2012 Hyundai Veloster — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Hyundai Veloster is a saloon/sedan powered by a 1.6L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 37 mpg (UK) / 31 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 36–37 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Hyundai Veloster workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 1.6L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Manual 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Length | 4250 mm |
| Height | 1399 mm |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 90 cu ft (2,549 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 16 cu ft (453 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 37 combined / 32 urban / 44 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 31 combined / 27 city / 37 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 178 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,150 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster, all with the 1.6L 4-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 30 to 31 mpg (US), or 36 to 37 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 36 | 30 (27/35) | 184 | $2,250 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (27/37) | 178 | $2,150 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 90 cubic feet (about 2,549 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster
Running Costs: 2012 Hyundai Veloster
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Hyundai Veloster at 37 mpg combined, expect roughly 983 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Hyundai Veloster Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Hyundai Veloster (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Visibility (2), Service brakes (1), Electrical system (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Service brakes — campaign 23V651000, reported 22 September 2023. Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Electrical system — campaign 23V132000, reported 28 February 2023. Risk: An electrical short circuit increases the risk of a fire.
- Equipment — campaign 20V393000, reported 2 July 2020. Risk: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
- Visibility — campaign 13V051000, reported 19 February 2013. Risk: 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.
Showing the 4 most recent of 6 campaigns.
Owners have filed 296 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The most-reported areas are Engine (61), Visibility (55), Steering (42). Complaints include 15 reported crashes, 8 reported fires, 29 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 68 complaints across the 10 Hyundai Veloster model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Visibility (2 recall campaigns · 55 owner complaints) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
- Engine (61 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Steering (42 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Brakes (1 recall campaign) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Hyundai models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2012 Hyundai Veloster's 37 mpg is 3 mpg above that make average. Its 178 g/km CO₂ figure is 29 g/km lower than the 207 g/km Hyundai average.
Of the 10 Hyundai Veloster model years we cover, the 2012 is the most economical on its best configuration (37 mpg UK combined). See every Hyundai Veloster year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Hyundai Veloster have?
It's fitted with a 1.6L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a manual 6-spd transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Hyundai Veloster?
The most efficient configuration returns around 37 mpg (UK) combined, or 31 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 36 to 37 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Hyundai Veloster cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,150 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Hyundai Veloster have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Hyundai Veloster (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Visibility (2), Service brakes (1), Electrical system (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Hyundai Veloster?
Among the 296 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (61 complaints), Visibility (55 complaints), Steering (42 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Hyundai Veloster have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 90 cubic feet (about 2,549 litres) and luggage volume at 16 cubic feet (about 453 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.