving 65MPH, the engine started knocking and shaking then stalled. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact then stated that she was able to coast the vehicle off the road. Upon checking under the hood of the vehicle, she noticed that oil had spilled throughout the engine compartment. The…
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Veloster. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the recall repair was performed; however, the contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 15 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle shifted into…
I bought this vehicle from a used car lot in February 2023, not 2022, and drove it under 3k miles; when I took it, it had 86k miles, and the check engine light came on. I took it to FRANK HYUNDAI, where, to this day, have not been able to help me; all this time, I, the consumer, had to chase down the repair guy assigned to my car and, only to be vaguely told it was sludge and metal shedding. It…
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who performed a tune-up on the vehicle. The contact stated that several days after the tune-up, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped…
Hyundai has not completed a recall (20V746000) for my 2015 Veloster. I first contacted a local Hyundai dealership (Torpedo Gruppe) in Germany on 11 Aug 2021. After they told me they don't know anything about the recall, I contacted Hyundai America on 20 August. After working with a Case Manager (case #[XXX]) they put me in touch with a manager at Torpedo Gruppe on 18 Sep. I talked with the…
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Veloster. The contact reported that oil was leaking out of the exhaust. The vehicle was sputtering and running rough while driving at various speeds, and hesitated while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The dealer informed the contact that metal shavings were…
Had engine trouble with your 2015 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 engine problem on the 2015 Hyundai Veloster?
It's a meaningful issue. 57 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 72,000 and 129,000 miles, with the median around 89,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 72,000; a quarter make it past 129,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2015/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.