Owners have filed 128 complaints
about the 2009 Hyundai Accent with NHTSA between 2009 and 2025.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 19 of 28 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 65
Against the median year of the Hyundai Accent. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 48
9.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 42
25% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
54.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
21.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1211.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1715.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2220.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3532.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1211.0%
150,000+ miles
43.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2009peak 6Oct 2025
Recalls on the 2009 Hyundai Accent
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
15V566000
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.
13V113000
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 tra
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201542947,130 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed could result in a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the switch with a new model.
Recall 2013099254,784 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the switch.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Twentynine Palms, CAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
IT STARTED RUNING BAD I PULL OVER SMOKE COMEING FROM FIRE WALL I PUT IT OUT /NEXT DAY I STARTED IT AND TURN IT OFF/ THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON/ ONLY 54000.00 MILES/THANK YOU/RUNING ON THE HIGHWAY
NHTSA complaint #11155478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,000 milesDunedin, FLCrash3 injured
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS OF THE OTHER VEHICLE SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10837665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesCandler, NCCrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10783261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,000 milesLexington Park, MDCrash
AIR BAGS
MY SON WAS DRIVING A 2009 HYUNDAI ACCENT AND REAR ENDED A STOPPED VEHICLE. MY SON WAS DOING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND NOT ONE AIRBAG IS HIS CAR DEPLOYED. HIS CAR WAS INOPERABLE AND WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I WENT TO THE HYUNDAI DEALER, WITH PICTURES, TO LET THEM KNOW THERE WAS SOME SORT OF PROBLEM WITH THAT CAR AND THE MANAGER'S RESPONSE TO ME WAS "I WASN'T THE MANAGER WHEN THAT CAR WAS PURCHASED". I TRIED EXPLAINING THAT I WAS THERE OUT OF CONCERN THAT IF IT HAPPENS TO SOMEONE ELSE, THERE COULD BE SOME SERIOUS INJURIES BUT HE ONLY CARED THAT "HE WAS NOT THE MANAGER" WHEN I PURCHASED THAT VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10525362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,200 milesMinman, SCCrash
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH DURING THE NIGHT AND ATTEMPTED TO MERGE INTO A LANE WHEN SUDDENLY, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE SCENE OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE REAR WINDOW EDGES THAT WERE DESIGNED WITH DARKENED MATERIAL, CAUSING A BLIND SPOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,200.
NHTSA complaint #10507461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesBuda, TX1 injured
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THEY WERE RAISING THE REAR SEATS AND HER FINGER WAS SLICED OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THE COMPARTMENT YOU PULL THE SEATS BACK INTO PLACE WAS VERY SHARP. THE CONTACT HAD THE TIP OF THE MIDDLE FINGER ON HER RIGHT HAND SLICED OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE WAS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE LATCH WAS VERY SHARP. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #10416499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Spring Hill, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
Brake Light Switch broke ,Brake light won't turn off
NHTSA complaint #11692518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesDenver, CO
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2009 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact’s girlfriend then coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000
NHTSA complaint #11523626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lady Lake, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS module leaking fluid
NHTSA complaint #11522387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
AIR BAGS
Air bag light on at 146018 miles
NHTSA complaint #11446773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cape Coral, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rear windshield shattered for no reason. Because of the tint we had installed it stayed intact but you can't see through it. The car is in my driveway if you want to see it, but I have an appointment for Safelite to repair it on Monday, Dec 6, 2021. No, it has not been inspected by the police or anyone else. Safelite will be able to tell what happened when they come out. My husband was at work and the car was parked, when he came out to get in that is when he noticed it. There was no one else near where he parked his car and no evidence of anyone being near the car.
NHTSA complaint #11442549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,274 milesAurora, CO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY BRAKE LIGHTS WORK THEN THEY DONT I HAVE REPLACED FUSES BULBS I DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO CHECK THEY WAS WORKING YESTERDAY TODAY I WAS TOLD MY BRAKES LIGHT WASNT WORKING AFTER ALMOST GETTING REAR ENDED. I WAS STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT. THIS ISNT THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED
NHTSA complaint #11362312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,274 milesAurora, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
MY BRAKE LIGHTS WORK THEN THEY DONT I HAVE REPLACED FUSES BULBS I DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO CHECK THEY WAS WORKING YESTERDAY TODAY I WAS TOLD MY BRAKES LIGHT WASNT WORKING AFTER ALMOST GETTING REAR ENDED. I WAS STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT. THIS ISNT THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED
NHTSA complaint #11362312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesBirmingham, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK STOPPED WORKING ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO. CAN NOT UNLOCK THE DOOR MANUALLY INSIDE OR WITH A KEY OUTSIDE OR WITH REMOTE. DESPITE THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE OR WARRANTY, THIS IS WITHOUT A DOUBT A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AND THE, NHTSA, SHOULD HAVE ALREADY HAVE HAD ORDERED A MANDATORY RECALL, GIVEN HUNDAI MOTORS IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS NOT ACTED ON ITS OWN. GIVEN THE,NHTSA'S RECORD ON RECALLS ( REACTIVE RATHER THAN PRO ACTIVE ) BASED ON THE NUMBER OF DEATHS REQUIRED, ANY MANDATED RECALL IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY...THE N IN NHTSA, BEST REPRESENTS NEGLECT!
NHTSA complaint #11353954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesArlington, TX
ENGINE
THE CAR WILL STALL WHILE RUNNING THEN WILL TURN OVER BUT NOT START FOR A BRIEF PERIOD OF TIME. IT HAS DONE THIS WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT OR IN MOTION ROUNDING A CORNER.
NHTSA complaint #11318180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
SUSPENSION
I WAS INTERESTED IN THIS CAR BUT BEFORE PURCHASING I TOOK IT TO FIRESTONE FOR A PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION. ONE OF THE REPAIRS NEEDED WAS A CV AXLE. IT WAS POPPING WHEN YOU MAKE TURNS AND VISIBLY LEAKING GREASE. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS WITHOUT DRASTICALLY INCREASING THE PRICE. ESSENTIALLY, THEY WOULD MAKE MORE MONEY SELLING THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE TO AN UNSUSPECTING BUYER. IF A CV AXLE FAILS WHEN A PERSON IS DRIVING, IT WOULD MEAN COMPLETE LOSS OF THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE OBVIOUS CONSEQUENCES. I UNDERSTAND A USED CAR NEEDING MAINTENANCE, HOWEVER THIS IS COMPLETE NEGLIGENCE THAT COULD RESULT IS SOMEONE LOSING THEIR LIFE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE EARNESTLY, I'M GUESSING THIS ISN'T THE FIRST NOR THE LAST TIME THIS WILL HAPPEN AT THIS DEALERSHIP. YOU CAN SEE WHICH DEALERSHIP I'M REFERRING TO BY LOOKING AT THE OWNERSHIP RECORD AND THE DATE OF INCIDENT, OR BY CONTACTING ME DIRECTLY.
NHTSA complaint #11309365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monrovia, MD
AIR BAGS
2009 HYUNDAI ACCENT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA complaint #11309232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesHumble, TX
AIR BAGS
WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT TURNS ON AND WON'T TURN OFF. RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT STILL STAYS ON. ANOTHER ISSUE THAT I NEVER REPORTED IS BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUN VISORS WON'T STAY UP. I REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE, BUT THIS IS VERY DISTRACTING TO A DRIVER TO HAVE THE VISOR DROP DOWNAND FEEL THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY CONCERN. THE REST OF THE INFORMATION IS ABOUT THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEING ON, NOT THE VISORS.
NHTSA complaint #11287928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesHumble, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED, THE AIR BAG LIGHT TURNS ON AND WON'T TURN OFF. RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT STILL STAYS ON. ANOTHER ISSUE THAT I NEVER REPORTED IS BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUN VISORS WON'T STAY UP. I REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE, BUT THIS IS VERY DISTRACTING TO A DRIVER TO HAVE THE VISOR DROP DOWNAND FEEL THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY CONCERN. THE REST OF THE INFORMATION IS ABOUT THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEING ON, NOT THE VISORS.
NHTSA complaint #11287928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,000 milesHaslett, MI
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WON'T SHUT OFF. CAME ON IN MORNING JUST STARTING THE CAR AND HAS NOT TURNED OFF. I HAVE UNHOOKED BATTERY AND CHECKED FUSES BUT STILL ON.
NHTSA complaint #11280996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesKihei, HI
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FOR PASSENGER SEAT-OCS---NOTE MANY OTHER 2009 HYUNDAI ACCENT HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR PASSENGER AIR BAG ISSUES--ALSO 2008/9/10/11/12,ETC-WHY NOT THIS ONE???
NHTSA complaint #11271323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesWickenburg, AZ
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON ONE DAY. I WAS INFORMED THE AIRBAG PRESSURE SENSOR HAD FAILED AND WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM AS THE AIRBAG WOULDN'T DEPLOY CORRECTLY IF SOMEONE WAS IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT. RECENTLY LEARNED IT WAS A RECALL FOR SOME KIA MODELS THROUGH A NOTICE FOR MY KIA SEDONA, BUT MY MODEL WASN'T INCLUDED ALTHOUGH THE ISSUE IS IDENTICAL.
NHTSA complaint #11270930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesAlbuquerque, NM
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON ONE DAY. AND ITS ON CONSTANTLY. I CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY DONT CARE. I BELIEVE HYUNDAI IS THE LEAST TRUSTWORTHY BRAND FOR CAR AND SHOULD NOT BE SOLD IN US MARKET.
NHTSA complaint #11234855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,900 milesLiverpool, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY CAR MISFIRED AND AFTER THAT STARTED TO SPUTTERING WHEN I IDOL, SLOW DOWN OR SPEED UP. I GOT NEW PLUGS PUT IN AND PUT SOME DRY GAS IN TANK.STILL SPUTTERS WHEN IN IDLE OR SLOWING DOWN. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINKS AND THEN STAYS ON.
NHTSA complaint #11180681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Twentynine Palms, CAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
IT STARTED RUNING BAD I PULL OVER SMOKE COMEING FROM FIRE WALL I PUT IT OUT /NEXT DAY I STARTED IT AND TURN IT OFF/ THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON/ ONLY 54000.00 MILES/THANK YOU/RUNING ON THE HIGHWAY
NHTSA complaint #11155478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesLOS Banos, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DURING OR AFTER OPERATION OF THE AIR CONDITIONING, WATER POURS DOWN INTO THE FOOTWELL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS HAPPENS REGARDLESS OF ANY OTHER PARAMETERS.
NHTSA complaint #11140122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesHinesville, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CAR HAS EXTREMELY HARD TIME STARTING WHEN YOU PUT FUEL IN CHANGED ALL SENSORS AND PURGE VALVE NO HELP MECHANIC IS STUMPED
NHTSA complaint #11085020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,500 milesGermantown, MD
AIR BAGS
THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 90,000 MILES, YET THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. A MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE ERROR AS B1448 OCS. THE MECHANIC SAID THE PROBLEM COULD BE THE WEIGHT SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE WIRING HARNESS UNDERNEATH THE SEAT, OR THE CONTROL MODULE.
NHTSA complaint #11078817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Snellville, GA
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR CAN ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE USING THE CAR KEY. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED AT ALL AS THERE IS NO DOOR LOCK.
NHTSA complaint #11076770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesClarksville, TN
AIR BAGS
MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. I HAD A MECHANIC SHUT IT OFF. IT WAS OFF FOR A WHILE BUT CAME BACK ON. I HAVE SEEN ONLINE WHERE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE SIMILAR ISSUES. I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11075633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesChicago, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE BEGAN APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS AGO AND PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROGERS AUTO GROUP HYUNDAI IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FLOORMAT WAS THE REASON WHY THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11075589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.