Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 295 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, and it carries 6 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 37 | 13% |
| Visibility | 36 | 12% |
| Engine | 26 | 9% |
| Unknown or other | 23 | 8% |
| Electrical system | 17 | 6% |
| Visibility | 11 | 4% |
| Service brakes | 10 | 3% |
| Power train | 10 | 3% |
| Visibility/wiper | 10 | 3% |
| Structure | 9 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for an unknown recall repair. Upon retrieving the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The rever
NHTSA complaint: Power train
On January 15, 2026, at approximately 7:51 a.m., my son was involved in a motor vehicle collision that disabled three vehicles. His vehicle sustained significant damage and was declared a total loss. During the collision
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
After an update for a recall for brake issues, the dealership updated the knock sensor update without my consent. After the knock sensor software was installed, my 2012 Hyundai veloster will not operate without going int
NHTSA complaint: Vehicle speed control
I stood my [XXX] nephew up in the front passengers side floorboard of the 2012 hyundia voloster manual transmission with push start . I stepped out of the car on the passage side of the car the car was parked in first g
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
On [XXX] I was driving when I heard a sudden explosion followed by shattering glass. There was glass in my car and chunks flew off onto the road. It was the panoramic sunroof on my 2012 Hyundai Veloster that had a recall
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
On Tue 6/17 I was driving my 2012 Hyundai Veloster home when the sunroof glass spontaneously exploded (no notifications)then the sound of shattering glass. There were no cars ahead of me and none behind so it was doubtf
NHTSA complaint: Structure
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. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable
NHTSA complaint: Visibility
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 ma
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
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.
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 m
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 prolong
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, 2
| Reliability raw | 55 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 67 | good |
| Maintenance | 81 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 87 | excellent |
| Performance | 41 | below average |
| Efficiency | 54 | average |
Percentile ranks against other compact cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 295 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and steering is the most reported area with 37 of them (13%). There are 6 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 55/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 67/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2012 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 66/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.