Hyundai Accent Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Hyundai Accent options? We analyzed 10 model years (2013–2022) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Hyundai Accent has 551 owner complaints and 16 safety recalls across model years 2013–2022. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2017 drew the most complaints; 2020 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Accent
- Model years analyzed
- 2013–2022 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 551
- Safety recall campaigns
- 16
- Crash-related complaints
- 57
- Fire-related complaints
- 42
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2017 (68 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2020 (12 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Hyundai Accent: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe HYUNDAI ACCENT has 551 NHTSA complaints and 16 recalls on record. 57 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 551 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 16 federal recall campaigns
- 57 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
16 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
STEERING:COLUMN
STEERING:COLUMN
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2013–2022. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 551 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
551 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
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)
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.
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)
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)
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.
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.
Read 14 more owner reports
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.
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.
CAMPAIGN NUMBER 22V311000 Unsecured Steering Column: Have not received the owner notification letter.
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.
2 cracks in my windshield because of unclean roads, new tires only 4 months old having side wall issues and causing car to wobble.
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.
My car, a 2022 Hyundai Accent Sel, left the right lane I was traveling in on a highway and continued into the left lane, then onto the left shoulder, and finally stopped in a ditch. The airbags did not deploy. I am having the steering column checked and airbags checked as I have read on several websites online that this is one of the recalls on my car (the steering column may loosen and may cause a crash). The Insurance changed the at-fault clause to not at fault after they verified the information online about the steering column being defective. My car is still in the auto repair shop, 38 days, still awaiting parts because the car was not made in the USA. The damage is $13,197. I do not see this recall reported on this website. There is a recall for parts missing on the seatbelts, I had that fixed on my last oil change. I do not see this listed here as well. I received a recall notice about the seatbelts, but I did not receive a notice about the steering column. The auto body shop will tow my car to Hyundai to check the steering column after my car is fixed as they told me Hyundai would have to fix this. The airbags did not deploy. I have read other people have reported this happening to them. This is not a recall issue reported, but rather a complaint. No warning signals or sounds went off when my car pulled left and brought me to a ditch. I was extremely lucky not to get hurt.
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Accent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
THE VEHICLE IS GIVING JERKS WHILE DRIVING AND CAN'T MOVE. I HAD REPORTED TO HYUANDAI,STOCKTON -THEY INSPECTED AND SAID NO ISSUES. AFTER I GOT AND TRAVLLED FOR ANOTHER 200-500 MILES, THE CAR HAVING SAME ISSUES AND STOP ON THE FREE WAY,WHEN IWAS WITH MY FAMILY AND KIDS. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO HYUANDAI STOCKON AND THEY SAID THE CYLINDERS AND POWER PLUGS WERE MISFIRMED. THYE KEP THE CAR FOR ONE WEEK AND THEY REPLACED THE PARTS. THYE REQUESTED ME TO TAKE THE CAR AND DRIVE, BUT I WAS NOT COMFORTABLE/FEELING SAFE TO DRIVE THAT CAR- AS THEY WERE NOT GUARANTEE ME THAT IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND ALSO THEY WERE NOT GIVING ANSWERS WHY IT WAS NOT DEDUCTED IN THERE INSPECTION, WHEN I NROUGHT TO THEIR NOTICE. THEY WERE NOT GIVING THE REASONS/ROOT CAUSE OF WHY IT HAPPENED AND THEY WERE NOT ASSURING THAT IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIAN. I REPORTED TO HYUANDAI CUSTOMER RELATIONS, THEY WERE SAYING ME TO TAKE THE CAR AND DRIVE AND SEE IF ANY ISSUES ARRIVES. BUT I NEED ASSURANCE FROM THEM, THAT IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN AND I DON'T WANT TO KEEP MY LIFE IN RISK DRIVING FAULTY CAR. pLEASE HELP US.
Instead of a simple seat belt warning light staying on when the driver's side belt is not connected, the car uses a complicated system: "The seat belt warning light will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds each time you place the ignition switch to the ON position regardless of belt fastening. However, if the seat belt is unfasted, a warning chime will sound for approximately 6 seconds. If you continue not to fasten the seat belt and you drive over 6 mph the warning light will stay illuminated. If you continue to drive over 12 mph the seat belt warning chime will sound for approximately 100 seconds and the corresponding warning light will blink, etc." Worse yet, as far as I can tell, the front passenger seat belt when unfastened will not show at all! The passenger side airbag light is on showing the airbag is not engaged about 50% to 75% of the time when that seat is occupied when a lumbar support "seat" is used. Instead of a simple sensor based on weight, Hyundai got "cutesy" and uses some sort of "electro-magnetic" sensor which is awful when my wife is occupying the passenger seat. I would hope you would require Hyundai to do a "fix" and install a simple sensor based on weight which is how, I believe, every car I've owned previously works. The wife has a back problem, hence the use of a lumbar support "seat" is required.
The car seat did not receive any damages. However, the car airbags went off. The vehicle is damaged and a police report was made. The car seat was not inspected. I called directly to the car seat company and they recommended to reach out to NHTSA for further inspection of the car seat.
Engine burning oil extremely fast after oil change
cylinder 3 failure while driving, while merging onto highway traffic vehicle was suddenly unable to to accelerate as there was a sudden loss of power and improper shifting of gears. Engine light came on as well. Car was taken to dealer for excessive burning of oil while under warranty before this event. The vehicle has been inspected by Hyundai dealership and by a private auto mechanic. Both parties indicated independentlya cylinder 3 failure.
Driver: My [XXX] daughter (I was not in the vehicle), I am the owner. Mileage at incident: Approximately 89,000 miles (see Tire Discounters record, page 13). 2019 Hyundai Docs What happened: While driving on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled, requiring my daughter to pull over to the shoulder for safety. After the stall, the vehicle could not accelerate or operate normally. Earlier documented warning: On 9/23/24—only two days after purchase—Firestone documented “metallic glitter in the engine oil – possible internal engine wear,” indicating a possible internal defect (page 2). Hyundai service recommended and provided contact on 2 separate occasions to request Goodwill coverage. First attempt (no claim filed 10/2024), second attempt (claim mishandled by (2) Hyundai Motor America 2019 Hyundai Docs Post-stall findings: After the highway stall on 10/23/25, Tire Discounters documented misfire symptoms and recommended further evaluation (page 13). 2019 Hyundai Docs The vehicle was then towed to Columbia Hyundai, where a diagnostic on 11/12/25 confirmed: 0 PSI compression in Cylinder #3 100% leak-down Piston and cylinder-wall damage Valve/head involvement Recommendation for complete long-block engine replacement (See Columbia Hyundai diagnostic report, page 1.) 2019 Hyundai Docs Safety concern: The vehicle experienced a complete loss of power at highway speed, which created a potentially dangerous situation for the driver. Manufacturer response: Hyundai Motor America denied goodwill assistance and termed as warranty assistance and has not addressed the early-documented internal defect or the safety risk created by the highway stall. Can provide any other documentation needed for your review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Showing 20 of 551 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Hyundai Accent
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Hyundai Accent, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Hyundai Accent has 551 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Hyundai Accent has 16 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 57 of the Hyundai Accent's 551 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Hyundai Accent vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Hyundai Accent vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Hyundai Accent has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Hyundai Accent by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Hyundai Accent.
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Hyundai Accent reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Hyundai Accent reliable?
Poor. The Hyundai Accent has 551 NHTSA owner complaints and 16 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Hyundai Accent years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2017 (68 complaints), 2019 (30 complaints), 2018 (19 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Hyundai Accent problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (165 complaints); AIR BAGS (110 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (98 complaints).
Does the Hyundai Accent have recalls?
Yes — 16 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Hyundai Accent. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.