Owners have filed 207 complaints
about the 2013 Hyundai Accent with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Hyundai Accent. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
30% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 71
42% 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
1513.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
65.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2017.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2522.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1815.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1513.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1210.6%
150,000+ miles
21.8%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2013 Hyundai Accent 4 DR FWD
12.4% risk
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.
Nov 2012peak 15Aug 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2013 Hyundai Accent
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
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,...
Recalls on the 2013 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024080353,849 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, brake fluid could leak into the control module for the antilock brake system (ABS) and cause it to short circuit. Note: This recall replaces recall R0246 (Transport Canada recall number 2023-527). For the Sonata model, only the Sonata Hybrid model is affected by this recall. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: Hyundai will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the fuse for the ABS module. Hyundai recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.
Recall 2023527326,942 units in Canada
Brakes
This recall was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2024-080. Issue: On certain vehicles, brake fluid could leak into the control module for the antilock brake system (ABS) and cause it to short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: Hyundai will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the fuse for the ABS module. Hyundai recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Pearland, TXFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My parked, unoccupied 2013 Hyundai Accent spontaneously caught fire while turned off in my driveway. This vehicle is included in Hyundai Safety Recall 251 (NHTSA Campaign Number 23V651000) for a defective Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module that causes an electrical short circuit and engine compartment fires when parked. The local fire department responded to extinguish the blaze. The vehicle is a total loss. The local Hyundai dealership currently possesses the vehicle and has refused to take responsibility, claiming they "cannot find the issue," despite this being a federally recognized safety hazard. I am filing this complaint to trigger a manufacturer accountability review, as the vehicle caught fire exactly as described in the federal recall notice.
NHTSA complaint #11739389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birmingham, ALFire
ENGINE
Sunday, while I was sitting in my car I noticed smokes coming from the hood. I then noticed it getting thicker and I saw a flame under the steering wheel. I called the fire department. While I was waiting, the car engulfed into flames and was completely burnt. I wasn’t notified about a recall on the car. I had to find out on my own on 12/14/2024. The incident happened 12/08/2024. I filed a police report and had to get the car towed. I can contact the police department for the report number, I only received a card.
NHTSA complaint #11630707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,154 milesGreat Fall, MTCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle had experienced unintended acceleration on several occasions. After parking the vehicle in the garage and switching to the park position, the vehicle had experienced unintended acceleration and crashed into the back wall of the garage. The cause of the failure was not determined. No injuries were reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic but the no cause no problem was found. The failure mileage was 2,154.
NHTSA complaint #11594857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesPikesville, MDFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a pedestrian informed her that the vehicle was on fire. The contact saw smoke coming from under the hood. The contact exited the vehicle and an individual with a tow truck approached her with his fire extinguisher and extinguished the fire coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed back to her residence, where it caught fire again all throughout the vehicle. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained nor medical attention was needed. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a junkyard. The insurance company had not yet deemed the vehicle destroyed. The contact was relating the failure to an NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) letter she had received. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
NHTSA complaint #11593470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TXFire1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving the vehicle on the freeway it began to slow down and I was no longer able to accelerate. After attempting to pull over, other vehicles began blowing their car horns to let me know something was wrong. Once I came up on the off ramp, the inside of the car began filling with smoke. I had to open the door and jump from the vehicle while it was still in motion. At that moment it became fully engulfed with fire. I have since found out via the internet that a recall has been issued for the vehicle. I have not received any official notice from the car manufacture. The car was a total loss as it was completely destroyed as it burned on the side of the road. My safety was risked as I was driving my car while it was on fire and I had to jump from a moving vehicle to avoid being burned in fire.
NHTSA complaint #11583174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbridge, VA2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
During cold weather, the trunk lid will suddenly fall when reaching into the trunk. The lid does not need to be bumped for it to fall. I believe it can be inspected upon request. Safety at risk when it suddenly falls. My husband had the trunk lid fall on the base of his neck at the top of his spine when the trunk lid suddenly fell. I had the trunk lid fall on top of my head leaving a goose egg bump when loading luggage in the car. No the problem has not been reproduced by the mentioned entities. No the problem hasn’t been inspected by the mentioned entities. No. There were no warnings when the trunk lid suddenly fell.
NHTSA complaint #11556778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 150,000 milesOcean City, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop as intended while the brake pedal was fully depressed. The brake warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact used the parking brake to pull over to the shoulder of the road safely. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed brake fluid leaking from a rusted brake line. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the residence and remained at the residence for additional investigation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11757677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pearland, TXFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My parked, unoccupied 2013 Hyundai Accent spontaneously caught fire while turned off in my driveway. This vehicle is included in Hyundai Safety Recall 251 (NHTSA Campaign Number 23V651000) for a defective Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module that causes an electrical short circuit and engine compartment fires when parked. The local fire department responded to extinguish the blaze. The vehicle is a total loss. The local Hyundai dealership currently possesses the vehicle and has refused to take responsibility, claiming they "cannot find the issue," despite this being a federally recognized safety hazard. I am filing this complaint to trigger a manufacturer accountability review, as the vehicle caught fire exactly as described in the federal recall notice.
NHTSA complaint #11739389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melrose, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My name is [XXX] and I am filing a complaint against The Auto Factory in [XXX] . In December 2024 I purchased a 2013 Hyundai Accent (VIN: [XXX] ) 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 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)
NHTSA complaint #11737034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melrose, MA
ENGINE
My name is [XXX] and I am filing a complaint against The Auto Factory in [XXX] . In December 2024 I purchased a 2013 Hyundai Accent (VIN: [XXX] ) 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 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)
NHTSA complaint #11737034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Longview, TX
SEAT BELTS
I suddenly jammed my breaks to avoid an accident and my seat belt came undone. I flew foward in my seat. Now the seat belt (driver) comes undone every time I have a sudden stop.
NHTSA complaint #11705755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Joseph, MO
ENGINE
My 2013 Hyundai Accent with 130K miles is experiencing excessive oil consumption. I'm replacing 1.5+ quarts per month to keep it at the full mark on the dipstick. After some research, it appears that lawsuits and Technical Service Bulletins have been issued to address the concerns, but the dealer says my vehicle does not qualify for these warranty/goodwill repairs. TSB 23-EM-008H, as an example, seems to apply to my vehicle. Can this be investigated please? I believe this vehicle qualifies for warranty/goodwill repairs and/or engine replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11694030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Titusville, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The incident started August 15, 2025, I was driving my car and the traction light came on I stopped and turned it off. I proceeded to drive it after that and came home. Then I noticed my brake lights were constantly on so I took a piece of cardboard and folded it in a few folds and put it between the brake pedal and the brake switch it turned it off. I then proceeded the next day to drive my car it was doing fine until my caliper seized on my rotor and left me stuck on the side of the road, I then called a mobile mechanic he came out replaced the caliper on the left front driver side it still did not unseize my rotor for my caliper to move freely so he installed a new master cylinder it worked for 2 days then I was always driving it felt like the tire was falling off the car a lot of shaking and bouncing. So I parked it that unfortunately sees the caliper on the rotor again three times. I had a new caliper put on it worked for a week my traction light was off. And then my traction light came back on as I was driving it seized up again I've replaced a lot of fuses, new Masters cylinder, new caliper, new brake switch. I'm at a loss help me!!
NHTSA complaint #11689391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Titusville, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The incident started August 15, 2025, I was driving my car and the traction light came on I stopped and turned it off. I proceeded to drive it after that and came home. Then I noticed my brake lights were constantly on so I took a piece of cardboard and folded it in a few folds and put it between the brake pedal and the brake switch it turned it off. I then proceeded the next day to drive my car it was doing fine until my caliper seized on my rotor and left me stuck on the side of the road, I then called a mobile mechanic he came out replaced the caliper on the left front driver side it still did not unseize my rotor for my caliper to move freely so he installed a new master cylinder it worked for 2 days then I was always driving it felt like the tire was falling off the car a lot of shaking and bouncing. So I parked it that unfortunately sees the caliper on the rotor again three times. I had a new caliper put on it worked for a week my traction light was off. And then my traction light came back on as I was driving it seized up again I've replaced a lot of fuses, new Masters cylinder, new caliper, new brake switch. I'm at a loss help me!!
NHTSA complaint #11689391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Blanc, MI
TIRES
Fast fraud lease agreement during initial payment part removed void out 10 min window no re-entry
NHTSA complaint #11655699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Blanc, MI
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
Stuck in deep snow long ride share gig service high mileage 247924
NHTSA complaint #11655694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Antioch, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11639748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Birmingham, ALFire
ENGINE
Sunday, while I was sitting in my car I noticed smokes coming from the hood. I then noticed it getting thicker and I saw a flame under the steering wheel. I called the fire department. While I was waiting, the car engulfed into flames and was completely burnt. I wasn’t notified about a recall on the car. I had to find out on my own on 12/14/2024. The incident happened 12/08/2024. I filed a police report and had to get the car towed. I can contact the police department for the report number, I only received a card.
NHTSA complaint #11630707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jayuya, PR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11627316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
APO, AS
ENGINE
I was driving my vehicle on the highway and all of the sudden I got a low oil light, check engine light, and the vehicle shut down in the middle of moving traffic. It turns out my vehicle has the same oil consumption issue as the other vehicles listed in the Engine II Class Action settlement. Please make them issue a recall and add Accents to the model list.
NHTSA complaint #11611554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greensboro, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11608336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gloucester, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11602709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,154 milesGreat Fall, MTCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle had experienced unintended acceleration on several occasions. After parking the vehicle in the garage and switching to the park position, the vehicle had experienced unintended acceleration and crashed into the back wall of the garage. The cause of the failure was not determined. No injuries were reported. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic but the no cause no problem was found. The failure mileage was 2,154.
NHTSA complaint #11594857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesPikesville, MDFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a pedestrian informed her that the vehicle was on fire. The contact saw smoke coming from under the hood. The contact exited the vehicle and an individual with a tow truck approached her with his fire extinguisher and extinguished the fire coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed back to her residence, where it caught fire again all throughout the vehicle. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained nor medical attention was needed. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a junkyard. The insurance company had not yet deemed the vehicle destroyed. The contact was relating the failure to an NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) letter she had received. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
NHTSA complaint #11593470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, DE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My local Hyundai dealership (Porter Hyundai in Newark, DE) is unable to remedy the defect (Safety Recall NHTSA Recall Number 23V-651) within a reasonable time. Today is 6/4 and the first available appointment is 7/26.
NHTSA complaint #11592328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Enterprise, AL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Due to the recall of the ABS fuse I believe it has caused a electrical short and that's why my junction box does not work, also I had problems with slow acceleration almost causing me to get hit.
NHTSA complaint #11590648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Enterprise, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Due to the recall of the ABS fuse I believe it has caused a electrical short and that's why my junction box does not work, also I had problems with slow acceleration almost causing me to get hit.
NHTSA complaint #11590648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Enterprise, AL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Due to the recall of the ABS fuse I believe it has caused a electrical short and that's why my junction box does not work, also I had problems with slow acceleration almost causing me to get hit.
NHTSA complaint #11590648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Tan Valley, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11589682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arcadia, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11589090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
SUSPENSION
Tech foud rust all over the undecarriage and to fix the issue with the torsion axle assembly, it was decide to replace all the torsion axle assembly and other items. The Campaign 992 recall was initiated because Hyundai acknowledged that the underbody corrosion protection applied to certain vehicles was insufficient. The torsion axle assembly was before the Campaign 992 recall. A rembusment for that was submitted and approved by Hyundai but suddley they reject it.
NHTSA complaint #11587047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
