Is the 2009 Hyundai Accent reliable?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 Accent ranks 4th worst among 18 model years with a complaint index of 82, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other Accent years.

What is the main problem with the 2009 Hyundai Accent?

Airbags are the top problem area, making up 27% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 79,000 miles. Owners also reported issues with the electrical system and visibility/wipers, each at 18%.

Does the 2009 Hyundai Accent have any recalls?

Yes, NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2009 Accent, both involving the electrical system: one for a malfunctioning brake light switch and one for a stop lamp switch replacement.

How does the 2009 Accent compare to other years?

The 2009 Accent's complaint index of 82 is higher than most other years except 2012, 2013, and 2014, which also carry Avoid verdicts with indexes of 94, 100, and 88 respectively.

2009 Hyundai Accent Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2009 Hyundai Accent has a complaint index of 82, ranking 4th worst out of 18 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Airbags are the top problem area, cited in 27% of complaints, along with two recalls affecting the electrical system.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index: 82/100; #4 of 18 Accent years
Verdict: Avoid; vs. other years of this model
Complaints: 101; unique NHTSA reports
Recalls: 2; distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes: 9; reported in complaints
Fires: 1
Injuries: 4
Top issue: Airbags
Best nearby year: 2018; rated Best

NHTSA overall rating: Not rated
EPA combined MPG: 29; 26.5 city / 34 hwy
Injuries / deaths: 4 / 0

2009 Hyundai Accent recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

NHTSA 15V566000Sep 8, 2015Electrical System99,500 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Hyundai Accent vehicles manufactured March 1, 2009, to February 11, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning brake light switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning brake light switch may also prevent the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position.
Risk: Failure to illuminate the brake lights during braking or the inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake switch, free of charge. The recall began on October 21, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign131. Hyundai's number for this recall is 131. This recall is an expansion of 13V-113.
NHTSA 13V113000Apr 1, 2013Electrical System1,712,336 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.

2009 Hyundai Accent fuel economy and fuel cost

City: 26.5 MPG
Highway: 34 MPG
Combined: 29 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA): $2,250; 15,000 mi/yr
Fuel: Regular
Current regular gas: $4.32/gal; national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2009 compared with other Accent years

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2007	Caution	65	88	3	28.5
2008	Caution	59	101	1	28.5
2009	Avoid	82	101	2	29
2010	Good	47	87	1	30
2011	Good	29	38	1	30

All Hyundai Accent years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Hyundai Accent reliable?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 Accent ranks 4th worst among 18 model years with a complaint index of 82, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other Accent years.
What is the main problem with the 2009 Hyundai Accent?: Airbags are the top problem area, making up 27% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 79,000 miles. Owners also reported issues with the electrical system and visibility/wipers, each at 18%.
Does the 2009 Hyundai Accent have any recalls?: Yes, NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2009 Accent, both involving the electrical system: one for a malfunctioning brake light switch and one for a stop lamp switch replacement.
How does the 2009 Accent compare to other years?: The 2009 Accent's complaint index of 82 is higher than most other years except 2012, 2013, and 2014, which also carry Avoid verdicts with indexes of 94, 100, and 88 respectively.