Is your Veloster a Lemon? (Problem that can't seem to be fixed)

[melision]

OK so i have an update to my issues! My car seemed to be working fine again until this weekend!!! I was 170kms away from home and it decided to die on me ! So it had to be towed and taken to a holding bay over the weekend until Hyundai opens again (being today). I am so upset and annoyed that this is happening to me. The car has now been in for repairs 4 times in 4 months. My partner is dealing with it for me now as I was getting nowhere. Apparently someone that received my car this morning said it sounds like a fuel pump issue. I had previously asked another service centre about this and they said they had checked it and told me it DEFINATELY can not be that. I dont want to drive this car anymore - I want my money back. I am too scared to take it back on the roads now after the car dying in the middle of a busy intersection so far away from home. I really do love this car and its features but I can't spend anymore time and effort on trying to get this sorted. I bought a brand new car as I need it to be RELIABLE :/ We have asked for a full refund but I will see if this happens.. otherwise it am going to the office of fair trading.

[melision]

oh and what REALLY annoyed me is that by the time RACQ roadside assist arrived, my car turned on and started FINE. GRRRrrrrr!!!!! I need a punching bag.. really.

[Rush]

OK so i have an update to my issues! My car seemed to be working fine again until this weekend!!! I was 170kms away from home and it decided to die on me ! So it had to be towed and taken to a holding bay over the weekend until Hyundai opens again (being today). I am so upset and annoyed that this is happening to me. The car has now been in for repairs 4 times in 4 months. My partner is dealing with it for me now as I was getting nowhere. Apparently someone that received my car this morning said it sounds like a fuel pump issue. I had previously asked another service centre about this and they said they had checked it and told me it DEFINATELY can not be that. I dont want to drive this car anymore - I want my money back. I am too scared to take it back on the roads now after the car dying in the middle of a busy intersection so far away from home. I really do love this car and its features but I can't spend anymore time and effort on trying to get this sorted. I bought a brand new car as I need it to be RELIABLE :/ We have asked for a full refund but I will see if this happens.. otherwise it am going to the office of fair trading.

I'm going through the very same thing. I know your pain. See the thread Tow Truck Bait...

[melision]

my gosh!!! luckily mine has only been on the tow once so far - refused to drive it all the way home from there. So unreliable and frustrating! we do have consumer law here so hopefully that will help me :/

[Ricky-D]

Feel free to PM me if you want to exchange contact info but I'm happy to help. What you need to do is either Lemon Law your car NOW (I know some Lemon Law attorneys in California that can help you), or you need to tell the dealer that they have to rip out the entire brain/ECU of the car and replace it with another. Evidently the cause of the problem is that sometimes when Hyundai flashes the Veloster ECU with the update from last spring the update reports that it was successfully installed but inactuality it isn't, there are parts of the memory in the ECU that are messed up, think bad code, bad data, whatever. A subsequent flash WILL NOT fix the ECU as the corrupted code prevents those sectors from being overwritten. Hyundai had to physically replace the ECU/computer in my old car to get the car to run right again, updating the ECU software does NOT fix the problem. Assuming your car has the same problem your car is UNSAFE and should not be driven until it either is Lemon Law'd and turned in and replaced with a different car, or until Hyundai completely replaces the physical computer/ECU in your car. Your service people are probably clueless about this because Hyundai is keeping this hush-hush because it only happens in "rare" instances that the ECU is defective or doesn't flash properly and becomes defective.

My opinion: I feel certain, you are correct and the problems lay with the computer controlling the car. There may be more that one computer. It's hard for me to understand the reluctance of Hyundai to quickly replace the computer(s). It may be a terrible big job to do the change out, but regardless, Hyundai should do the "right thing".

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[Darklight]

This thread is scary. I may never buy a Veloster.

[Rush]

By all means PLEASE each and everyone of you experiencing these problems report it to NHTSA. This is safety issue as well as a dangerous situation to have a car stalling intermintently while driving. NHTSA needs to hear from the owners. Enough complaints will warrant an investigation and potential recall. Hyundai corporate can't hide from or ignore NHTSA

I feel your pain as I went thru the N. Y. Lemon Law with a new Chevy truck back in 1987.
Fortunately I have had none of the drivability problems being reported here with my V.

Ray T

Here in Canada we report safety related problems to Transport Canada. I actually filed my concern on my stalling V this morning.

[Maverick]

This sounds a lot like the problem I was having with my Accent. Intermittent problem that wouldn't repeat several times for the dealer. Car would be fine, then buck and chug and sometimes die completely. Sometimes would not restart, other times fine again. After much frustration it turned out to be that 2 of the coil packs (sit right on top of spark plugs) were faulty. Dealer replaced all 4 under warranty because they were all from the same production batch and suspected the other 2 might also fail. It took 3 months and 4 service visits, and I don't blame them too much - its hard to diagnose when the problem is not occurring. ECM was storing a code for misfire cyl 2 and 3, but the first times when they tested the coils they tested OK so they looked at other areas. A lot of frustration at the time, but it's been happy motoring ever since! I wouldn't be surprised if there are a lot more cars out there with coils with the same manufacturing defect.

[fbreazer]

I have had the same issue and am now fighting another. I experienced all of the same symptoms and took it to the shop a number of times, only to be told that nothing was found during diagnostics. Finally, as I was driving home one day, my 2012 started to exhibit the symptoms and I was able to drive to the shop, bucking and churning all of the way. When I arrived, I kept the car running and, while parked, showed the manager what was happening with the inability to exceed 3000 RPMs. I was told that it was a rev limiter and that it was because it was parked. I demanded to have someone drive it and, after being told that it was being caused by my winter floor mats, they finally conceded that there was an issue. After 4 days in the shop, I was finally told that there was a "firmware update to the transmission" that mysteriously just appeared on the Hyundai update site to which only shop technicians have access. Whatever was done seemed to have fixed this issue.

Then there was another trip to the shop for the rattling in the front suspension. I had just had it serviced and they did their famous multi-point inspection, so there could not possibly be anything wrong. I again demanded that someone ride in the car. After hearing the persistent rattle, it was finally diagnosed as worn stabilizer links. This was on a vehicle that was less than 1 year old. Not normal for any vehicle. They replaced them at no charge.
Now, while driving during the Ohio winter months, at highway speeds the engine will suddenly and randomly rev to about 5000 RPMs. As you can imagine, this can be quite an experience when driving on icy roads. The first time that it occurred, it almost caused me to spin out of control on an icy bridge. I've now learned to just immediately get off of the accelerator for it to resume normal RPMs. So, it is back to the shop again for this problem.

Additionally, it also randomly does not engage when putting the car into reverse. It just sits there. I usually have to stop and restart the engine before this will correct itself. All of this, combined with the display sporadically not working, the awesome Conestoga covered wagon suspension, the acceleration of a Yugo GV and the cat-like reflexive steering of a 1976 Cadillac Sedan deVille makes for possibly my worst experience with a car in my almost 40 years of driving. And I have owned a Chevy II.

I realize that there are lots of satisfied customers that have had little to no issues, but there are also many of us who continue to have multiple problems. As they have done with the mileage fiasco and the exploding panoramic tops, I think that it is time that Hyundai recognizes the fact that there are many that are experiencing identical issues with the transmissions, fuel systems, etc...

[fbreazer]

And on an additional note, I wrote to Hyundai explaining all of my issues and of my dissatisfaction with their product. Here is the response that I received from this "responsible" company...

Customer Name(Edited):

Thank you for contacting Hyundai Motor America.

Based upon the information you provided, your will need to work with the Sales Manager at Dealership(Edited). Your contract is with Dealership(Edited) and they will be able to address your concerns.

We have documented your comments. Your case number is XXXXXXXXX(Edited) and can be referenced if we can provide further assistance.

Thank you for contacting Hyundai Motor America.

[Rush]

Although the dealership doing the sevice seems to be very good and helpful, Hyundai Corporate is far from being interested in customer service. I was told last thursday I would receive a call that day. Since I still hadn't heard anything today I called again. This time they did call back but with no offer for a rent a car or anything, essentially saying that there is no codes so there is nothing they could do but would look into it further. Hyundai is going to soon have its old reputation back. At least they could stand up and admit they have a problem just like Toyota and Honda did and the relentless "we're not aware of any similiar problems' is getting very old.

[fbreazer]

Although the dealership doing the sevice seems to be very good and helpful, Hyundai Corporate is far from being interested in customer service. I was told last thursday I would receive a call that day. Since I still hadn't heard anything today I called again. This time they did call back but with no offer for a rent a car or anything, essentially saying that there is no codes so there is nothing they could do but would look into it further. Hyundai is going to soon have its old reputation back. At least they could stand up and admit they have a problem just like Toyota and Honda did and the relentless "we're not aware of any similiar problems' is getting very old.

My dealership has been semi-helpful, with the exception of the snide service manager incorrectly informing me of the cause of my issues like the "its a rev limiter that is causing the transmission issue". Perhaps I am being pessimistic, but it took a call to the dealership management to get proper service. I'm not that guy that thinks he is privileged or deserves anything other than courteous service, but the issues that I've experienced can be dangerous. I just hope it doesn't take a fatality for Hyundai to realize it.

As far as Hyundai is concerned, I'll just assume that the above response to my lengthy explanation of all of my issues was from a level 1 support person that didn't know what they were doing. Regardless, I will continue to protest my issues with Hyundai and will make sure that they repeatedly see the completely unacceptable response that I received. I don't think I've ever been more completely blown off more than with that pathetic response. The funny part is the last line..."if we can provide furtherassistance". Doesn't that imply that they have previously provided assistance? I see none that was given except to tell me to go away and contact my dealer for all of my problems.

[ghostndragon]

This thread is scary. I may never buy a Veloster.

Honestly, the number of lemons is few. All car models have them. And you will probably find all of their owners posting on their respective forums because they need somewhere to vent. I wouldn't worry about buying a Veloster--of course I'm biased because I'm a very happy Veloster owner. But, if you are concerned, don't buy one. I do advise you to join a forum for any other car you decide you might be interested in--you'll probably find at least one thread like this there, as well. Good luck, Darklight!

[MTD]

This thread is scary. I may never buy a Veloster.

Because a very small amount of owners have issues? Most of which do get fixed by the dealers. Every car has problems. My old Mini was such a turd I paid to break the lease early.

I really appreciate Rush's continuing to post and keep people informed. I sucks he/she got a potential Lemon, but at least he/she is keeping us all updated. Other people only rant and rave, make 2-3 posts then are never heard from again.

If your really not happy with the car, then get rid of it.

[fbreazer]

This is not my first Hyundai vehicle and I had exceptional service with my other. There is always the possibility of getting a Lemon of any model of any manufacturer. The fact that I don't rant and rave about how great my Veloster has been is simply because it has not been a good car. It is unfortunate when anyone has a potential lemon, regardless of whether or not a dealership is providing fixes. Repeatedly having to take a car in for any issues is annoying, at best.

Poster updates are great, but I fail to see the point of anyone posting, "I took it back to the shop again and, after running diagnostics, no issues were found." As several have mentioned, these events usually occur randomly and are difficult to replicate. Is that the shop's fault? No. Should they have to provide rental cars to customers so they can keep the vehicle for days/weeks to be able to replicate the issues? No. It is Hyundai's responsibility and, in my recently biased opinion, they are lacking.

As with any other manufacturer, this isn't the only forum and/or website that contains articles and posts about issues with a particular vehicle. Anyone can Google "Hyundai Veloster Recalls and Issues" and find that there are numerous customers that have problems. It appears that it is not a "very small amount of owners" when considering the amount of Velosters that have been sold. And yes, you can also find numerous websites with posts from owners that are completely satisfied with their Veloster.

As for getting rid of a new car because I am not happy about the lack of quality and functionality of a car that cannot operate normally and be regularly acceptable for transportation; I'm not drinking that Koolaid. I find it hard to believe that anyone else would either. Why would anyone take a loss for something about which they are not responsible? To suggest that makes no sense.

I'm very glad that you and others have had good service and reliability with your vehicle. As someone who has enjoyed cars and driving for many years, it is always pleasing to hear about someone's great experience with a car, especially someone's first car. Inversely, it is always disappointing to hear when others have had their experience diminished by the inconsistent functionality and flawed quality of a car.

[Rush]

I think these forums are very important for several reasons, introducing products available for our vehicles and how these perform, creating a sense of community through ownership, and allowing people to make informed decisions if they are thinking about a purchase.

But another function of these forums is it allows those of us who have problems to draw on the knowledge of those who have already worked through them. Be it an install of an aftermarket accessory or in my case a warranty issue.
I have read the forums and picked the brain of those who have had these troubles. Really where else could I have accessed this knowledge? I do believe it is important to document the failed diagnoses, what has worked and what has not. This has created for me a map of what has happened to others of what has taken place before and when to expect it. I have reviewed Krosya's troubles and I can predict what the shop will do next based on his experiences and if you follow my Tow Truck Bait... thread you will see this. I somewhat know what to expect and the timeline it took for him to work through the same problem. These cases are not limited to anyone manufacturer either. It is also interesting that the service manager took the information from these forums and presented it to the district manager. This time of public documentation is very hard to hide from.

[fbreazer]

Your point is spot on, Rush, in that this forum serves multiple purposes. I lurked here for quite some time, looking to others' posts to see if and how some issues similar to mine were resolved, before posting about the problems with my car. My full intent was to share my issues with those experiencing the same and to share any resolutions that I experienced. I thank you for sharing your experiences and wish you the best of luck in getting all of your issues resolved.

[TheGodfather]

I reported this problem a year ago: Getting stuck on 2nd gear

Throughout my visits to Hyundai, I keep getting the same response, "Our computers aren't finding anything wrong".

This time I left it at Hyundai for two days. They said it hasn't acted up and and nothing is showing up on the computers. On top of that, they said that they talked with Corporate and were told that I'm the ONLY CASE REPORTING THIS PROBLEM!

I call bull sh*t!

[fbreazer]

Update for my issue(s): Because of the lurching, sputtering and not exceeding 3,000 RPM problem (with occasional engine shut down) has persisted with no fix, I will be sending a certified letter to Hyundai asking for the car to be considered a lemon and have my purchase cost returned. I will update again when I receive a response.

Rush, have you gotten any resolution for your issues yet?

[Rush]

Update for my issue(s): Because of the lurching, sputtering and not exceeding 3,000 RPM problem (with occasional engine shut down) has persisted with no fix, I will be sending a certified letter to Hyundai asking for the car to be considered a lemon and have my purchase cost returned. I will update again when I receive a response.

Rush, have you gotten any resolution for your issues yet?

The latest development is after sitting for 9 days at the dealership and the return of the district manger from vacation, who I called directly, the service department started to work on the car again. When they went to start it it won't run properly spurtting and lurching. The mechanic discovered the fuel pump in the tank had packed it in...still no codes. I got the car back and drove it for a week, eveyrthing running normal. However last weekend it produced a check engine light. I didn't get it back into the service dept until Wednesday this week because of it being in the for body repairs from the last tow job. The diagnosis was an evap code. They checked everything and think it may be a bad sensor since nothing appears wrong. Coincidence!?? I've driven the car the last 2 days and all seems to be still okay and the sensor hasn't been replaced yet. I have written a letter to Hyundai Canada gain today but expect little to come of it. So far this is the longest the car has worked since Jan 5th. I have my fingers crossed.