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Hyundai Veloster fire or smoke problems

74 of the 1,298 owner complaints about the Hyundai Veloster describe fire, smoke or burning smell, most of them for the 2013 model year.

owner complaints
74
worst model year
2013
typical mileage
91,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

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 Sep 27, 2026 · Electrical · NC

Climate control module burnt out (highly common problem). Replaced it along with new connection and it melted the control switch and fried the connector again. Hyundai has acknowledged this very common issue but still hasn't done a recall for the cheap wiring in the vehicle. Ive had smoke come out of my dash the 1st time. They dont sell the control know individually so you have to buy the whole console and they dont sell new connector so you have to buy the entire wiring harness and either take the dash off yourself to replace or take it in to be fixed and pay the hefty price for it. Please make them fix this because im very surprised someone's car hasn't caught fire yet.

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 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 Jun 10, 2026 · Electrical · SC

The climate control fan knob suddenly stopped working. I smelled a burning smell on the interior of the car. I pulled the panel off and noticed that the plug to the climate control harness was burnt. I can no longer utilize the climate control system.

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · 100,000 miles · AR

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 reverse and drive gears were inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the transmission was inoperable, the starter, the engine light were blinking, and the vehicle was slow to move. There was smoke coming from the vehicle. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Mar 2, 2026 · Engine · FL

I was instructed by Hyundai USA to tow my Veloster to West Palm Beach Hyundai dealership specifically for the rod bearing diagnostic after I reported huge amount of smoke coming from the engine, engine oil leak, failed thermostat, and failed water pump, all while I was driving to work. I have repeatedly asked for Hyundai USA to send me a copy of the technician's notes, oil pressure test results, and bearing clearance measurements, part of Hyundai's TSB 21-GI-009H. Hyundai USA continues to refuse to release to me the technical rod bearing diagnostic report completed on my 2016 Veloster. Since rod bearing failure is a safety recall issue (stalling), I am listing your help to explicitly request the Service Manager's diagnostic report and photos of the rod bearing clearance test. I can't get to work with my Veloster because it is unsafe to drive and has been at the dealership since January 17, 2026. My safety is at risk.

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 Jan 12, 2026 · Engine · TX

As I was driving to work one day my 2016 Veloster suddenly lost power on the expressway at expressway speeds. Now that in itself is very dangerous seeing as how there were big rigs around me. Luckily I managed to make it off of the expressway traveling slower than I turtle.i was almost rear ended on various occasions. I parked right away and left to work. I came back later that day and cranked her over and it started,but now with the check engine light blinking. So I attempted to drive it a little and it worked but now I've come to find out that it is in protect mode.I took it to my local Hyundai dealership (Hyundai of pharr) in pharr Texas and was told that Hyundai would not honor their extended warranty because whatever is wrong with it is not covered according to them. So a while back there was a class action lawsuit in California against the Hyundai Corporation of which I was a part of. When it was time for settlement I had a choice of monetary gain or and overly extended warranty on my 2016 Veloster that covered engine and transmission for I believe was 10 more years. So I chose the warranty but Hyundai still won't cover it. I guess I have to wait for my car to catch on fire before they submit the warranty and even then they will blame something else. So here I am,telling my story.

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.

Related recalls

Electrical systemReported February 28, 2023 · 25,715 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 23V132000 · Recall details

Questions about the Hyundai Veloster fire or smoke

Which Hyundai Veloster years have fire, smoke or burning smell problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2013 (32 complaints), 2012 (14 complaints) and 2016 (14 complaints).

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