DecodedCars2021 Hyundai Veloster
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 3dr Coupe, N 3dr Coupe, Turbo 3dr Coupe
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 28 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 166.9–167.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,734–3,106 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Overview
The 2021 Hyundai Veloster is a compact car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 167 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,734 lb (3dr Coupe).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (28 city / 34 highway), 9% better than the 2021 compact car average of 27.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the lane departure.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Veloster — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Veloster →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3dr Coupe | 166.9 in | 70.9 in | 54.7 in | 104.3 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 2,734 lb | 61/39 |
| N 3dr Coupe | 167.7 in | 70.9 in | 54.7 in | 104.3 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 3,106 lb | 64/36 |
| Turbo 3dr Coupe | 166.9 in | 70.9 in | 54.7 in | 104.3 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 2,833 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veloster | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 30 | +9% | $2,250 | 299 |
| Veloster | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 34 / 30 | +9% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Veloster | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +5% | $2,300 | 308 |
| Veloster | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +2% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Veloster N | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 25 | -9% | $3,300 | 363 |
| Veloster N | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | -20% | $3,750 | 400 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Hyundai Veloster.
Similar 2021 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Veloster (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2021 Mazda 3 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Nissan Leaf | 226 mi | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota C-HR | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Mazda 2 | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Hyundai Accent | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control/Drive Module · Jul 11, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V528000 · 54,647 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 9, 2024. Some interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 262 and 023G.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 6, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V746000 · 56,148 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
- Risk
- Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 236.
Engine · Apr 28, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V301000 · 158,493 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Not every 2021 Hyundai Veloster is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Hyundai Veloster buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 13 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Steering — 8 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 24,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Veloster. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Veloster years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Veloster | 25 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 37 |
| 2020 Veloster | 30 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 29 |
| 2019 Veloster | 30 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 46 |
| 2017 Veloster | 31 | 166.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 50 |
| 2016 Veloster | 31 | 166.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 224 |
| 2015 Veloster | 30 | 166.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 137 |
| 2014 Veloster | 30 | 166.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 84 |
| 2013 Veloster | 31 | 166.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 382 |
| 2012 Veloster | 31 | 166.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 202 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →