Hyundai Accent Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability

Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.

31
Total Recalls
1068
Total Complaints
140
Total Crashes
158
Reported Injuries
10
Reported Deaths
2013
Worst Year
2023
Best Year
0
Poor
Overall Reliability Score (0–100)
Declining -33%
Complaint Trend
6 last 24mo vs 9 prior 24mo
May & Oct
Peak Complaint Months
38% of complaints in these months

Recent Safety Incidents — Last 5 Model Years

1
Fire Reported
2
Crashes Reported
2
Injuries Reported

Own a Hyundai Accent? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.

Hyundai Accent — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison

YearVerdictRecallsComplaintsCrashesInjuriesDeathsTop Issue
2023BestExcellentFull report →
2022Good22466Electrical SystemFull report →
2021Good4132EngineFull report →
2020Good4711Air BagsFull report →
2019Good1183EngineFull report →
2018Good1121EngineFull report →
2017Caution5747Air BagsFull report →
2016Caution6766EngineFull report →
2015Caution24758Air BagsFull report →
2014Caution142811EngineFull report →
2013WorstAvoid11071828Service Brakes / HydraulicFull report →
2012Avoid2989111EngineFull report →
2011Good2512EngineFull report →
2010Caution6141Service BrakesFull report →
2009Good15041Air BagsFull report →
2008Caution17654Air BagsFull report →
2007Caution35237Air BagsFull report →
2006Good31211Air BagsFull report →
2005Good141115Power TrainFull report →
2004Good2034Air BagsFull report →
2003Good2588Air BagsFull report →
2002Avoid7216249Fuel System / GasolineFull report →
2001Avoid1791213Power TrainFull report →
2000Caution363127Power TrainFull report →

24 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.

Most Common Hyundai Accent Problems

Air Bags
175
Engine
119
Electrical System
92
Power Train
71
Service Brakes / Hydraulic
60
Service Brakes
60
Unknown Or Other
50
Vehicle Speed Control
43
Exterior Lighting
42
Structure
40
Engine And Engine Cooling
39
Steering
37

Based on 1,068 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.

Recent Safety Recalls — Hyundai Accent (20222023)

#22V3110002022
06/05/2022
STEERING:COLUMN

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Accent vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 226.

#22V3540002022
19/05/2022
SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Accent, 2021-2022 Elantra, and 2021-2022 Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.

Remedy: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioner(s) with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 28, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 229. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall numbers 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-218, and 22V-123 for Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles. All Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles already repaired under the previous recalls will need to have the new remedy completed.

Showing 2 recalls from 20222023 model years. See the full year-specific pages for older recalls.

Recent Owner Complaints

Direct reports filed with NHTSA by Hyundai Accent owners — 20222023 model years.

Electrical System /Service Brakes /EngineCRASHFIRE1 INJURY04/07/2026

I was driving my 2022 Hyundai Accent (VIN [XXX] ) when the brakes suddenly failed without warning. When I pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not slow down properly resultina in a crash Immediately after the crash, the vehicle caught fire According to the fire department report, the fire originated in the engine compartment and was classified as unintentional/ accidental There were no prior warning lights or known brake issues before this incident. The failure was sudden and unexpected. This incident raises serious safetv concerns regarding a potential defect involving the braking system and/or electrical components. The vehicle is currently preserved and available for inspection INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown Or Other11/10/2025

This Is another complain on this car I bought car on 10 /10/25 because of cold weather approaching I asked my son to check and see if the antifreeze looked ok in car and the radiator looked hallow in could not see any fliud then checked container for antifreeze looked empty no fluid touched the stick. What is going on . seemed like the dealer would have checked it before they test drove it for miles because I also have break issues that's why they tested it. And were stupposed ed to have done all check point before selling me car . another unsafe problem please help.No I have not had in inspect by mechanic service afraid to drive cart its far to go With out fluid to operate engine coolant.

Steering /Unknown Or Other /Service Brakes10/15/2025

Power steering power breaks, acceleration. Head rest, blind spot. Problems. Bought car ,driving to get home mirror was not in place needed to get on left lane to get under bridge crossing traffic was rushing through so fast I could adjust mirror so I turned to right on road the steering wheel glided so fast it frightened me. Wheel turning was slippery. So any way since I didn't know car I just kept going home. On my way I noticed the breaks are very sensitive breaks quick . I found the acceleration on stop and then turn to right it took force on my pressing gas acceleration to make it go very sluggish feeling there was a car behind me tailgating me to go it a while for car to get going..it was very dangerous thank God the other car slowed down or he would of hit from behind .. Finally Got home alright next day I called to make appointment to check underneath car I asked sales person 3 times before purchase but he didn't do it he kept telling me just a minute every time... He did it. So I made appointment for coming monday Oct 10. I went in drove slow to be careful, serviced it Hyundai mechanic looked it over but didn't test drive it don't run any electrical machines to check deeper of my unsafety report. With the power breaks or steering wheel and acceleration. . maybe because it cost money and no warranty left on my part and being second buyer.. Its very strange the acceleration sluggish does it only at different times so I cannot really trust it. Its very annoying. And stressful haven't been able to sleep well now I put also mall my saving for a car and I am in need of good safe transportation and I trade my old car in. Hyundai will not trade ,buy back nor sale me another. So please try to help with me on this report as quick . I don't want to have accident. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Seat Belts03/04/2025

We have two 2022 Hyundai Accent SEL cars and both have the same problem. When there is no passenger aboard, the "Passenger Air Bag" Off sign lights up as it should and when there is a passenger aboard, the "Off" light goes off as it should. What doesn't happen is when there is a passenger aboard and the seat belt was not fastened and the car is being driven, there is no indication (either by beeper or dash light) that the belt is not fastened! This I feel is unacceptable and is clearly a safety defect and Hyundai should be able to possibly reprogram their system so a warning comes on to advise that the passenger seat belt is not in place. The second car with the same problem is VIN [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System /Vehicle Speed Control10/03/2024

The instrument cluster malfunctioned and turned the dashboard off repeatedly in 2023 and now again in 2024. This part controls the cruise control, as well as the electrics on the dashboard. When it malfunctions, it deaccelerates the cruise control and you don't know what speed you are driving. The component was replaced in 2023 and is scheduled to be replaced, again, in two weeks. There is no warning when this part is going to malfunction and turn off and on.

Tires05/15/2024

Tire size 205/45 R17 88V M.S. Brand new car with only 8000 miles. All 4 tires are crumbling or falling apart in chunks. Called Hyundai dealer and was told to communicate with Tire manufacturers. Unable to do so since manufacturers are not available in Puerto Rico.

Electrical System /Unknown Or Other06/05/2023

On three separate occasions my car has completely shut off WHILE DRIVING! I purchased it brand new in August 2022. Each time there was no warning lights or anything. I would notice I was losing speed. When I would look down at the dashboard and notice all the lights were off and the entire car was off. Each time it has happened I have been able to slow down and pull over. I've had to put the car in to "Park" then restart the engine. It's a terrifying experience and I feel lucky that there were no cars in front of me. This has happened 3 times! Twice I had children in the car. Once I was going 70 mph and another time I was turning a curve. It has been by far one of the scariest things in my life. I took it to the dealership multiple times but they can not replicate the problem so they keep dismissing the case. The Hyundai corporation has also dismissed my case. I've tried reaching out to the attorneys and the dealership owner. The car should not be allowed on the road. At this point I'm driving with a video camera per advice of an attorney. However, I'm terrified for when this will happen again. It has happened at random and unpredictable times so I never know. I posted on a Facebook group and a few other people have commented that their Hyundai's are doing the same thing! They are running into the same problem with dealerships and corporate dismissing the cases.

Unknown Or Other05/19/2023

My 2022 Hyundai was broken into, in an attempt to steal it, due to the lack of immobilizers in these vehicles (and the viral videos that occurred due to Hyundai’s inability to resolve the issue). My window was smashed in, my ignition ruined, and the plastic panel under the steering wheel was ripped out. I filed a claim with my insurance company and a police report, but now I have to deal with increased insurance rates and at least $500 in damage. I’ve had no vehicle for at least 2 weeks, which hurts my livelihood (since I can’t drive to work) and I likely won’t have it for a few more weeks. I’ve asked my dealership if I have an immobilizer and they said they don’t know. They have confirmed I am not eligible for the software update that helps protect your car. They have confirmed that this break-in occurred, because of the viral video and lack of response from Hyundai. I now feel unsafe in my own home (where the incident occurred) and I worry that, even when I get my car back, the same incident will occur and it’ll cost even more. Or worse, it’ll actually be successfully stolen. Even though my car wasn’t stolen (only broken into), they were able to steal my neighbor’s Hyundai the exact same night. I now have no vehicles for emergencies and day-to-day requirements and fear for the vehicle / my safety. My car has been inspected by a Hyundai dealership, Progressive insurance, and Baltimore police. I was never notified about this issue by Hyundai. I was never sent a warning or recall notice and when I ask why my VIN isn’t on recall, Hyundai corporate says they don’t know and that they can’t confirm if I have an immobilizer. There was absolutely nothing wrong with my car prior to this incident. No warning messages / lamps and no mechanical failures.

Steering /Suspension05/02/2023

CAMPAIGN NUMBER 22V311000 Unsecured Steering Column: Have not received the owner notification letter.

Engine And Engine Cooling /Electrical System04/26/2023

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the oil pressure, battery, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the engine revved but the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that after multiple attempts, he was able to restart the vehicle and drive as needed. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 300.

Wheels /Visibility03/12/2023

2 cracks in my windshield because of unclean roads, new tires only 4 months old having side wall issues and causing car to wobble.

Back Over Prevention /Electrical System11/16/2022

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving, the odometer was registering more miles than she had traveled. While driving, the rear-view camera erroneously activated. The instrument cluster light was bright during the daytime but was extremely dim at night. Additionally, there was static detected from the radio. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was test driven. The contact was that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred her to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 400.

16 total complaints retrieved from NHTSA for 20222023. For older model years, see individual year pages.

Accent Years to Avoid

2013 Accent
107 complaints · 1 recalls · 18 crashes
Details →
2002 Accent
72 complaints · 0 recalls · 16 crashes · 9 deaths
Details →
2012 Accent
98 complaints · 2 recalls · 9 crashes · 1 deaths
Details →

Ranked by combined complaints, recalls, crashes, injuries, and deaths.

Best Accent Years to Buy

2023 Accent
0 complaints · 0 recalls
Details →
2018 Accent
12 complaints · 1 recalls
Details →
2020 Accent
7 complaints · 4 recalls
Details →

Years with fewest complaints and recalls.

Hyundai Accent Problems by Year

Select a year to see detailed complaints, recall notices, and safety incident data.

Frequently Asked Questions — Hyundai Accent Reliability

What year Accent has the most problems?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2013 Hyundai Accent had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 107 complaints and 1 safety recalls. See the full 2013 report for specific defects.

Is the Hyundai Accent reliable?

The Hyundai Accent has accumulated 1,068 owner-filed complaints and 31 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. There have been 10 reported deaths associated with complaints. The 2023 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Accent.

What are the most common Accent problems?

The most frequently cited problem areas are: Air Bags (175 reports), Engine (119 reports), Electrical System (92 reports), Power Train (71 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.

How do I check if my Accent has an open recall?

Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.

Check a Specific Hyundai Accent VIN

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