2013 Hyundai Veloster

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

Hyundai Veloster
Pictured: 2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo in Ignite Flame, Front Left, 06-26-2022. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
3dr Hatchback /Tech Package166.1 in70.5 in55.1 in104.3 in61.4 / 61.4 in2,663 lb60/40
Turbo 3dr Hatchback167.3 in71.3 in55.1 in104.3 in61.4 / 61.8 in2,901 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Veloster1.6L 4-cylAutomatic (AM6)Front-Wheel Drive28 / 37 / 31+20%$2,150288
Veloster1.6L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive27 / 37 / 31+20%$2,150294
Veloster1.6L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive24 / 35 / 28+8%$2,400318
Veloster1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive24 / 31 / 27+4%$2,500317
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.9 MPG2013 Compact Cars average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Hyundai Veloster (this car)31 MPGNot rated3
2013 Honda Civic44 MPGNot rated0
2013 Toyota Prius50 MPGNot rated4
2013 Mazda 332 MPGNot rated0
2013 Volkswagen Golf/GTI32 MPGNot rated5
2013 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport30 MPGNot rated0
2013 Ford Focus32 MPGNot rated14

Recalls (3)

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.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Hyundai Veloster is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

382Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
33Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
77,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine168
Electrical System88
Unknown Or Other52
Steering52
Power Train28
Fuel/Propulsion System20
Service Brakes, Hydraulic17
Structure › Body14
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/04: 324/05: 324/06: 224/07: 224/08: 224/09: 324/10: 124/11: 125/03: 225/04: 225/05: 225/06: 425/07: 125/08: 125/09: 225/12: 126/01: 226/02: 326/03: 126/04: 126/06: 126/08: 326/09: 226/10: 224/0424/0724/1025/0425/0725/1226/0326/08max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Hyundai Veloster buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. 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.
  3. Engine — 168 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 88 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Steering — 52 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 77,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2022 Veloster25166.9 inNot rated237
2021 Veloster30166.9 inNot rated329
2020 Veloster30166.9 inNot rated229
2019 Veloster30166.9 inNot rated346
2017 Veloster31166.1 inNot rated050
2016 Veloster31166.1 inNot rated1224
2015 Veloster30166.1 inNot rated2137
2014 Veloster30166.1 inNot rated284
2012 Veloster31166.1 inNot rated6202

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →