Is the 2020 Hyundai VELOSTER reliable?

The 2020 Hyundai VELOSTER has 29 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2020 Hyundai VELOSTER?

Top problems: ENGINE (8 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (6 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Hyundai VELOSTER?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): ENGINE. Contact any Hyundai dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Hyundai VELOSTER?

The 2020 Hyundai VELOSTER gets 29 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1655. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2020 Hyundai VELOSTER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2020 Hyundai VELOSTER is approximately $1,607/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2020 Hyundai VELOSTER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Hyundai VELOSTER has 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 114. The most common issue is engine problems (28% of all complaints), specifically: i have had 2 motor replacements from tupelo mississippi barns crossing hyundai and one i had to pay put of pocket for. i have also had to have the downpipe replaced also after my second motor replacement. i feel like this motor needs a class action lawsuit because apparently i am not the only velost. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

8 complaints

28%

• I HAVE HAD 2 MOTOR REPLACEMENTS FROM TUPELO MISSISSIPPI BARNS CROSSING HYUNDAI AND ONE I HAD TO PAY PUT OF POCKET FOR. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE DOWNPIPE REPLACED ALSO AFTER MY SECOND MOTOR REPLACEMENT. I FEEL LIKE THIS MOTOR NEEDS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BECAUSE APPARENTLY I AM NOT THE ONLY VELOST
• On June 11th, 2021, as I was driving on the freeway my car lost all power. I was doing 65 in the second lane on the right. The sudden loss of power almost caused a semitruck to hit me. This was do to engine problems laid out in the current recall. I didnt know about the recall, Hyundai still ha
• The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Veloster. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The c

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“I HAVE HAD 2 MOTOR REPLACEMENTS FROM TUPELO MISSISSIPPI BARNS CROSSING HYUNDAI AND ONE I HAD TO PAY PUT OF POCKET FOR. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE DOWNPIPE REPLACED ALSO AFTER MY SECOND MOTOR REPLACEMENT. I FEEL LIKE THIS MOTOR NEEDS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BECAUSE APPARENTLY I AM NOT THE ONLY VELOST”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (1)

ENGINE28/04/2021

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.

Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Hyundai VELOSTER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,656

Per month

$138

Per mile

13.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,412/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Hyundai VELOSTER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,607

Full coverage / month

$134

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1607

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Hyundai VELOSTER Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

90K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Turbo engines (1.6T, 2.0T) need premium fuel and more frequent oil (some owners service at 5,000 miles).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Hyundai New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

7 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / unlimited mi

10 years/100K powertrain warranty is transferable only to first purchaser after initial owner

These are the terms for a new Hyundai. If you're buying a used 2020 VELOSTER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Hyundai dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 29 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: I HAVE HAD 2 MOTOR REPLACEMENTS FROM TUPELO MISSISSIPPI BARNS CROSSING HYUNDAI AND ONE I HAD TO PAY PUT OF POCKET FOR. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE DOWNPIPE REPLACED ALSO AFTER MY SECOND MOTOR REPLACEMENT. I FEEL LIKE THIS MOTOR NEEDS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BECAUSE APPARENTLY I AM NOT THE ONLY VELOST
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: 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 -
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: During cold temperatures (sub 32F), the driver's side door will not open from the outside. Occasionally the passenger door is affected as well. This required crawling through the hatch to open the doors from the inside. When the key fob is actuated you can hear and audible click in the area of th
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated, and the power steering failed. The contact stated that he was able to drive to his residence by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The dealer was notified of
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Hyundai dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)