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Hyundai · Sports Car · 2011–2018

Hyundai Veloster FS

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Engine Overview

The Hyundai Veloster FS is available with one engine variant at 129 hp.

1.6L GDI (Gamma) · Benziner· 140 PS
2011 2015
Be Careful 5 weaknesses

The Hyundai 1.6L GDI (Gamma) (Benziner, 140 PS) has the G4FD (1.6L GDI (Gamma)) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Timing chain elongation in Gamma engine after 150,000 km

Gamma engines (G4FD 1.6 GDI, G4FJ 1.6 T-GDI) tend to timing chain elongation after around 150,000 km. Chain design was improved from 2013. Engine damage avoidable with timely detection.

Symptoms: Rattling or clattering on cold start; noise from timing chain area; engine warning light
from 150,000 km
Medium
!Clutch wears prematurely in sporty drivers

Dual-mass flywheel and clutch wear quickly with sporty driving. Especially the 1.6 T-GDI with 200 hp is susceptible. First symptoms from around 80,000 km.

Symptoms: Juddering when setting off; clutch slips and grabs unevenly; increased effort when changing gear
from 80,000 km
Medium
!Gearbox: gear change blocked

69 documented drivetrain complaints: gearbox cannot be shifted into gear when parking or while driving. Concentrated on 2014 models.

Symptoms: Cannot select gear, gearbox jams, vehicle no longer moves off
from 80,000 km
Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
893 complaints · 2011–2018
Engine
431 ⚠ 7
Electrical
157 ⚠ 3
Other
122 ⚠ 3
Powertrain
103 ⚠ 4
Steering
77 ⚠ 3

Top Reported Issues

Engine (431 complaints)
Electrical (157 complaints)
Other (122 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 23 weaknesses have been documented for the Hyundai Veloster FS (2011–2018) — 10 engine-related and 13 vehicle-related. One problem engine: G4FJ (1.6L T-GDI (Gamma II)). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Brakes, Suspension.

Veloster (G4FD, 2011–2015) — Be Careful: High-pressure fuel pump failure, Valve carbon buildup (GDi system), Timing chain stretch. Power: 140 PS.

Veloster (G4FJ, 2015–2018) — Stay Away!: Fuel contamination of engine oil, Turbocharger oil coking, LSPI: pre-ignition at low rpm. Power: 186 PS.

What to watch out for with the Hyundai Veloster? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Hyundai Veloster FS have? +
The Hyundai Veloster FS has 10 known engine weaknesses and 13 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Hyundai Veloster FS? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: G4FD (1.6L GDI (Gamma)). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the G4FJ (1.6L T-GDI (Gamma II)). Problem engine: G4FJ (1.6L T-GDI (Gamma II)) — stay away!
Which Hyundai Veloster FS engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Hyundai Veloster FS — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The Veloster Turbo is a legit sleeper: 186 hp, precise shift action, an exhaust that properly growls — and nobody on the road has a clue what it is. Drives like a GTI, looks like nothing else. The weird door layout is annoying getting in; completely forgotten once the first corner shows up.
Is the Hyundai Veloster FS worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Hyundai Veloster FS — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Hyundai Veloster FS? +
The Hyundai Veloster FS is available with engine variants from 129 to 186 hp. Petrol: G4FD (1.6L GDI (Gamma)), G4FJ (1.6L T-GDI (Gamma II)).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee