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2012 Hyundai Veloster Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering sun/moon roof assembly and linkage and cable. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Panoramic sunroof glass shattering while driving.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Campaign #12V568000 · Jul 12, 2012

Issue: Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012 Veloster vehicles manufactured from November 1, 2011, through April 17, 2012 and equipped with panoramic sunroofs. The panoramic sunroof assembly may been weakened during installation at the factory.

Risk: If the assembly was weakend at the factory, the panoramic glass panel may break while the vehicle is in motion leading to personal injury or a vehicle crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the sunroof's integrity and replace the sunroof glass assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began January 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE

Campaign #12V567000 · Jul 12, 2012

Issue: Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012 Veloster vehicles manufactured from July 2, 2011, through February 27, 2012 and equipped with manual transmissions. Moisture and road grime may cause the parking brake components to bind.

Risk: If the parking brake components bind, the parking brake may not operate properly, and the parking brake may drag while driving or may not fully engage when the vehicle is parked. If the parking brake is not fully engaged when parked, a manual transmission may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake caliper assemblies free of charge. The safety recall began January 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Campaign #13V051000 · Feb 19, 2013

Issue: Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012 Veloster vehicles manufactured from July 4, 2011, through October 31, 2011 and equipped with panoramic sunroofs. The panoramic sunroof assembly may have been weakened during installation at the factory.

Risk: If the assembly was weakend at the factory, the panoramic glass panel may break while the vehicle is in motion leading to personal injury or a vehicle crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the sunroof's integrity and replace the sunroof glass assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began during March 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Campaign #20V393000 · Feb 7, 2020

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.

Risk: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #23V132000 · Feb 28, 2023

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Veloster vehicles. High conductive liquid may leak into the Reverse Park Aid Sensor (RPAS), which can result in an electrical short circuit.

Risk: An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the RPAS fuse and sensor, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 28, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 242.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #23V651000 · Sep 22, 2023

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Hyundai Veloster.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    Action #AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electron…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Panoramic sunroof glass shattering while driving

VISIBILITY

33 NHTSA complaints · 2015-03 → 2026-06

“While driving on the interstate, at approximately 70mph, the sunroof glass shattered causing glass to fall into the vehicle and into the face of the driver. This was not caused by any outside object or force, but simply shattered”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11746771
“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the sunroof suddenly shattered, raining glass down into the interior of the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660521
“WHILE DRIVING 70MPH ON I95 N IN VA WITH THE SUNROOF POPPED OPEN (NOT SLID ALL THE WAY BACK) THERE WAS A LOUD POP THAT SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION OR GUNSHOT AND THE ROOF GLASS SHATTERED AND FELL INTO THE CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10701266

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering coupler play and clicking noise

STEERING

36 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2024-06

“Same issue as numerous other Hyundai Veloster owners: steering coupler causing excessive movement in the steering column and making a clicking sound when turning the wheel. Hyundai has done a recall on this part for Elantra and Sonata models, but not the Veloster”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11488809
“Steering coupler failure. Excessive play and loud clunking in steering column. Symptoms have increased over time. Vehicle has 64950 miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11465129
“STEERING COUPLER HAS DISINTEGRATED (THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN RECALLED FOR THE SONATA, BUT NO RECALL YET FOR VELOSTERS). CLICKING WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL (ANYTIME, CAR IS ON OR OFF, IN MOTION OR STATIONARY)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11121190

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission failing to shift into gear

POWER TRAIN

13 NHTSA complaints · 2015-12 → 2024-07

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY IN CT FOR TWO DAYS; WOULD NOT REVERSE; JUST REVVED. WAS PUSHED TO STREET. DROVE NORMALLY OVER 100 MILES TOWARD HOME IN NJ VIA INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10876472
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI VELOSTER. WITHOUT WARNING, THE GEARS FAILED TO SHIFT INTO DRIVE AND REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10895977
“WAS DRIVING VELOSTER ON HIGHWAY WITH 2 YR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER IN BACKSEAT WHEN SPEEDOMETER WENT IT ZERO THAN TRANSMISSION WENT TO LIMP MODE WAS REALLY SCARED BECAUSE A TRACTOR TRAILER TRUCK WAS BEHIND AT THE TIME I CALL THE HYUNDAI COMPANY TO COMPLAIN NOTHING HAS BEEN RESOLVED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11340005

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Parking brake caliper failure and recall delay

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

14 NHTSA complaints · 2015-07 → 2024-04

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI VELOSTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE BECAME INOPERABLE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUE TO ROLL WHEN PARKED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10731460
“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11553914
“LEFT REAR DISK BRAKE CALIPER PARKING BRAKE MECHANISM STUCK IN ACTUATED POSITION WITH NO BRAKING ACTION. SAME PROBLEM AS EXISTING RECALL, FITS DATE WINDOW, BUT HYUNDAI DID NOT INCLUDE THIS VIN IN THE RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11289601

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine knocking and failure requiring replacement

ENGINE

31 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2024-11

“I HAVE OWNED CAR FOR 8 MONTHS (PURCHASED USED FROM DEALERSHIP) ENGINE KNOCKING. ENGINE SEIZED UP YESTERDAY. NO ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. ENGINE IS COMPLETELY DONE. WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD YESTERDAY HEARD LOUD KNOCKING AND CAR DIED. HAD TO HAVE TOWED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11015173
“VEHICLE ENGINE MAKING KNOCKING SOUND WHILE IDLE AND WHILE IN GEAR. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. LOW OIL LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. OIL WAS LOW, SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN DUE TO JUST HAVING OIL CHANGE, BUT NO LEAK UNDER CAR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11324868
“Engine knocking around 75k miles. Oil changed every 2000 miles. Proper maintenance. Loud knocking noise”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11429072

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

HVAC blower and AC control switch melting

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 NHTSA complaints · 2015-05 → 2024-07

“Since the make of this car and it’s further year generations people can complained about the a/c control switch burning out and actually it melts the inside of the part”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11582716
“BLOWER SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS FOR THE SWITCH IS NOT ABLE TO HANDLE THE CURRENT RESULTING IN MELTING OF THE SWITCH AND HARNESS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11331189
“AC CONVERTER KNOB MELTING, WIRING HARNESS BLACK DUE TO TOO HIGH OF VOLTAGE GOING THROUGH IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11256384

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

33 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

15

complaints mentioning a crash

8

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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