350 of the
2,760 complaints filed about the Hyundai Accent
are about the engine —
13% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2012.
I have replaced the GDI engine on the 2017 Hyundai Accent once. I have also had the catalytic converter replaced 3x. The car lunges as if there will be another catalytic converter issue soon. Hyuandi recommended a fuel induction completion to prevent the issue from occurring again, but it did. This is a safety issue because the car and stall out at any given time. The cause of this issue has yet to be detected. It is believe a recall is needed on the GDI engine and catalytic converter.
NHTSA complaint #11751176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This vehicle has the Hyundai 1.6L GDI engine, which has been recalled in other Hyundai models, just not the 2014 Accent. Just after passing 100,000 miles, this vehicle's check engine light came on indicating something was wrong with the camshaft timing. We brought it to a mechanic and found out the camshaft sprockets on the exhaust are faulty and it requires a new timing chain as well. If these repairs were not done, the engine would seize up and fail. The repair is estimated to cost $2,800, but this issue is the same as on other 1.6L GDI engines that have been recalled and either replaced or rebuilt. We would like this vehicle added to Hyundai's recall of the 1.6L GDI engines and our money for this repair to be reimbursed.
NHTSA complaint #11749524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While traveling at highway speeds on [XXX] with three passengers, the vehicle suddenly suffered a catastrophic internal engine failure (severe rod knock), forcing an emergency deceleration in active traffic that put all occupants at risk of a rear-end collision. The sudden breakdown was immediately preceded by a flashing Check Engine Light and violent metallic knocking, despite the vehicle being regularly serviced and having a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update completed just one month prior at Motor Mile Hyundai in Christiansburg. The catastrophic failure and the immediate need for a complete engine replacement have since been confirmed verbally by the Hyundai service center. Actual milage on engine is approx. 145000 (Because of replaced instrument cluster by previous owner it shows approx. 195000) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11740739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
This car burns through gas at an unbelievable rate. I have read that this is a common problem and Hyundai needs to address the problem - and REPAIR it - for all affected owners. I have about 75,000 miles and the problem has been ongoing for over a year. I have to add oil every week and if I forget, it is all burned up within 2 weeks.
NHTSA complaint #11736028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Was driving down the highway and my car caught fire. I was stopped by another driver saying that my car was on fire. I had no breaks to stop, I had to put it straight to park to stop the car. That way myself and my son could jump out of the car.
NHTSA complaint #11734923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The engine failed and requires a full engine replacement. The vehicle is currently at ALM Hyundai West, 1990 Thornton Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, and is available for inspection upon request. Hyundai Motor America has already approved the engine replacement under a goodwill authorization, implicitly confirming the failure is manufacturer-related. The engine failure left the vehicle undrivable, forcing me to operate rental vehicles and arrange multiple tows across three dealerships over nearly two years. An engine failure at under 100,000 miles on a well-maintained vehicle poses a direct safety risk a sudden engine failure while driving at highway or city speeds could result in loss of vehicle control, creating a serious risk of collision for the driver and other road users.Yes. The engine failure has been confirmed by three separate authorized Hyundai dealerships: Ed Voyles Hyundai (Marietta, GA), AutoNation Hyundai (Columbus, GA), and ALM Hyundai West (Lithia Springs, GA). Hyundai Motor America's own goodwill approval of a full engine replacement on July 18, 2025 further confirms the failure.Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by three authorized Hyundai dealerships acting on behalf of the manufacturer. Hyundai Motor America's corporate team reviewed and approved the engine replacement as a goodwill repair. All inspection and repair documentation is on file and available upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11730695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving my 2022 Hyundai Accent (VIN [XXX] ) when the brakes suddenly failed without warning. When I pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not slow down properly resultina in a crash Immediately after the crash, the vehicle caught fire According to the fire department report, the fire originated in the engine compartment and was classified as unintentional/ accidental There were no prior warning lights or known brake issues before this incident. The failure was sudden and unexpected. This incident raises serious safetv concerns regarding a potential defect involving the braking system and/or electrical components. The vehicle is currently preserved and available for inspection INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11729689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have had this vehicle for 5 years and even replaced the engine in this vehicle for it to end up with the same issue. I take very good care of it and get its maintenance done. But the car is slow to get up to speed and misfires really bad. I replaced the spark plugs in it and they were coated in oil. The airbag sensor will come on indicating it’s not operating properly. Overall a very unreliable vehicle that has multiple issues. It has ended in catastrophic engine failure twice now
NHTSA complaint #11721938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
cylinder 3 failure while driving, while merging onto highway traffic vehicle was suddenly unable to to accelerate as there was a sudden loss of power and improper shifting of gears. Engine light came on as well. Car was taken to dealer for excessive burning of oil while under warranty before this event. The vehicle has been inspected by Hyundai dealership and by a private auto mechanic. Both parties indicated independentlya cylinder 3 failure.
NHTSA complaint #11712957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving up a hill on interstate 8 in California and all of a sudden i heard a bang under the hood and see sparks and flames and my hyundai was on fire right there on the freeway. No clue why.
NHTSA complaint #11705165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
For the past year I keep having to replace the catalytic converter, ignition coils and spark plugs every 2/3months. I just replaced the catalytic converter in October with a tune up. A month later had to replace spark plugs.
NHTSA complaint #11703911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driver: My [XXX] daughter (I was not in the vehicle), I am the owner. Mileage at incident: Approximately 89,000 miles (see Tire Discounters record, page 13). 2019 Hyundai Docs What happened: While driving on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled, requiring my daughter to pull over to the shoulder for safety. After the stall, the vehicle could not accelerate or operate normally. Earlier documented warning: On 9/23/24—only two days after purchase—Firestone documented “metallic glitter in the engine oil – possible internal engine wear,” indicating a possible internal defect (page 2). Hyundai service recommended and provided contact on 2 separate occasions to request Goodwill coverage. First attempt (no claim filed 10/2024), second attempt (claim mishandled by (2) Hyundai Motor America 2019 Hyundai Docs Post-stall findings: After the highway stall on 10/23/25, Tire Discounters documented misfire symptoms and recommended further evaluation (page 13). 2019 Hyundai Docs The vehicle was then towed to Columbia Hyundai, where a diagnostic on 11/12/25 confirmed: 0 PSI compression in Cylinder #3 100% leak-down Piston and cylinder-wall damage Valve/head involvement Recommendation for complete long-block engine replacement (See Columbia Hyundai diagnostic report, page 1.) 2019 Hyundai Docs Safety concern: The vehicle experienced a complete loss of power at highway speed, which created a potentially dangerous situation for the driver. Manufacturer response: Hyundai Motor America denied goodwill assistance and termed as warranty assistance and has not addressed the early-documented internal defect or the safety risk created by the highway stall. Can provide any other documentation needed for your review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11703850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Engine is failing, oil leaking in the engine that messed up my catalytic converter and O2 sensors now it’s just sluggish , doesn’t accelerate properly, doesn’t idle nearly .
NHTSA complaint #11702589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have to check my oil every other day. For some reason my car is sucking up all the oil and I don’t believe I should be putting oil in it every other day.
NHTSA complaint #11695921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
My 2015 Hyundai accent started having problems with oil consumption around 65000 miles. I got it checked regularly and the mechanic noticed it after it was having issues accelerating and losing power then cutting off completely. I had to constantly check oil each week or sooner. A couple months later it started losing power on high way and there was a clicking/ticking coming from engine. I pulled over and cut it off. Then drove it slowly (under 30 mph) to car store down the road to add oil but it was fine. Was able to get back home on back roads going slowly. Mechanic told me there oil consumption was a problem with these types of cars and likely causing engine problems. The whole time I had problems the check engine, battery, and oil light would constantly come on and go off. When they hooked it up to see why check engine light was on there were about 15 different codes. One of them being the Variable Valve Solenoid which I ended up replacing both first but still had problems. It would accelerate but there was still a ticking noise upon accelerating. I didn’t drive it for a few weeks then the day I was going to take it back to shop, My husband, his friend, and I were on highway a couple minutes from home and hit a bump and heard a loud thud when the ticking stopped but the car beside us was waving to get our attention that the car was on fire. There was smoke coming through a.c. And you could see it in the rear. My husband quickly pulled over and when I went to get out of passengers side, flames shot up my side of the door so I quickly jumped across out his side. We were able to all get out ok. Luckily there was a firetruck coming down the highway before I could even get ahold of dispatch on 911. The cars front end was engulfed in flames which they were able to put out quickly. The hood was roasted. I’m not sure if they determined the cause and my car is still sitting in the lot where they towed it. Unfortunately I had a lapse in insurance because I was out of work
NHTSA complaint #11691683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased my car in February I was told everything was fine, my car does this jerking everytime I drive sometimes acceleration is slow at first I took my car to carmax and was told the issue was fixed unfortunately my car is still having this issue it’s upsetting because this is my first car & I shouldn’t have this issue when it was supposed to be fixed before my warranty ended.
NHTSA complaint #11691442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.