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Engine & cooling

Hyundai Accent Engine problems by year

351 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Hyundai Accent's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Engine complaints by model year

YearEngine complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20224110
20214000
20204000
201921010
20188010
201724000
201633110
201520010
201419000
201335000
201239020
201110000
201011000
20098000
20089000
20077010
20061000
20053000
20042000
20033000
200214100
200113100
200012000
19998000
199816000
199715100
19964000
19954000

Latest Accent engine complaints

2013 Hyundai AccentEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a connecting rod bearing failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the extended warranty program might cover the repair. The contact was informed that the repair was not eligible because the vehicle had a salvage title. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11772914
2022 Hyundai AccentTransmission & drivetrainLightsEngine & cooling

Transmission began exhibiting hesitation, RPM surge/drop, and a stuck gear at approximately 26,000 miles. Diagnostic trouble code P0741 was confirmed by the dealer, and the transmission assembly was replaced under warranty. This matches a documented defect pattern currently under federal class action litigation involving this manufacturer's IVT/CVT transmissions in this and related models (2020+ model years), specifically sudden loss of power and acceleration failure. Prior to the repair, the issue was reported...

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verbally to a service advisor but not logged on the invoice. Separately, at the same service location, a coolant reservoir was found completely empty within hours of a repair visit where the dealer stated it could not reproduce a related stuttering complaint during a road test, and no diagnostic codes were stored. A rear brake light has also remained inoperative across two dealer visits without being flagged, and was later found by a third party to require dealer-specific tooling to access - confirming it was not a simple user fix. The vehicle remains drivable but the transmission defect poses an ongoing safety risk given its documented tendency toward sudden power loss in this defect pattern.

Filed Incident Power train · Exterior lighting · EngineNHTSA 11768169
2016 Hyundai AccentSteeringEngine & cooling

Engine failure on a vehicle under 100,000 miles creates a risk of sudden loss of power while driving. A failing catalytic converter & coil packs can cause overheating and potential fire risk. These components were either pre-existing manufacturer defects or were damaged during the engine replacement process at Auto Nation Columbus (Columbus, GA), neither of which was disclosed to me as the owner.

Filed Incident Steering · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11768028
2019 Hyundai AccentEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced harsh and sluggish operation due to excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, and an oil consumption test was performed. The contact was informed each time that the vehicle was within normal range of the operation. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11765339
2017 Hyundai AccentEngine & cooling

I have replaced the GDI engine on the 2017 Hyundai Accent once. I have also had the catalytic converter replaced 3x. The car lunges as if there will be another catalytic converter issue soon. Hyuandi recommended a fuel induction completion to prevent the issue from occurring again, but it did. This is a safety issue because the car and stall out at any given time. The cause of this issue has yet to be detected. It is believe a recall is needed on the GDI engine and catalytic converter.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11751176
2014 Hyundai AccentEngine & cooling

This vehicle has the Hyundai 1.6L GDI engine, which has been recalled in other Hyundai models, just not the 2014 Accent. Just after passing 100,000 miles, this vehicle's check engine light came on indicating something was wrong with the camshaft timing. We brought it to a mechanic and found out the camshaft sprockets on the exhaust are faulty and it requires a new timing chain as well. If these repairs were not done, the engine would seize up and fail. The repair is estimated to cost $2,800, but this issue is the...

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same as on other 1.6L GDI engines that have been recalled and either replaced or rebuilt. We would like this vehicle added to Hyundai's recall of the 1.6L GDI engines and our money for this repair to be reimbursed.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11749524
2012 Hyundai AccentEngine & cooling

While traveling at highway speeds on [[redacted]] with three passengers, the vehicle suddenly suffered a catastrophic internal engine failure (severe rod knock), forcing an emergency deceleration in active traffic that put all occupants at risk of a rear-end collision. The sudden breakdown was immediately preceded by a flashing Check Engine Light and violent metallic knocking, despite the vehicle being regularly serviced and having a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update completed just one month...

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prior at Motor Mile Hyundai in Christiansburg. The catastrophic failure and the immediate need for a complete engine replacement have since been confirmed verbally by the Hyundai service center. Actual milage on engine is approx. 145000 (Because of replaced instrument cluster by previous owner it shows approx. 195000) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11740739
2013 Hyundai AccentElectrical systemEngine & cooling

My name is [[redacted]] and I am filing a complaint against The Auto Factory in [[redacted]] . In December 2024 I purchased a 2013 Hyundai Accent (VIN: [[redacted]] ) from this dealership. I financed the vehicle and have been making my payments on time every month. Recently the car developed a serious engine problem and is no longer drivable. While looking into the situation I discovered that my vehicle has been under an active federal safety recall since November 2023 - more than a year before I bought it. The...

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recall (NHTSA Campaign #23V651000) involves a brake system defect that can cause an engine fire while the car is parked or being driven. Owners are advised not to park near homes or buildings. The dealership never told me about this recall. It was never fixed before they sold it to me. I had no idea I was buying a car with a known fire risk. When I called the dealer to address this, the representative told me they are "not responsible for the car after this long." The defect existed over a year before I even purchased the vehicle. I am now making loan payments on a car I cannot drive and cannot safely park near my home. I have sent the dealer a formal complaint in writing and a Chapter 93A demand letter requesting a buyback or full loan payoff. They have not responded in good faith. I am asking the Attorney General's office to investigate this dealer's sales practices and help me reach a fair resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11737034
2018 Hyundai AccentEngine & cooling

This car burns through gas at an unbelievable rate. I have read that this is a common problem and Hyundai needs to address the problem - and REPAIR it - for all affected owners. I have about 75,000 miles and the problem has been ongoing for over a year. I have to add oil every week and if I forget, it is all burned up within 2 weeks.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11736028
2015 Hyundai AccentBrakesEngine & coolingFire

Was driving down the highway and my car caught fire. I was stopped by another driver saying that my car was on fire. I had no breaks to stop, I had to put it straight to park to stop the car. That way myself and my son could jump out of the car.

Filed Incident Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11734923
2016 Hyundai AccentElectrical systemEngine & cooling

The engine failed and requires a full engine replacement. The vehicle is currently at ALM Hyundai West, 1990 Thornton Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, and is available for inspection upon request. Hyundai Motor America has already approved the engine replacement under a goodwill authorization, implicitly confirming the failure is manufacturer-related. The engine failure left the vehicle undrivable, forcing me to operate rental vehicles and arrange multiple tows across three dealerships over nearly two years. An engine...

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failure at under 100,000 miles on a well-maintained vehicle poses a direct safety risk a sudden engine failure while driving at highway or city speeds could result in loss of vehicle control, creating a serious risk of collision for the driver and other road users.Yes. The engine failure has been confirmed by three separate authorized Hyundai dealerships: Ed Voyles Hyundai (Marietta, GA), AutoNation Hyundai (Columbus, GA), and ALM Hyundai West (Lithia Springs, GA). Hyundai Motor America's own goodwill approval of a full engine replacement on July 18, 2025 further confirms the failure.Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by three authorized Hyundai dealerships acting on behalf of the manufacturer. Hyundai Motor America's corporate team reviewed and approved the engine replacement as a goodwill repair. All inspection and repair documentation is on file and available upon request.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11730695
2022 Hyundai AccentElectrical systemBrakesEngine & coolingCrashFire1 injury

I was driving my 2022 Hyundai Accent (VIN [[redacted]] ) 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...

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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)

Filed Incident Electrical system · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11729689
2017 Hyundai AccentAirbagsEngine & coolingFuel system

I have had this vehicle for 5 years and even replaced the engine in this vehicle for it to end up with the same issue. I take very good care of it and get its maintenance done. But the car is slow to get up to speed and misfires really bad. I replaced the spark plugs in it and they were coated in oil. The airbag sensor will come on indicating it's not operating properly. Overall a very unreliable vehicle that has multiple issues. It has ended in catastrophic engine failure twice now

Filed Incident Air bags · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11721938

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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