Recall 19V204 covers 16,487 2013 Hyundai Veloster vehicles for engine software pre-ignition that damages the engine. Free repair at a franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 16,487 2013 Veloster vehicles with 1.6 liter turbo engines because engine management software can trigger premature ignition of the air and fuel mixture, causing excessive cylinder pressure and engine damage. That damage can raise the risk of a fire or engine stall, and Hyundai dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The engine control software in the 2013 Hyundai Veloster with the 1.6 liter turbo engine controls spark timing, which means it decides when each spark plug fires inside the cylinder. That timing is supposed to match fuel delivery, airflow, and engine load so the air and fuel burn at the right point in the piston stroke.
In affected Velosters, the software allows too much spark advance, so the air and fuel mixture ignites too early inside the engine cylinder. Hyundai describes this as pre-ignition, which is combustion before the engine is ready for it. That early burn creates excessive cylinder pressure, and that pressure can damage internal engine parts.
The warning sign listed for owners is a knocking noise from the engine. If you hear that knock, use that description when you call the Hyundai dealer, because it points to the combustion problem covered by recall 19V204.
Who's affected?
The campaign covers Engine and electrical system software for the same 2013 Veloster group.
| 2013 Hyundai Veloster | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2013 Hyundai Veloster | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 16,487 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific hatchback is included.
What's the safety risk?
Engine damage can increase the risk of a fire or cause an engine stall, which increases crash risk. A knocking noise from the engine is the warning sign listed for this recall. If you hear it, stop driving when safe and call a Hyundai dealer before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Hyundai Veloster is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free engine-management software update that corrects the pre-ignition condition.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V204 and Hyundai recall 182 when you call.
- Avoid driving if the engine stalls, runs roughly, or shows signs of engine trouble before the repair.
- Ask the Hyundai dealer about towing if the car is unsafe to drive to the appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician updates the engine management software covered by recall 19V204. The software update is free of charge, and parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related repair before the recall notice, Hyundai's reimbursement plan covers documented expenses according to the plan it submitted. Bring your repair paperwork and receipts to the service desk, or contact Hyundai customer service to start the reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 14, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 13, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| May 13, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 13, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 14, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V204?
Recall 19V204 covers 16,487 2013 Hyundai Veloster vehicles with 1.6-liter turbo engines. The engine management software can cause pre-ignition, creating excessive cylinder pressure that can damage the engine. Hyundai dealers will update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Hyundai Veloster is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Veloster is included in recall 19V204. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the engine management software update. Reference recall number 19V204 and Hyundai recall 182 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Hyundai dealers will update the engine management software free of charge at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What is the safety risk?
Engine damage can increase the risk of a fire or cause the engine to stall, increasing crash risk. The recall repair corrects the engine management software. Until the update is complete, confirm your VIN and ask the Hyundai dealer how soon the service can be performed.
What if I bought my Hyundai Veloster used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires Hyundai to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2013 Veloster is included, then contact a franchised Hyundai dealer for the free software update.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V204000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9460 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V204 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V204000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →