2013 Hyundai Veloster
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 3dr Hatchback /Tech Package, Turbo 3dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 28 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 166.1–167.3 in
- Curb weight
- 2,663–2,901 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2013 compact car (25.9 MPG).
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints382 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 57 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 21 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Hyundai Veloster is a compact car offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) 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 2,663 lb (3dr Hatchback /Tech Package).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (28 city / 37 highway), 20% better than the 2013 compact car average of 25.9 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 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 382 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2013
- Engine added: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Veloster →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3dr Hatchback /Tech Package | 166.1 in | 70.5 in | 55.1 in | 104.3 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 2,663 lb | 60/40 |
| Turbo 3dr Hatchback | 167.3 in | 71.3 in | 55.1 in | 104.3 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 2,901 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 | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 31 | +20% | $2,150 | 288 |
| Veloster | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 37 / 31 | +20% | $2,150 | 294 |
| Veloster | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 35 / 28 | +8% | $2,400 | 318 |
| Veloster | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 27 | +4% | $2,500 | 317 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Hyundai Veloster.
Similar 2013 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Hyundai Veloster (this car) | 31 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Ford Focus | 32 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
Recalls (3)
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.
Engine · Mar 14, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V204000 · 16,487 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013 Veloster vehicles that are equipped with 1.6 liter turbo engines. The engine management software may cause premature ignition (pre-ignition) of the air/fuel mixture in the engine. The resulting excessive cylinder pressure may damage the engine.
- Risk
- Engine damage can increase the risk of a fire or cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. The recall began May 14, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 182.
Not every 2013 Hyundai Veloster is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Hyundai Veloster buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 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 — 168 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 88 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 52 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 77,000 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 2013 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 | Not rated | 0 | 50 |
| 2016 Veloster | 31 | 166.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 224 |
| 2015 Veloster | 30 | 166.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 137 |
| 2014 Veloster | 30 | 166.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 84 |
| 2012 Veloster | 31 | 166.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 202 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →