Do Not Drive — Critical Safety Warning

The NHTSA has issued a "Park It" advisory for this specific vehicle configuration. There is a catastrophic safety defect that poses an immediate risk of death or severe injury. Scroll down to the Recall Intelligence section for specific remedy instructions.

50/100
2012Compact CarsRegular

2012 Hyundai Veloster

EPA ID: 31686
27
City MPG
30
Combined MPG
30MPG· Excellent
35
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster achieves an EPA-estimated 30 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine paired with a automatic (am6), this compact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2012 Veloster produces approximately 296 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Veloster performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,000, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would spend $750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassCompact Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine1.6L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic (AM6)
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions296 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,000
5-Year Cost DeltaSpend $750

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
30.1
Impact vs EPA
$-6
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$518/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$14,000
45.1%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$8,750
28.2%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,900
25.4%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.3%
Total 5-Year Cost$31,050

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #23V651000·2024-04-10
⛔ PARK IT
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

Campaign #23V132000·2023-07-28
critical
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: 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.

Campaign #20V393000·2020-09-28
critical
Component: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

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 prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.

Remedy: 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, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.

Campaign #13V051000·2013-03-29
critical
Component: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

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.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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 may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

Campaign #12V568000·2013-01-22
critical
Component: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

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.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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 may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.

Campaign #12V567000·2013-01-22
critical
Component: PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE

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.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: 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 is not fully engaged when parked, a manual transmission may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Hyundai Veloster configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,000
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Spend $750

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City27 MPG
Highway35 MPG
Combined30 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

59.2 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 73 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 4.9 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.