Owners have filed 22 complaints
about the 2021 Hyundai Accent with NHTSA between 2021 and 2025.
The largest single group is the wheels.
Across this model's run it ranks 28 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 — 11
Against the median year of the Hyundai Accent. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 70
13.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2021 Hyundai Accent
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Wheels
836.4%
Seat Belts
627.3%
Engine & Cooling
418.2%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Electrical System
29.1%
Brakes
14.5%
Steering
14.5%
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 2021peak 4Jul 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2021 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.
RQ22003Opened 8 Aug 2022Closed 26 May 2023SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Seat Belt Pretensioners May Rupture
On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) based on 3 incidents alleging front seat belt pretensioners that may rupture during deployment, on model year (MY) 2020-2022 of various Hyundai and Kia Models, resulting in 3 injuries (note: one incident occurred outside the U.S. and its territories).Between October 2021 and March 2023, Hyundai and Kia have filed the following 11 safety recalls for pretensioner rupture: NHTSA Recall No. 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-123, 22V-127, 22V-218, 22V-354, 22V-447, 22V-458, 22V-816, 23V-094, and 23V-210.Hyundai/Kia have...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Bremerton, WAFire
ENGINE
Engine compartment fire. Vehicle towed to Hyundai dealer in Bremerton wa
NHTSA complaint #11456438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale Heights, IL1 injured
WHEELS
The car seems to have sort of an alignment problem. Steering keeps going to the left and I constantly have to pull steering to the right. Even with both have on steering wheel the car goes to the left lane. If I make a left turn the steering seems to want to stay to the left and I get the feeling the car is going to flip over. It's like there is a gap in the steering wheel. A miscommunication between the steering and front axle kind of. They tried to fix it three times without any success, and now they are ignoring me, they don't answer my calls. I only drive it to work because I have to. The dealer says it's not that bad. Well maybe it's not that bad to drive it around the block but to drive it one hour everyday is a problem for me, even my right hand and arm start to hurt after half hour of constant dragging. Dealer told me all there accents drive the same. Well for me it means they all have same problem probably. Mechanics told me they get lot of cars with same problem. I am sure they are aware of it. I even took a video while driving to demonstrate defect and definitely it's not safe to drive. They tried to align the car three times at two different dealers with no success. Dealers repair files attached.
NHTSA complaint #11431287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale Heights, IL1 injured
STEERING
The car seems to have sort of an alignment problem. Steering keeps going to the left and I constantly have to pull steering to the right. Even with both have on steering wheel the car goes to the left lane. If I make a left turn the steering seems to want to stay to the left and I get the feeling the car is going to flip over. It's like there is a gap in the steering wheel. A miscommunication between the steering and front axle kind of. They tried to fix it three times without any success, and now they are ignoring me, they don't answer my calls. I only drive it to work because I have to. The dealer says it's not that bad. Well maybe it's not that bad to drive it around the block but to drive it one hour everyday is a problem for me, even my right hand and arm start to hurt after half hour of constant dragging. Dealer told me all there accents drive the same. Well for me it means they all have same problem probably. Mechanics told me they get lot of cars with same problem. I am sure they are aware of it. I even took a video while driving to demonstrate defect and definitely it's not safe to drive. They tried to align the car three times at two different dealers with no success. Dealers repair files attached.
NHTSA complaint #11431287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Inglewood, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed; however, the contact was informed there was no fault found with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11670511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hard time stopping and controlling the vechile
NHTSA complaint #11656989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
Hard time stopping and controlling the vechile
NHTSA complaint #11656989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cherry Hill, NJ
ENGINE
The contact leased a 2021 Hyundai Accent through Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power for about 5 seconds while accelerating and decelerating through traffic. The contact stated that he was able to duplicate the failure five times and related the failure to the engine; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact returned the vehicle to Enterprise Rent-A-Car and `informed them about the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11617490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marlborough, MA
WHEELS
During a tire swap, another lug nut broke off while trying to remove it. This issue has occurred before, and it seems that the faulty lug nut problem is still present. The car has only been serviced at Hyundai dealerships, and the tires were last rotated during a service at an authorized Hyundai dealership before this incident. The affected lug nut this time was on the front passenger side.
NHTSA complaint #11588250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corozal, PR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2021 Hyundai accent has randomly not started a in more than 10 different times. The lights go on and you can hear it trying to start but it never catches to actually start. It’s under warranty but the dealer says if they can’t see it when it’s happening then they can’t fix anything. I bought a new battery with dealer recommendations but I still hace they problem. I only have 25,300 miles on this 2 year old car.
NHTSA complaint #11556330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corozal, PR
ENGINE
My 2021 Hyundai accent has randomly not started a in more than 10 different times. The lights go on and you can hear it trying to start but it never catches to actually start. It’s under warranty but the dealer says if they can’t see it when it’s happening then they can’t fix anything. I bought a new battery with dealer recommendations but I still hace they problem. I only have 25,300 miles on this 2 year old car.
NHTSA complaint #11556330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marlborough, MA
WHEELS
This is the fourth lugnut/stud that has failed. This time it was during routine maintenance at an authorized dealership during tire rotation.
NHTSA complaint #11518462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marlborough, MA
WHEELS
Fifth lug nut failure within a span of less than 6 months. Today during winter to summer tire snow change, front passenger side lug nut broke while it was being removed. This is the 4th incident in my vehicle with regards to the lug nuts. Less than two weeks ago, during routine maintenance at a Hyundai dealership, another lugnut broke and I have also registered a complaint here.
NHTSA complaint #11518464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marlborough, MA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
This is the fourth lugnut/stud that has failed. This time it was during routine maintenance at an authorized dealership during tire rotation.
NHTSA complaint #11518462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marlborough, MA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Fifth lug nut failure within a span of less than 6 months. Today during winter to summer tire snow change, front passenger side lug nut broke while it was being removed. This is the 4th incident in my vehicle with regards to the lug nuts. Less than two weeks ago, during routine maintenance at a Hyundai dealership, another lugnut broke and I have also registered a complaint here.
NHTSA complaint #11518464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sloatsburg, NY
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Accent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 #11503411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elmwood Park, NJ
SEAT BELTS
UNKNOWN (RECALL SEATBELT)
NHTSA complaint #11497366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marlborough, MA
WHEELS
The studs and the lug nuts have consistently cross-threading and corrosion issues in a barely-year-old vehicle. I have had to visit the dealer twice to have this problem fixed and paid out of pocket. This started to happen ever since my last service at a Hyundai dealership. I suspect that this is because of low quality or defective lugnuts/studs that are being used, which is causing the lugnuts to be stuck and break off while trying to remove them. 2 of the lugnuts and studs in the vehicle had to be broken off to be removed last week (11/28/22). Yesterday (12/04/2022) during a tire change, another lugnut/stud broke off during removal. Hyundai should look into this faulty lugnuts/stud problem and have it resolved.
NHTSA complaint #11496057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marlborough, MA
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
The studs and the lug nuts have consistently cross-threading and corrosion issues in a barely-year-old vehicle. I have had to visit the dealer twice to have this problem fixed and paid out of pocket. This started to happen ever since my last service at a Hyundai dealership. I suspect that this is because of low quality or defective lugnuts/studs that are being used, which is causing the lugnuts to be stuck and break off while trying to remove them. 2 of the lugnuts and studs in the vehicle had to be broken off to be removed last week (11/28/22). Yesterday (12/04/2022) during a tire change, another lugnut/stud broke off during removal. Hyundai should look into this faulty lugnuts/stud problem and have it resolved.
NHTSA complaint #11496057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marine, IL
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Accent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) 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. The consumer stated the dealer fixed the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11495320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Rosa, CA
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Accent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part 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 #11487215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Churchville, MD
SEAT BELTS
I've been trying for about 6 months to get this recall corrected. I've called several dealers and no one has the parts. Isn't it ridiculous that they are suggesting I park the car outside my garage because it is dangerous to park it inside, BUT it's OK if I drive it???? When will these parts be available?
NHTSA complaint #11486176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedar Grove, WV
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Accent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) 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 #11476996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bremerton, WAFire
ENGINE
Engine compartment fire. Vehicle towed to Hyundai dealer in Bremerton wa
NHTSA complaint #11456438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale Heights, IL1 injured
WHEELS
The car seems to have sort of an alignment problem. Steering keeps going to the left and I constantly have to pull steering to the right. Even with both have on steering wheel the car goes to the left lane. If I make a left turn the steering seems to want to stay to the left and I get the feeling the car is going to flip over. It's like there is a gap in the steering wheel. A miscommunication between the steering and front axle kind of. They tried to fix it three times without any success, and now they are ignoring me, they don't answer my calls. I only drive it to work because I have to. The dealer says it's not that bad. Well maybe it's not that bad to drive it around the block but to drive it one hour everyday is a problem for me, even my right hand and arm start to hurt after half hour of constant dragging. Dealer told me all there accents drive the same. Well for me it means they all have same problem probably. Mechanics told me they get lot of cars with same problem. I am sure they are aware of it. I even took a video while driving to demonstrate defect and definitely it's not safe to drive. They tried to align the car three times at two different dealers with no success. Dealers repair files attached.
NHTSA complaint #11431287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale Heights, IL1 injured
STEERING
The car seems to have sort of an alignment problem. Steering keeps going to the left and I constantly have to pull steering to the right. Even with both have on steering wheel the car goes to the left lane. If I make a left turn the steering seems to want to stay to the left and I get the feeling the car is going to flip over. It's like there is a gap in the steering wheel. A miscommunication between the steering and front axle kind of. They tried to fix it three times without any success, and now they are ignoring me, they don't answer my calls. I only drive it to work because I have to. The dealer says it's not that bad. Well maybe it's not that bad to drive it around the block but to drive it one hour everyday is a problem for me, even my right hand and arm start to hurt after half hour of constant dragging. Dealer told me all there accents drive the same. Well for me it means they all have same problem probably. Mechanics told me they get lot of cars with same problem. I am sure they are aware of it. I even took a video while driving to demonstrate defect and definitely it's not safe to drive. They tried to align the car three times at two different dealers with no success. Dealers repair files attached.
NHTSA complaint #11431287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.