DecodedCars2012 Hyundai Veloster
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 3dr Hatchback /Tech Package (Auto), 3dr Hatchback /Tech Package (Manual)
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 27 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 166.1 in
- Curb weight
- 2,663–2,725 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2012 compact car (25.6 MPG).
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints202 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 53 for similar models — most often about the engine.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Hyundai Veloster is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 166 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,725 lb (3dr Hatchback /Tech Package (Auto)).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (27 city / 37 highway), 21% better than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 202 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3dr Hatchback /Tech Package (Auto) | 166.1 in | 70.5 in | 55.1 in | 104.3 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 2,725 lb | 60/40 |
| 3dr Hatchback /Tech Package (Manual) | 166.1 in | 70.5 in | 55.1 in | 104.3 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 2,663 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veloster | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 31 | +21% | $2,150 | 287 |
| Veloster | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +17% | $2,250 | 296 |
Save $1,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.6 MPG2012 Compact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster.
Similar 2012 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Hyundai Veloster (this car) | 31 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2012 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Ford Focus | 32 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
Recalls (6)
Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 22, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Electrical System · Feb 28, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V132000 · 25,715 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Equipment › Electrical · Jul 2, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V393000 · 272,126 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Feb 19, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V051000 · 6,071 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Dec 7, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V568000 · 13,500 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 · Dec 7, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V567000 · 4,490 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Not every 2012 Hyundai Veloster is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
202Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
8Involved a fire
11Injuries reported
84,765 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Hyundai Veloster buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 52 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Steering — 38 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 32 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 84,765 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Veloster years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Veloster | 25 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 37 |
| 2021 Veloster | 30 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 29 |
| 2020 Veloster | 30 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 29 |
| 2019 Veloster | 30 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 46 |
| 2017 Veloster | 31 | 166.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 50 |
| 2016 Veloster | 31 | 166.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 225 |
| 2015 Veloster | 30 | 166.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 137 |
| 2014 Veloster | 30 | 166.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 84 |
| 2013 Veloster | 31 | 166.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 382 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →