Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
260–25K
1125–50K
1350–75K
975–100K
9100–150K
2150K+
70 reports with mileage · 71 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
16 crash reports9 fire reports12 injury reports
What owners actually said
141 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2023
Engine
Engine has been causing a knock of some sort making the check engine light to constantly come on. Engine is the same engine as the Kia soul and those engines have a full recall to be replaced, the recall needs too be extended too the Hyundai accents. The engine began making the issue before 70 thousand miles as all mechanics onl…
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Engine has been causing a knock of some sort making the check engine light to constantly come on. Engine is the same engine as the Kia soul and those engines have a full recall to be replaced, the recall needs too be extended too the Hyundai accents. The engine began making the issue before 70 thousand miles as all mechanics only saying it's just a sensor when I the driver can hear a klack when driving after a half hour.
NHTSA ODI #11543549
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2023
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidanceFire
The AEB light came on in car. Car was brought home 15 min later and parked in driveway. 3 hours later the car went on fire. The fire department inspected and said it was a mechanical issue. The car was totaled by the insurance company the next day. The engine was burned and the fire department disconnected the battery after fir…
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The AEB light came on in car. Car was brought home 15 min later and parked in driveway. 3 hours later the car went on fire. The fire department inspected and said it was a mechanical issue. The car was totaled by the insurance company the next day. The engine was burned and the fire department disconnected the battery after fire out.
NHTSA ODI #11533027
Mileage unknown · May 8, 2023
Service Brakes
Whenever I come to a sudden stop the brake pedal scrubs the ground like it’s about to be snatched out the floor of the car and when it rains it’s even worse trying to come to a sudden stop.
NHTSA ODI #11521026
Mileage unknown · May 4, 2023
Seat Belts
My seatbelt has been releasing on its own. Every time I get in the car, I make sure to firmly press the seatbelt into the latch and then pull on it to make sure it is secure. However, it still releases after 15-30 minutes of driving. I'm worried that in the event of an accident, the seatbelt would not stay buckled and I could be…
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My seatbelt has been releasing on its own. Every time I get in the car, I make sure to firmly press the seatbelt into the latch and then pull on it to make sure it is secure. However, it still releases after 15-30 minutes of driving. I'm worried that in the event of an accident, the seatbelt would not stay buckled and I could be injured or ejected from the vehicle. Others have had the same issue (https://www.carproblemzoo.com/hyundai/accent/seat-belt-problems.php). The seatbelt and latch are still intact in my car, so they would be available for inspection if needed.
NHTSA ODI #11520393
Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2023
Engine
Oil consumption and engine failure
NHTSA ODI #11517243
Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2022
Service BrakesSteeringWheels
This complainant is the Owner of a Hyundai Accent 2013 GLS. The car use to drive fine until about a month ago, while I was stepping on the brake to come to a stop, the steering wheels sharply moved into the other lane. This situation got even dangerous this last week when the vehicle started drifting on the high way. I reported …
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This complainant is the Owner of a Hyundai Accent 2013 GLS. The car use to drive fine until about a month ago, while I was stepping on the brake to come to a stop, the steering wheels sharply moved into the other lane. This situation got even dangerous this last week when the vehicle started drifting on the high way. I reported to a MIDAS mechanic who agreed this is a safety hazard. This needs to be checked by Hyundai.
NHTSA ODI #11499375
120,000 miles · Dec 19, 2022
Engine
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a knocking sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the check oil light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic whe…
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The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a knocking sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the check oil light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine failed to receive the oil and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic where it was also diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #11498060
Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2022
Power Train
2013 HYUNDAI ACCENT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER INFORMED HER THIS WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRES.
NHTSA ODI #11493909
Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2022
Engine
Engine failure due to bearing wear causing abrupt failure. Loss control of vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11489887
80,323 miles · Sep 27, 2022
Engine
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after multiple attempts. The contact diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was not under warranty since he was not the original owner. The manufacturer was n…
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The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after multiple attempts. The contact diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was not under warranty since he was not the original owner. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage 80,323. The consumer stated the engine was replaced at the owner's expense.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
2013 Hyundai Accent Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year