2013 Hyundai Veloster: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · TX · fire · 1 injury

My 2013 Hyundai Veloster caught fire spontaneously while it was turned off and parked in my garage. The fire originated in the engine compartment, specifically around the ABS module area. The vehicle has an open and incomplete safety recall for this exact issue (Recall 251 / the federal safety agency Campaign 23V-651000). The Mission Fire Department responded to the scene to extinguish the fire

Filed Aug 3, 2026 · Brakes · FL · fire

The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it caught on fire. The vehicle became engulfed in flames, and the authorities were called to the scene. The Fire Department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was later towed to an impound lot where it was deemed a total loss. No injuries were reported. A police report was filed. A nearby roadside electrical box was damaged due to the heat from the fire. Prior to the fire, the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V132000 (Electrical System). The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle did not have a parking sensor, and the recall repair would not apply to the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact later discovered that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the owner was not made aware of the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 27, 2026 · Electrical · OH

I am writing regarding a serious safety issue with my 2013 Hyundai Veloster, purchased new. Over the life of the vehicle, I have replaced the manual AC/heat control head three times due to repeated failure. During the most recent installation, I left the trim panel off to monitor the wiring harness and found it becomes extremely hot while operating. A local repair technician examined it and immediately advised me not to use the heating system due to potential fire risk. Research specific to my vehicle shows documented issues including blower control overheating, burning smell/smoke, burned internal contacts, wiring harness heat damage, and repeat control failure. These match exactly what is occurring with my car. I previously spoke with my dealership’s parts department and was told there may be known concerns involving the wiring harness and blower resistor. I also contacted Hyundai Motor America Consumer Affairs but did not receive assistance. After inspection, the dealership informed me the wiring harness and resistor must be replaced at a cost of approximately $2,450. Given the repeated failures and overheating electrical components, I do not believe I should be responsible for this expense, especially considering the potential safety hazard. The vehicle has been carefully maintained, stored properly, and rarely driven in winter. I had planned to use it for travel after retirement but now feel unsafe operating it. I respectfully request a formal safety review and goodwill repair assistance, as this appears to be a defect rather than normal wear. I am also filing a complaint with the federal safety agency due to the documented fire risk. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. I am respectfully requesting: A formal safety review of this issue. Goodwill repair assistance or full coverage of the repair costs. Clarification as to whether this issue has been evaluated for recall consideration. [XXX] , [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Filed Sep 2, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NC · fire

On or about May 1, 2025, I was operating my 2013 Hyundai Veloster when flames were observed emanating from under the hood. I immediately pulled into the median and, upon opening the hood, observed an active fire beneath the plastic engine cover. I contacted 911. Before the fire department arrived, a passerby extinguished the flames with a fire extinguisher. Firefighters from a nearby station arrived shortly thereafter and fully doused the engine compartment. The vehicle was subsequently towed to a Hyundai dealership. At that time, I was aware of an active recall related to potential brake line issues that could result in an engine compartment fire. After the vehicle remained at the dealership for an extended period, I was informed that Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) would send an inspector. Approximately 30 days later, I was contacted by HMA’s corporate office and asked to provide documentation, including a copy of the title and insurance information. During this call, I was advised that while repair or replacement of the vehicle was unlikely, HMA would “make me whole.” Shortly thereafter, I received written correspondence from HMA stating that, following its review of the inspection results, documents, and other information, no product defect was identified as the cause of the incident. The letter concluded that HMA would not accept responsibility and denied my request for assistance or compensation.

Filed Aug 16, 2025 · Electrical · TX · fire

Smoke, burning smell came from ac control unit. Ac wiring unit, knob completely burned/melted. Reported to Hyundai local and corporate office no resolution other then I just have to replace the unit. Please note this happened in 2022 (40,000 miles today vehicle had 58,000miles) and I paid in full for the replacement the 1st time.

Filed Sep 17, 2024 · Brakes · 87,700 miles · OH · fire

The contact's god-daughter owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the ABS warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic) was performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle at the residence, the contact noticed that the ABS fuse was blown. The contact replaced the ABS fuse; however, the ABS motor made an abnormal whining and humming sound. The ABS motor then blew up and caught on fire. The contact stated that he was able to extinguish the 12 inch high flames with a bottle of water. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the ABS unit and the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the recall remedy failed to fix the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; however, the manufacturer later sent a letter to the contact advising that the claim was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 87,700.

Filed Jun 25, 2024 · TX

The HVAC control knob overheated and burned out in my car. It scorched/charred and melted the plastic switch it was plugged into in the dash. It caused a strong burnt plastic, Smokey smell inside the car while I was driving. I thought the car was on fire at first. Thank goodness it wasn’t but it really could have started a fire in the dash of the car under the right conditions. I’ve read numerous accounts online of this same exact issue on this year/model, but no action has been taken by Hyundai to rectify this dangerous design flaw. I’ve also read that it can and usually happens again to the replacement control knob and plug. It’s absolute insanity to replace it with the exact same part knowing full well that it’s most likely going to do the same exact thing again. What if it does cause a fire in the dash the next time while I’m driving? It could possibly severely injure or kill me and any passenger in the car in addition to putting other drivers at risk from a mobile flaming inferno.

Filed Mar 14, 2024 · Airbags, Brakes · 103,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started and in park(P), there was smoke coming from the engine compartment with a burning odor. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 103,000.

Filed May 20, 2023 · Engine · WI

Unknown. Yesterday May, 19th we were driving when the check engine light started flashing, the car started runing rough, misfiring, and there was a burning smell. On top of that our car has been burning too much oil and gass. As of right now we have an appt to have it towed to, and have it serviced at our local Hyundai dealership in Racine, Wi for our 2013 Veloster turbo. Our issue is that there is a recall on later models for engine failures, for the very same symptoms, but not ours for some reason.

Filed Jan 4, 2023 · Electrical, Visibility · TX · fire

The blower for the AC and heater stopped working. It evidently caught fire because there is a burnt smell. When I searched the problem, I noticed that you already did a recall for this but left out the 2013 models. This is extremely dangerous as it could catch fire while driving. Please add the 2013s to the recall.

Filed Nov 11, 2022 · Electrical · NH

I was driving and the blower control switch stopped working and I had smoke coming out of my dash. Later my husband took it apart and the back of the switch and the part that plugged into the switch was burned. Without a blower, I don't have any defrost, fan, or ac option which could be dangerous in the winter if things ice over. We called Hyundai and they are very well aware of this issue and they said that we could replace it and the same thing could happen in 2 months and they aren't doing anything about it. This part was replaced once by the dealer while my car was under warranty. The only indication that there was a problem is when it stopped working along with the smoke issue.

Filed Apr 21, 2022 · Engine · OH · fire

Engine was producing a ticking noise for about half a day before the check engine light came on. The check engine light was on for one day before I noticed the vehicle starting to stall out. The engine caught on fire after stalling out.