Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary, replace the starter magnetic switch (solenoid) assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Hyundai Veloster engine problems
severe 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 17 engine complaints filed for the 2019 Hyundai Veloster, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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 41% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 4 categories tracked.
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.
This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to enhance the knock sensor logic with the Cylinder Noise Diagnostic System (CNDS) software update. CNDS is to detect abnormal cylinder wall scuffing or noise of the engine block before potentially severe engine damage occurs. If abnormal noise is detected, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will blink continuously. In addition, DTC P1327 will be recorded in the ECM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Hyundai is conducting a service campaign 974 to enhance the knock sensor logic with the Cylinder Noise Diagnostic System (CNDS) software update. CNDS is to detect abnormal cylinder wall scuffing or noise of the engine block before potentially severe engine damage occurs. If abnormal noise is detected, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will blink continuously. In addition, DTC P1327 will be recorded in the ECM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe engine stalls, power loss, and complete seizure occurring at highway speeds and idle with no warning. Knocking noises precede many failures, some accompanied by rapid oil consumption—one owner reported burning a quart every 800–1000 miles. Several cases confirm internal bearing or oil ring failure; engine compression loss is common. Check engine lights are inconsistent; some illuminate before failure, others never trigger despite catastrophic engine damage.
A critical issue: Safety Recall 21V-301 addresses piston oil ring and engine failure on 2019 Velosters, but multiple owners report their VINs were excluded from the recall scope despite presenting identical failure symptoms. Dealers confirmed the matching problem but refused replacement, citing the VIN not being listed. One owner's dispute reached arbitration, which ordered a buyback the owner declined.
A few additional failures stand out: one owner experienced high carbon monoxide levels in the cabin after engine replacement, requiring medical treatment; another had fuel and oil leak into the exhaust while the vehicle entered limp mode at highway speed; a third owner had the engine lock up in a work zone with brake failure. Dealership diagnostics often fail to identify the root cause. Turbo hose disconnection and coil pack failures were cited as temporary fixes for recurring slowdowns and transmission engagement loss, suggesting misdiagnosis of a deeper engine defect.
Same Hyundai Veloster engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of power and complete stalling
Engine stalls without warning while driving at various speeds; vehicle loses all electrical power including lights, doors, and cannot restart without jump-starting or re-engagement techniques.
When: Mileage range 44,000–141,000 miles; incidents reported within first few years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power; Stalling while accelerating or turning; No electrical power (lights, door locks); Unable to restart without assistance
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to diagnose in most cases. One instance confirmed piston oil ring failure. Engine replacement required in multiple cases but manufacturer denied coverage citing VIN not in recall scope.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety Recall 21V-301 addresses piston oil ring and engine failure on 2019 Veloster, but many affected VINs reportedly excluded from recall scope. HyundaiUSA denied warranty coverage in multiple complaints claiming VIN not listed despite matching recall symptoms.
Knocking/rapping noise and loss of compression
Owners report low-frequency knocking or rapping from the engine that increases in intensity, accompanied by loss of power and inability to accelerate properly.
When: Various mileage and timeframes; one instance at 60,000 miles, another during early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Faint to loud knocking or rapping noise from engine; Loss of compression; Reduced acceleration; Check engine light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Confirmed internal mechanical damage in one case with rapid oil dissipation. Connecting-rod bearing wear-out reported; piston oil ring failure confirmed in one complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V-301 references these symptoms but coverage denied to vehicles reported as outside recall VIN range.
Rapid oil consumption and burning
Engine burns oil at an excessive rate, consuming 1 quart per 800–1000 miles, with oil leaking into exhaust system and creating smoke in cabin.
When: Occurring during normal driving; symptoms present across multiple model years reported
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption; Oil visible in exhaust pipe; Smoke in cabin; Fuel and oil leaking into exhaust
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle required alternator, battery, and spark plug replacement without resolving issue. Root cause identified as piston oil ring failure in related recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V-301 addresses piston oil ring defects; coverage varies by VIN eligibility as reported by owners.
Low idle RPM and stalling at standstill
Engine runs at abnormally low RPM at idle, with vehicle feeling as though it will stall; stalling occurs at traffic lights and stop signs.
When: Reported after adding fuel; multiple instances at idle
Symptoms owners cite: Very low idle RPM; Engine feels unstable at idle; Complete stalling at traffic lights; Vehicle shuts off without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostics found no issue; complaint remains unresolved.
Limp mode activation and unintended acceleration
Vehicle suddenly enters limp mode, decelerating from highway speed to 30 mph; simultaneous unintended acceleration occurs with check engine light illuminated. Steering may turn inadvertently.
When: Occurring at highway speeds (76 mph noted in one complaint)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle enters limp mode unexpectedly; Forced deceleration; Unintended acceleration episodes; Check engine light on; Uncontrolled steering input
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel and oil leaking into exhaust confirmed by dealer. Alternator, battery, and spark plugs replaced without resolving core issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer opened multiple cases; dispute resolved through arbitration with buyback offer (declined by owner).
Engine seizure
Engine seizes completely while driving; vehicle loses all power and cannot be restarted.
When: One instance at 44,000 miles; another at highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Engine locks up while driving; Complete loss of power; Cannot restart; Check engine light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: One case attributed to faulty oil filter. Engine replacement required in multiple instances.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer declined engine replacement; one case claimed warranty void due to aftermarket parts.
Engine overheating and thermal stalling
Engine overheats while driving, causing vehicle to stall. After engine replacement, high carbon monoxide levels detected in cabin with owner experiencing dizziness and nausea.
When: At 42,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating; Vehicle stalls from overheating; High cabin carbon monoxide levels; Operator dizziness and nausea
Repairs/costs cited: Engine was replaced; root cause not determined.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but offered no assistance.
Connecting-rod bearing wear and premature failure
Connecting-rod bearings wear out prematurely, causing abnormal knocking noises, power loss, and engine seizure. Defect can lead to catastrophic engine failure while driving.
When: Reported at various mileages including 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal knocking from engine; Reduced engine power; Flashing check engine light; Engine seizes
Repairs/costs cited: Owners describe internal bearing failure requiring engine replacement.
Timing chain slipping and power loss
Timing chain slips, causing loss of power and engine stalling. May be accompanied by knocking noises.
When: Reported August 2022 and September 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking noises from engine; Power loss; Stalling; Engine feels weak
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to schedule service for three months initially; no resolution reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall notice received by owner despite reporting recall 21V-301 symptoms.
Intermittent check engine light and no-start condition
Check engine light illuminates intermittently; in some cases progresses to complete inability to start or severe power loss.
When: Approximately 57,000 miles and 120,000 miles in separate cases
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent check engine light; Vehicle fails to respond to acceleration; No-start condition
Repairs/costs cited: Engine diagnosed as faulty and requiring replacement; no repairs completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no assistance provided.
Turbo hose disconnection and transmission engagement failure
Vehicle experiences unexplained slowdowns on expressway with RPM spikes but transmission fails to engage. Attributed in one case to hose disconnection from turbo; recurs despite repairs.
When: Multiple occurrences; third incident mentioned with no resolution
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle slows from 60 mph to crawl while RPM increases; Transmission does not engage; Loss of power delivery
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attributed first failure to hose disconnection, second to coil pack; recurrent failures after repairs.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
Engine locked on me during driving almost caused a car rear ending me during rush hour. Called AAA and they printed out a recall form for over heated piston that may cause engine damage. Towed to Tito Auto care and then printed out the same information for recall details NHTSA Campaign Number 21V301000. Advised me to take to Hyundai dealership to repair for free. Hyundai states the vendor…
This has happened 3 times. While driving the car it slows down and RPMS go up. I’ll be driving on expressway at approximate 60 mph then slows down to a crawl on expressway. 1st time it happened the dealer said a hose came off the turbo causing the issue. 2nd time it happened they said it was a coil. Now it happened again I almost got into and accident as the engine revs but transmission not…
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving 76 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and decelerated to 30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle experienced intermittent, unintended acceleration. The contact shifted the transmission to neutral(N), but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact then pressed the shift lock…
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the…
2.0 engine loss of power and stalls. Engine makes knocking noises and timing chain slipping. First reported to dealership on August 21 and was told they could not be able to look at the car for three months. Vehicle was kept out of service for four weeks. Reported to dealership again on 9/14/2023 and visited the dealership on 9/16 after no response. Also notified the dealership of recall…
Attempted to pull out of our neighborhood and car check engine light as well as every other light came on on the dashboard. Car completely loss power and stalled in the middle of the road. Multiple attempts to re-start the car but would not start. Had mechanic check vehicle, originally pulled a code for fuel pump but when tested a few days later and at the fuel pump that code was gone. Checked…
I was driving to work on the morning of July 14, 2022. I was in a work zone with cones on both sides of me my vehicle lost compression as I was compressing the accelerator I started hearing a low rapping or knocking sound, This knocking increased and repetition rather quickly and my car would not accelerate as it had been. I exited the This knocking increased and repetition rather quickly and my…
This car was recalled for a bad engine and because their computer would not throw off a code they refused to replace the bad engine. It has 60000 miles on it and has been well maintained. The rocker arms have gone bad and there are countless others who have the same issue that Hyundai refuses to address because now computer code was thrown off. They hide behind this to avoid replacing their bad…
Had engine trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Hyundai Veloster?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 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?
Based on the 17 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 53,320 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2019/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.