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 ↗2015 Hyundai Veloster powertrain problems
moderate 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 17 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 Hyundai Veloster, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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
Owners report the 2015 Veloster's powertrain as unreliable. The dual clutch transmission repeatedly fails to shift into drive or reverse, sometimes slipping out of gear while driving at highway speeds. One owner had the transmission replaced but the same failure occurred within hours. Dealers tell owners the noise and hesitation are normal characteristics, and Hyundai says they can't find a problem without trouble codes—but no codes appear in the system.
Engine stalling is common, whether at idle, stop lights, or while accelerating. Owners describe restarting 4-6 times before the car finally engages into gear. One owner lost power steering and engine power while turning, only to find the crankshaft pulley bolt in the street.
Excessive oil consumption—1 quart per 80 miles—appears endemic. Oil burns through the exhaust, leaving black residue on the tailpipe and oil splatter on the rear bumper. Internal engine damage follows: rod bearing failure, debris in the crankshaft, and connecting rod problems. One owner faced engine replacement after the powertrain warranty had already expired by weeks. A recall exists for connecting rod bearing wear on 2015-2016 Velosters, but not all vehicles were included.
Cylinder misfire (P0301) causes backfiring and rough running; spark plug and coil pack replacement only masked the problem temporarily. Service departments repeatedly claim issues are design characteristics or cannot be reproduced, leaving owners stranded.
Same Hyundai Veloster powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Stalling and Loss of Power
Engine stalls while driving, fails to start immediately, or loses power under acceleration. Owners report stalling at stop lights, on highways at 30-40 mph, and during acceleration. Multiple restarts are sometimes required before the engine starts and engages into gear.
When: Occurs early (176,000 miles in one case) and randomly; 15-20 minutes after driving in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving or at idle; Loss of power steering and engine power while turning; Engine hesitates when placed into drive; Delayed engine start (requires 4-5 restarts); Loss of acceleration on inclines; Blinking check engine light; Engine will not re-engage until vehicle is turned off and restarted
Codes mentioned: P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner was told entire engine needs to be replaced after crankshaft pulley failure. Spark plugs and coil packs replaced in one case without resolving the issue.
Excessive Oil Consumption and Engine Damage
Engine consumes oil at an abnormal rate (1 quart per 80 miles reported), leading to oil burning in exhaust, carbon buildup, and premature wear of internal engine components. Owners report rod bearing failure and debris in crankshaft. One case involved powertrain warranty expiring weeks before rod bearing failure.
When: Occurs at varying mileages; one owner mentioned powertrain warranty expired before failure; another case noted at mileage where warranty had lapsed
Symptoms owners cite: Oil consumption 1 quart per 80 miles; Oil burning, exiting through exhaust with black tips; Oil splatter on rear bumper; Oil around spark plugs; Rod bearing failure; Debris in crankshaft; Connecting rod problems; Engine damage requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required in multiple cases. One owner paid $505 for gasket repair in October 2023 and faces engine replacement again. Technician told owner 'you need a new engine' after oil consumption test.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 198 exists for 2015-2016 Veloster connecting rod bearing wear, but not all affected vehicles were included in recall scope.
Transmission Fails to Shift or Slips Out of Gear
Dual clutch transmission intermittently fails to engage into reverse or drive, slips out of gear while driving, or refuses to shift despite RPM increase. Some failures occur within hours of previous repairs; complete transmission replacement has not resolved the issue in at least one case.
When: Failures occur at low mileage (2,900 miles) and persist at higher mileage (90,000 miles). Recurring within 24 hours to 3 days of repairs in one case.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not go into reverse or drive immediately on cold start; Transmission slips out of gear while driving; RPM increases but vehicle does not accelerate; Transmission changes gears by itself without warning; Gear system completely dislocated; Transmission hesitates from complete stop; Flaring between gear shifts reported as 'normal' by dealer
Repairs/costs cited: Computer updates, gear shift actuator replacement, and complete transmission replacement have failed to resolve the issue in reported cases. One owner had transmission replaced at 20,859 miles and problem persisted; dealer claims issue is a vehicle characteristic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted in multiple cases but stated they cannot find the problem without trouble codes registered; no fixes offered.
Abnormal Transmission Noises and Axle/CV Joint Issues
Transmission makes abnormal noise when going into reverse, sounds like bad axles or CV joints. Dealer visits and transmission replacement have not resolved the noise, which continues or reappears even after service.
When: Started at 5,200 miles; CV joint noise began at 14,314 miles; transmission replaced at 20,859 miles; problem persisted at 25,878 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission sounds like axles are bad when going into reverse; Transmission flaring between 1-2 and 3-4 shifts; Bad CV joint noise; Abnormal thud sound when hesitating into drive
Repairs/costs cited: Owner had vehicle serviced 5 times for the reverse noise issue. Transmission was replaced per Hyundai field engineer at 20,859 miles. Problem persisted immediately after repair and at subsequent 25,878-mile inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer told owner noise is 'normal' and later claimed it is a 'characteristic of the vehicle.' Hyundai of America and BBB AutoLine contacted with no response reported.
Crankshaft Pulley/Damper Pulley Failure
Crankshaft or damper pulley separates from engine, with crankshaft bolt found in the street. Loss of power steering and engine warning lights occur as a result.
When: Specific mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering while driving; Vehicle shaking; Engine, battery, and water warning lights illuminate; Crankshaft pulley and bolt separated from engine
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated entire engine needs to be replaced.
Engine Misfire and Rough Running
Cylinder misfire with error code P0301, causing loud popping and backfiring from engine, rough shaking while driving. Spark plug and coil pack replacement provided temporary relief but problem worsened over time.
When: Mileage not specified; problem worsened after initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: Cylinder 1 misfire; Loud popping sound from engine; Backfires when pressing accelerator; Vehicle shakes when driving; Car does not drive properly
Codes mentioned: P0301
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs and coil packs were replaced; problem resolved temporarily but recurred and worsened.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Dual clutch transmission failing. Intermittently boot ot engaging into r or d gear and slips out of gear while driving on street or highway. I've done research and it appears this is a very common concern from a high number of Hyundai veloster owners. I concider it dangerous as how it happened to me while driving trying to accelerate, gear slipped out and vehicle only reved high and no…
I had problems with my engine. Found out the rod bearing was gone. Call Hyundai and power train warranty expire weeks before it happened. Had to swap engines on the car because it was bad. Always had problems with the engine burning oil really bad. I also had problems with the transmission gears dropping out of no were. Last time it happened when I when to make a right turn and shift it into 2nd…
As I was turning off a main road into my neighborhood at night with little visibility for oncoming traffic, I lost power steering and the car began to shake. I was able to coast into my driveway. As I coasted into my driveway I noticed my engine, battery, and water light illuminated. Upon parking my car, I returned to where I lost my power steering found my damper pulley/crankshaft pulley and the…
I had my 2015 veloster at the dealer 5 times for the auto trans sounding like the axles were bad when going into reverse. Trans was flaring up between 1-2 & 3-4 but was told it was normal.that was 5200 miles. At 14314 this bad cv joint noise started & again was told it was normal.at 20859 trans was replaced per the Hyundai field engineer. Both problems still there. Never even got it home before…
Car hesitates and would not go. Check engine light began to blink. Has done this a few times when pulling out in front of people. It happens randomly and has happened two or three times.
Cylinder 1 has been misfiring. Has the error code p0301. I took it in to Hyundai and they said it was just a spark plug. Changed spark plugs and coil packs and the problem resolved for a few months and now is worse. Misfires/backfires in the engine when pressing gas. Loud popping sound comes out of the engine. The car also does not drive properly. It is shaky when driving.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2015 Hyundai Veloster?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 39,650 and 97,500 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 39,650; a quarter make it past 97,500. 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/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.