2006-2022 Hyundai Accent Problems: 14 Known Issues

NHTSA recall 22V354 covers certain 2020-2022 Hyundai Accent vehicles. In a crash, a front driver-side or passenger-side seat-belt pretensioner can explode when it deploys, projecting metal fragments into the passenger compartment and risking occupant injury.

The front passenger occupant classification sensor can fail and turn on the airbag warning light with a fault code stored. Hyundai notes that if the sensor mat is not working and a severe crash occurs, the passenger front airbag will deploy even if a child or small person is in the seat. 2006-2011 Hyundai Accent (MC): OCS mat or body sensor mat. Warranty was extended to 15 years/unlimited miles from the original delivery date (bulletin 17-BE-002), so the extension has expired on every MC car delivered more than 15 years ago. 2012-2017 Accent (RB) built March 23, 2011 to November 30, 2017: OCS/ODS sensor, warranty extended to 18 years/unlimited miles from the original delivery date (bulletin 26-BE-011H, extension Z01), counted from each car's in-service date.

Certain key-start Hyundai vehicles were not equipped with an engine immobilizer, and thefts of these 2011-2022 vehicles increased after they were targeted through social media. 2011-2017 Hyundai Accent (MC 2011 and RB 2012-2017) without an immobilizer or push-button start cannot take Hyundai's anti-theft software; they get the ignition-cylinder protector and decals (campaign 9A5) and a steering wheel lock (campaign P32). 2018-2022 Accents get the anti-theft software upgrade (campaign 993). Cars with push-button start or an immobilizer lamp have an immobilizer and are not affected. Eligibility is by VIN.

The anti-lock brake (ABS) module can leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short. The short can cause significant overcurrent in the module, increasing the risk of an engine-compartment fire while parked or driving. Certain 2012-2015 Hyundai Accent built March 5, 2011 to October 31, 2014 (Hyundai recall 251). Eligibility is by VIN.

Some 2021 Accent brake master cylinders left the supplier with a sharp edge machined on one of the secondary inner cup seal seats. The sharp edge cuts and prematurely wears the inner cup seal, which lets brake fluid bypass internally. The result is a long or sinking brake pedal and reduced braking performance with no external fluid leak to warn the owner. Hyundai issued Recall 213 (NHTSA 21V-937), covering 76 model-year 2021 Accents built September 21, 2020 through July 1, 2021.

Owners report the 1.6L GDI engine developing a knock from the bottom end, low oil pressure and connecting-rod or rod-bearing failure, in some cases ending in a seized engine while driving. 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent (RB) with the 1.6L Gamma GDI engine (G4FD), going by NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016 model years. Hyundai's knock-sensor software campaign 966 lists the 2012-2017 Veloster with this engine but not the Accent.

Owners of 2012-2017 Accents report the 1.6L GDI engine using oil between changes, with low-oil warnings, and in some reports the engine stalling or shutting down while driving. 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent (RB) with the 1.6L Gamma GDI engine (G4FD), going by NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017 model years. Hyundai's oil-consumption bulletins 26-EM-015H and 26-EM-016H cover all its internal-combustion models and do not name the Accent.

The stop lamp switch can make intermittent contact when the brake pedal is pressed. The brake lights may work intermittently, the shifter may not come out of Park, and cruise control may not cancel with the brake pedal, increasing the risk of a crash. Certain 2009-2011 Hyundai Accent (MC) built March 1, 2009 to February 11, 2011 (recall 15V566, Hyundai 131). Earlier MC Accents built December 1, 2006 to February 28, 2009 were covered by recall 13V113, and certain 2006-2007 Accents by recall 09V122. Eligibility is by VIN.

Owners report the engine stalling when coming to a stop or while driving, slow or hard restarting, and the tachometer dropping to zero, with the crankshaft position sensor named as the cause. 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent (RB) with the 1.6L Gamma GDI engine (G4FD), going by NHTSA owner complaints for the 2013 and 2014 model years.

The IVT (CVT) transmission in 2020+ Accent models can fail prematurely, with symptoms ranging from shuddering and slipping to complete loss of drive. The chain and pulley system wears, especially with aggressive driving or neglected fluid changes. Rebuilds are typically not cost-effective given the vehicle's value.

The trunk latch pawl on the HC-generation Accent sedan can thermally contract when the car sits in high ambient heat. If someone tries to release the pawl while it is contracted and bound, the pawl gets damaged. A damaged pawl can then prevent the trunk from being opened using the glow-in-the-dark emergency release handle inside the trunk - a violation of FMVSS 401, and a real entrapment hazard for a child or a person locked in the trunk. Hyundai recalled 2018-2020 Accent along with 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid and 2016-2017 Azera under Recall 208 (NHTSA 21V-619); an interim owner letter was followed by remedy letters mailed December 4, 2021.

Owners report the paint flaking off the hood and front of the car in large pieces. 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent (RB), going by NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 model year. A 2023 proposed class action over peeling paint names the Accent among several Hyundai models; that is an allegation, not a finding.

A 2015 Accent owner reported a compressor replacement. A 2016 owner reported cooling that faded to warm air and said a mechanic blamed the compressor; that discussion has no confirmed repair outcome. Individual reports for 2015 and 2016 Hyundai Accent. The 2015 report identifies a Nigerian-market LX 1.6L automatic; the 2016 report does not specify trim or engine. These reports do not establish identical equipment, a failure rate or a common mileage interval across markets.

The engine computer can set code P0441 (canister purge valve, incorrect flow) and turn on the check-engine light. Hyundai says there is no vehicle performance concern with this condition. Certain 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent (RB) with the 1.6L GDI engine. Certain 2015 Accents are in service campaign T1S (bulletin 17-01-018) for the same update; check the VIN.