Brakes, fuels system and engine issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
This vehicle is subject to a recall. Find out if your Hyundai Veloster is included in the recall.
Hatchbacks continue to grow in popularity, with the 2020 Hyundai Veloster drawing in new enthusiasts every day. The automaker claims that “every side is its bold side,” but owners are scared to look at some of the systems because of defects. In fact, the complaints are mounting up regarding the service brakes, wheels, fuel system and engine.
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When it comes to stopping any vehicle, the service brakes must be functional and responsive. However, there are times when things malfunction to a level that creates an unpredictable drive.
Read this NHTSA review as an example. “I bought a new 2020 Hyundai Veloster three weeks ago. I have driven it five times. On three of those five occasions, when accelerating in first gear from a stop at an intersection, the car screeched to a halt, as if the wheels were locked. It did not do this every time I stopped at an intersection – it was random and unpredictable. The last incident was on 8/31/20, when the mileage was approximately 350 miles. This is a very dangerous, serious defect.”
Despite the brakes being a vital component of the vehicle, Hyundai has said nothing about this issue, nor is there a sign of anything being fixed. The “Veloster” name itself is a cross between velocity and roadster, which indicates speed, but what is stopping this performance vehicle from rear-ending a vehicle in front of it? It looks like occupants are left unprotected, but at least owners can show off their “bold side” in the process.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Engine | |
| Electrical System | |
| Exterior Lighting | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| Power Train | |
| Seats | |
| Steering | |
| Structure:body | |
| Vehicle Speed Control |
The tires of a vehicle are the only component that touches the road, making it essential that the four tires and wheels are in tip-top shape. However, this seems to be a problem for the Veloster.
One NHTSA complaint states, “Clear coat on the rims are fading and starting to dull…I only have 10k miles on the car and owned it for three months.”
Here’s another example where Hyundai doesn’t really want to get involved in any defects. Instead, the communications are only used to discuss maintenance procedures for technicians, as is seen with Service Bulletin #20-SS-002H(1). However, by doing this, the manufacturer shows how basic the technicians truly are. Why do they need guidance on how to care for tires and wheels? These are basic procedures that can be done by anyone’s grandma – more is expected from certified mechanics.
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While talking about the design and boldness, it’s vital to look at the structure. The car might look good, but it wasn’t built with any integrity.
Just look at this NHTSA review. “In temperatures below 35 degrees, the driver’s door does not open. It clearly makes an unlocking sound when unlock is activated, but the handle acts as if it is locked. I have to crawl through another door to open it from the inside. Only the driver’s side door is affected, and it opens as normal from the inside. Happens regardless of whether the vehicle is on or off. Obviously stationary.”
What’s more worrisome is a recall that shows a lot of lives are in danger. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V311000 states that over 12,000 vehicles have a driver’s door latch housing and locking cable that could be damaged, which allows the side door to open. If this occurs, the driver could be ejected from the vehicle during an accident. So, whether the car door won’t open or opens on its own, it poses a real threat to consumers. Malfunctioning doors must now be part of a “bold” vehicle design.
A well-functioning fuel system delivers the gasoline to the engine with ease. However, the Veloster is suffering from defects with the fuel system as well.
Here is one review from Sure Critic. “This car leaks fuel after 1000 miles from fuel lines or bad fuel pump and warranty does nothing.”
Again, only crickets are being heard from Hyundai. The communications are empty regarding the fuel system, even though it is one of the most vital components of any vehicle. Instead, Hyundai is hoping that everyone will continue to focus on the “bold side.” What would be truly bold would be if the automaker might actually address and fix the multiple concerns.
Along with the fuel system, the engine needs to be run as smoothly as possible. Yet, the Veloster is struggling to get this right.
Another Sure Critic review states, “I have probably had 3 different warranty claims already at 6,000 miles, the dealer has had the car just as long as I have! New engine after 1,200 miles from a faulty rev matching programming I believe. Loss of performance and sound from the exhaust, don’t know if it’s from the new engine or not?”
In this case, there is actually some communication about engine issues. Service Bulletin #19-01-034H talks about a needed ECM (Engine Control Module) software update that is required to optimize the battery sensor data and prevent misfires that are coming from a cylinder imbalance. Hyundai’s slogan right now is “New Thinking, New Possibilities.” With this in mind, and after looking at the above defects, it might be time for the automaker to implement some “new” practices as well. Maybe the company could start by being honest with customers about what’s going on.
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Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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