Which Years Of Used Hyundai Veloster Ns Are Most Reliable?
We've rounded up two of the most reliable years for the Hyundai Veloster N. See which ones (and which Veloster N years to avoid) to make a smart purchasing decision.
The Hyundai Veloster N, a short-lived nameplate alongside its non-N counterpart, made a lasting impact on the hot-hatch scene during its brief existence. Introduced in 2019, the Veloster N quickly garnered attention for its potent performance, unique three-door design, and affordable price point.
With a turbocharged engine producing up to 275 horsepower, an enthusiast-friendly manual transmission option, and a well-tuned chassis, the Veloster N delivered a spirited driving experience that rivaled more established competitors. Although the Veloster and Veloster N were discontinued after the 2022 model year, their legacy as fun-to-drive, value-packed hatchbacks can’t be denied.
For those in the market for a used unit, understanding which is the most reliable Hyundai Veloster N year is crucial to making an informed purchase decision at the used car dealership and ensuring many miles of enjoyable and headache-free driving.
Difference Between Hyundai Veloster N and Standard Veloster
Before we get into the most reliable Hyundai Veloster N year, let’s first talk about the main difference between the Veloster N and the standard version.
The Hyundai Veloster and Veloster N are sporty hatchbacks catering to different driving experiences. The standard Veloster has a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. It offers a balanced performance for everyday driving with a good mix of efficiency and practicality. Its fuel economy stands at 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, which is more than decent for a daily commuter. Standard features include alloy wheels, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and keyless entry, with available upgrades such as leather upholstery and navigation.
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In contrast, the Veloster N is designed for performance enthusiasts. It boasts a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with a punchy 275 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the standard Veloster, this model is more powerful and features a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and an electronic limited-slip differential, making it track-ready.
The Veloster N’s fuel economy is slightly lower, at 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway - not surprising for a performance-oriented design. It comes standard with features like larger alloy wheels, sport seats, and high-performance tires, alongside advanced infotainment niceties such as a premium audio system and navigation.
To summarize, while the Veloster is a practical and efficient daily driver, the Veloster N is geared toward those seeking a thrilling, high-performance driving experience.
Which is the Most Reliable Hyundai Veloster N Year?
Like most vehicles, some Veloster N production years are more reliable than others. Below, we have rounded up the existing Veloster N years and provided our recommendation on whether to buy them based on reliability issues and consumer complaints.
Avoid: 2019 Hyundai Veloster N
If you’re looking for the most reliable Veloster N, the 2019 model year can be hard to recommend. For instance, it has the most NHTSA complaints, many of which are related to the engine, which can be a huge red flag.
According to NHTSA complaints, despite its impressive performance, the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N has struggled with engine issues. Owners have reported stalling engines, low RPMs, and knocking noises, raising serious safety concerns. In some cases, the engine has completely shut off while driving, leaving motorists stranded and vulnerable. The timing chain slipping and camshaft dowel failures have been identified as potential culprits. Hyundai has issued recalls for certain Veloster models, but not all affected vehicles seem to be covered.
Moreover, the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N has also been afflicted by structural issues, particularly concerning the driver’s side door. Numerous NHTSA complaints reveal a troubling pattern of the door handle failing to function properly in cold weather conditions. Owners have reported that the driver’s door remains stubbornly closed despite unlocking the car, refusing to open from the outside.
This leaves drivers with no choice but to enter through the passenger side and awkwardly reach across to open the driver’s door from within. The issue seems to persist regardless of whether the vehicle is on or off, and it appears to be limited to the driver’s side door, with other doors operating normally.
THE HYUNDAI VELOSTER N YEARS TO AVOID
We pinpoint the Hyundai Veloster N years to avoid, and provide key insights to guide your purchase decision.
Caution: 2020 Hyundai Veloster N
The 2020 Veloster N has fewer complaints than the 2019 model year but also has some engine-related issues. As such, we recommend approaching this model year with caution.
While the 2020 Hyundai Veloster N has fewer NHTSA complaints regarding engine problems than its 2019 counterpart, the issues raised are still a cause for concern. Owners have reported instances of the engine hesitating and failing to respond to the accelerator, potentially leading to dangerous situations on the road. In one alarming case, a sudden loss of power nearly resulted in a collision with a semi-truck.
Additionally, some owners have experienced excessive oil consumption, with one reporting that their vehicle burned through all its engine oil within just 3,000 miles. These issues have led to multiple engine replacements for some unlucky owners, with one even having to pay out of pocket. Although Hyundai has issued a recall for certain 2020 Veloster N models, the availability of parts has been a problem, leaving affected vehicles in limbo.
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Buy: 2021-2022 Hyundai Veloster N
If you can find a good deal for 2021 and 2022 Veloster Ns, these are likely your most reliable options.
No significant recalls or complaints have been reported to the NHTSA for the 2021 Veloster N. However, this is no guarantee that it’s problem-free, and it may also be due to the model’s lack of popularity. Regardless, the 2021 Veloster N was widely praised by critics such as Car and Driver, which gave it a solid 9 out of 10 rating.
In 2022, the Veloster N encountered some minor reliability concerns, primarily related to the lane departure system. Complaints were noted about the blind spot monitoring system malfunctioning after changing tires, giving false alerts, or failing to detect vehicles accurately. Despite these minor issues, many signs say the car’s overall reliability remains strong, as these problems are relatively isolated and do not significantly impact the vehicle’s performance.
Overall, the 2021 and 2022 Hyundai Veloster N models offer the best performance and reliability in the model’s history. The 2021 model is virtually trouble-free, and the 2022 model experiences only minor issues.
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