Hyundai Accent Best and Worst Years (2005–2022)
The Hyundai Accent years to avoid are 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016, with 2013 the worst (complaint index 100) followed by 2012 (94). The 2018-2021 model years are rated Best, with complaint indexes as low as 0 to 24.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
Avoid 2009Avoid 2012Avoid 2013Avoid 2014Avoid 2016Best 2018Best 2019Best 2020Best 2021
- Model years
- 18
- 2005–2022
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,212
- Recall campaigns
- 13
- Crashes reported
- 119
- Fires reported
- 57
- Top problem area
- Engine
Accent Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Hyundai Accent problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Good | 41 | 49 | 9 | 3 | 1 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2006 | Good | 12 | 43 | 2 | 0 | 3 | Airbags | 28.5 | — |
| 2007 | Caution | 65 | 88 | 11 | 1 | 3 | Airbags | 28.5 | — |
| 2008 | Caution | 59 | 101 | 11 | 1 | 1 | Airbags | 28.5 | — |
| 2009 | Avoid | 82 | 101 | 9 | 1 | 2 | Airbags | 29 | — |
| 2010 | Good | 47 | 87 | 4 | 0 | 1 | Brakes | 30 | — |
| 2011 | Good | 29 | 38 | 3 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 30 | — |
| 2012 | Avoid | 94 | 153 | 13 | 8 | 2 | Engine | 31.5 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Avoid | 100 | 141 | 16 | 9 | 1 | Brakes | 31.5 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Avoid | 88 | 79 | 12 | 9 | 1 | Brakes | 30.5 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Caution | 71 | 70 | 7 | 11 | 2 | Airbags | 30.5 | 4★ |
| 2016 | Avoid | 76 | 100 | 7 | 3 | 0 | Engine | 30.5 | 4★ |
| 2017 | Caution | 53 | 68 | 9 | 3 | 0 | Engine | 30.5 | 4★ |
| 2018 | Best | 0 | 19 | 0 | 4 | 1 | Engine | 31.5 | — |
| 2019 | Best | 24 | 31 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Engine | 31.5 | — |
| 2020 | Best | 18 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 4 | Engine | 34.5 | 4★ |
| 2021 | Best | 6 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 4 | Seat Belts | 34.5 | 4★ |
| 2022 | Good | 35 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Electrical System | 36 | 4★ |
Accent years to avoid: what went wrong
2013 Hyundai Accent Index 100 · 141 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2013 Accent ranks worst of all 18 model years with a complaint index of 100. Brakes were the top problem area at 32% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 47,500, followed by engine issues at 29%. Owners described brake pedal and gas pedal malfunctions and airbags that failed to deploy in crashes, including deer strikes and rollovers. One recall covers a brake fluid leak risk requiring owners to park outside away from structures.
2013 brakes problems →2013 engine problems →2013 electrical system problems →
2012 Hyundai Accent Index 94 · 153 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2012 Accent shows a complaint index of 94, the second-highest of any year. Engine problems led complaints at 35%, with a median failure mileage of 82,300, including reports of engine fires. Brakes followed at 27%. Owners also reported airbags failing to deploy in crashes. NHTSA recorded two recalls, one a park-outside brake fluid leak recall and one covering an accessory outlet that could overheat.
2012 engine problems →2012 brakes problems →2012 electrical system problems →
2014 Hyundai Accent Index 88 · 79 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2014 Accent carries a complaint index of 88. Brakes were the leading problem area at 34% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 47,501, and engine issues followed at 24% with failures reported near 88,900 miles. Owners described airbags not deploying in crashes and a tire blowout leading to loss of control. This year shares the same brake fluid leak recall as 2012 and 2013, requiring owners to park outside.
2009 Hyundai Accent Index 82 · 101 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2009 Accent's top complaint area was airbags, making up 27% of its 101 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 79,000. Owners reported airbags failing to deploy in crashes, including rollovers and collisions with ice-covered roads. Electrical system and visibility/wiper problems each accounted for 18% of complaints. NHTSA lists two recalls, both tied to a brake light switch malfunction that could affect brake lights and cruise control. The complaint index of 82 ranks this year 4th worst out of 18 model years covered.
2009 airbags problems →2009 electrical system problems →2009 visibility & wipers problems →
2016 Hyundai Accent Index 76 · 100 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2016 Accent has a complaint index of 76 despite having zero recalls on record. Engine problems were the top issue at 38% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 91,689.5, followed by airbags at 29% and electrical system issues at 28%. Owners reported airbags failing to deploy in collisions, including animal strikes and rollovers, plus reports of engine fires.
2016 engine problems →2016 airbags problems →2016 electrical system problems →
Most common Hyundai Accent problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Engine306 (25%)
- Airbags278 (23%)
- Brakes227 (19%)
- Electrical System223 (18%)
- Other126 (10%)
- Visibility & Wipers95 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires94 (8%)
- Structure & Body79 (7%)
- Steering60 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain56 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What year Hyundai Accent should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016 Hyundai Accent. The 2013 model has the highest complaint index at 100, followed closely by 2012 at 94.
- What are the best Hyundai Accent years?
- The 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Hyundai Accent are rated Best, with complaint indexes ranging from 0 to 24, the lowest of any model years covered.
- Is the 2013 Hyundai Accent reliable?
- The 2013 Accent has the highest complaint index (100) of any Accent model year, driven mainly by brake complaints (32% of its 141 complaints) and engine issues (29%). It also carries a park-outside brake fluid leak recall.
- Does the Hyundai Accent have airbag problems?
- Airbags are one of the top problem areas across all Accent years, accounting for 278 of 1,212 total complaints (23%). Owners across multiple avoid years, including 2009, 2012, 2013, and 2016, reported airbags failing to deploy in crashes.
- How many recalls does the Hyundai Accent have?
- Across the 2005-2022 model years covered, NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the Hyundai Accent, spanning components like brakes and electrical systems.