Check a VIN

Hyundai Veloster check engine light comes on

190 of the 1,299 owner complaints about the Hyundai Veloster describe check engine light, most of them for the 2013 model year.

owner complaints
190
worst model year
2013
typical repair cost reported
$5,000
typical mileage
86,000
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Knocking 56Stalling 51Engine failure 48Loss of power 31Fire or smoke 20Won't shift 12Hesitation 12Misfire 9

Trouble codes mentioned

P1326 5P0442 2U1103 1P2261 1P0463 1P0441 1P0420 1P0401 1P0335 1P0303 1

What owners say

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel system · TN

1. COMPONENT FAILED / INSPECTION AVAILABLE: The EVAP canister system failed to retain fuel vapors due to a leak at a structural bracket bolt hole drilled by a technician. The vent valve wiring harness malfunctioned after being physically severed by the shop. All photos, video proof, and OBD2 logs are preserved and available for inspection upon request. 2. SAFETY RISK: Safety was compromised by fuel vapor emissions. The dealer falsified Special Parts Order (SPO) recall records, releasing the vehicle into public operation with an active fuel vapor leak, creating an immediate fire hazard and exposure to toxic fumes. Severing the vent valve wiring rendered emission diagnostics completely non-operational. 3. CONFIRMED BY DEALER/INDEPENDENT: The original canister failure was confirmed by a manufacturer warranty authorization. The failure of the dealer's bracket remedy was confirmed via a home smoke test with clear video evidence of the leak. Physical damage to the electrical harness was visually confirmed via before/after photos taken immediately upon picking up the vehicle. 4. INSPECTION BY OTHERS: Inspected by manufacturer representatives at Twin City Hyundai (Alcoa, TN) under open safety campaigns. The service department falsified safety recall metrics to hide non-compliance, misdiagnosed leaks to solicit $1,100+ in fraudulent repairs, and issued a lifetime service ban to cover up their actions when confronted with proof. 5. WARNING LAMPS & SYMPTOMS: Check Engine Light displayed permanent trouble code P0442 (EVAP small leak). Following the dealer's canister installation and damage to the wiring, a new electrical circuit code triggered immediately. Following my manual repair of the dealer-inflicted harness damage, the permanent P0442 code completely cleared on its own, proving the dealership's diagnosis was fraudulent.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Engine · NJ

Vehicle was checked for Hyundai recall 203 in 2022. Engine suffered a catastrophic failure in March of 2024 at around 94,000 miles due to the improperly heat treated piston rings referenced in Hyundai recall 203. Dealership only replaced the short block after suffering an attempted thrown rod, resulting in debris left in the engine. A teardown of the engine was required this year to unstick the OCV 2 Valve which should have been replaced with a Long Block replacement after the catastrophic rod failure. No check engine light or oil pressure light appeared before the original catastrophic failure. Technician report confirmed there was no oil sludge sticking the valve. About 2 weeks ago I had received a P0016 and eventually a P0171 code. During this time I had a rough idle and my car would constantly try to pull itself forwards when braking or idling due to the engine constantly pulling more air and fuel through then it should. Doing my due diligence I replaced my 2 VVT Solenoids and a PCV Valve on my own before ultimately needing to bring it in.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine · 100,144 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that there was an oil odor coming from the vehicle while entering and inspecting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that there was oil leaking from the vehicle while at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone and email, and several cases were opened. The failure mileage was approximately 100,144.

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Airbags · 194,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine and air bag warning lights intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was driven over deep potholes on the highway, which damaged the steering column and caused the steering wheel to become loose. The contact filed a Police report after the issue, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the driver's side air bag was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired by the insurance company. The failure mileage was approximately 194,000.

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Engine · IL

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving 37 - 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle made knocking sounds. Additionally, while parking the vehicle, there was a fuel odor and smoke coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by a mobile independent mechanic, who determined that the vehicle needed an oil change and that there was engine failure with the vehicle.

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Engine · TN

2016 Hyundai Veloster with 1.6L Gamma engine experienced repeat catastrophic engine failure consistent with the federal safety agency Recall 20V746000 / Hyundai Recall 198 for connecting rod bearing failure. Failure #1: At 124,036 miles, engine developed loud knocking noise increasing with RPM, check engine light, and DTCs P0300 (random misfire) + P0303 (cylinder 3 misfire). Dealer repair order documented "broken intake valve on cylinder 3." Engine was replaced at my expense because Hyundai stated VIN was not covered under Recall 198, despite failure mode matching the recall. Failure #2: Hyundai replacement engine failed at 164,410 miles (40,374 miles on replacement engine). Identical symptoms returned: loud metallic knock that increases with RPM, same DTCs P0300/P0303, misfire cylinder 3. Vehicle is currently inoperable. Safety Concern: the federal safety agency Recall 20V746 states connecting rod bearings "may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage" and "can increase the risk of a fire." Both of my engines suffered catastrophic internal damage at ∼40k-50k mile intervals with identical codes and cylinder 3 failure. A broken intake valve is engine damage directly caused by bearing wear allowing piston-to-valve contact. This is a pattern defect. My VIN was excluded from the recall, yet suffered the exact failure twice. The replacement engine supplied by Hyundai had the same defect. This presents a safety risk of sudden engine stall, loss of power, or fire while driving. Requested Action: Investigation into why VINs experiencing the exact failure mode are excluded from Recall 20V746, and assistance obtaining remedy from Hyundai.

Filed Apr 28, 2026 · Engine · TX

I was driving on the highway when suddenly the car lost power and the engine light started flashing. I was able to coast into a gas station. The car would no longer start and I was stranded. The next day, we drove back to where the car was stranded and attempted to get it started again, but we were unsuccessful. We had the car towed to a mechanic shop where we were told that the entire engine was blown and needed to be replaced. We had the car towed to the local Hyundai service center so they could inspect the engine. We discovered that the make, model, and year of our Veloster had been subject to an engine recall and these cars were given an extended warranty to 15 years/150,000 miles. Hyundai inspected the engine and refused to provide assistance under the extended warranty/recall. Replacement of the engine is going to cost close to $10,000.

Filed Apr 22, 2026 · Engine · NE

The car goes into limp mode in the middle of driving on the interstate or usually at higher speeds and loses speed quickly. This has put me at high risk for accidents when traveling between cities and has left me stranded on dangerous parts of the interstate at times. I have taken it to my Hyundai dealer I bought the car from and they said there is a knock in the engine and the whole engine would need replaced and I cannot afford that ($12k) but the car only has 125k miles on it and I want to keep it for as long as possible because it’s my baby. I do not think it has been inspected by anyone but my dealer yet but I am willing to let anyone look at it in order to get it fixed without paying an arm and a leg. The car did have some issues prior to this issue that were recalled and fixed, but this happened out of nowhere and when it does happen the engine light flashes and it goes into limp mode. The light currently stays on because of the O2 Sensor though, but that is not a big issue. I have to use a OBD2 Scanner to clear the engine knock code every time it goes into limp mode in order to drive it properly and even then it will go back into limp mode eventually. My car started having issues probably a year or two ago. I also want to note I know a girl who used to have the exact same year, make and model of car as me and had the exact same issues of going into limp mode and such so it is not just a random issue of mine.

Filed Mar 26, 2026 · Engine · 161,000 miles · UT

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while her sister was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to be restarted, but made an abnormal knocking sound. The check engine warning light was flashing. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted and informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed to confirm whether it was covered under warranty. The dealer informed the contact that towing assistance would be provided; however, the dealer drove the vehicle to the repair center, where it was diagnosed, and metal debris was found in the oil control solenoid. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. A mobile independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and recommended either the rod bearings or engine replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and contacted the dealer. The manufacturer then informed the contact that the dealer advised that the vehicle could not be diagnosed or receive a free repair unless unrelated repairs were first performed. The manufacturer denied a Goodwill Assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Engine · CA

I was driving on 8 east freeway when all of a sudden my car lost complete power. Engine light flashing, and couldn't pick up any speed. The truck in back of me almost hit me cause my car wouldn't go. Prior to this incident, my car was and has been working perfectly. . My mom had it towed back home and got a mechanic to check the code and it gave a P1326 code which is exact code for a previous recall on these cars. I contacted Hyundai Corporate and the rep told me to take it into a Hyundai dealership to get repaired but to mention that campaign 966 was performed on the car already. Which was to prevent the p1326 recall from happening. And clearly it didn't.

Related recalls

EngineReported April 28, 2021 · 158,493 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 21V301000 · Recall details

EngineReported December 1, 2020 · 128,948 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Risk
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.

Recall number 20V746000 · Recall details

EngineReported March 14, 2019 · 16,487 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 19V204000 · Recall details

Questions about the Hyundai Veloster check engine light

Why does the check engine light come on in the Hyundai Veloster?

Owners who report it most often also describe engine knocking or ticking, engine stalls while driving and engine failure, and the codes they mention most are P1326, P0442 and U1103.

Which Hyundai Veloster years have check engine light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2013 (47 complaints), 2016 (41 complaints) and 2015 (30 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the Hyundai Veloster?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $5,000 (median of 13 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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