Hyundai Accent Recalls

The Hyundai Accent has 33 recalls spanning 1995 through 2022, with the most serious recent issue being a steering column bolt on 2021-2022 models that can work loose and allow the steering column to detach from the steering rack, causing a complete loss of steering control.

The 2020-2022 model years also have a seat belt pretensioner defect where the front driver and passenger pretensioners can explode during a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, striking occupants. The 2021 model year has an additional brake concern: the master cylinder can have sharp internal edges that damage the oil seal, leading to longer pedal travel and extended stopping distances. On 2018-2020 vehicles, the trunk latch can become damaged and prevent the trunk from being opened from the inside, trapping anyone inside. The 2018 five-door model has a rear defroster that can develop hot spots on the glass surface.

Going back to the mid-2010s, 2015 models have a passenger seat occupant detection system that can fail in cold temperatures to recognize a child restraint seat in the front passenger seat, leaving the front airbag active when it should be suppressed. The 2012-2015 model years have an anti-lock brake control module that can overheat and start an engine compartment fire, whether the vehicle is parked or moving. A separate issue on 2012 models involves the 12-volt accessory outlet being over-tightened at the factory, which can disable its thermal fuse and allow the socket to overheat during extended use, also raising a fire risk.

The 2009-2011 model years share a brake light switch that can malfunction and fail to illuminate the brake lights when the pedal is pressed, and on cruise-control-equipped vehicles, the system may also fail to disengage. The same brake light switch issue appears on the 2006 and 2007 model years as standalone recalls. The 2007 model year is covered by one of those filings.

The 2000 model year has several issues: in cold climates, moisture can freeze inside the throttle body and prevent the throttle valve from closing fully, causing a higher-than-normal idle speed. The 2000 three-door hatchback also has an A-pillar that exceeded head impact limits in testing, raising the risk of head injury in a crash. Two separate wiper linkage recalls cover 2000 models where a rubber boot on the wiper drive arm can stick and cause the wiper linkage to separate, leaving the wipers inoperative in wet conditions.

The 1995 model year carries the most recalls of any single year. Front lower control arms on salt-belt-state vehicles can corrode, fracture, and cause loss of control. Separately, road impacts can shift the lower control arm out of position, causing misalignment and heavier steering. Front coil springs on salt-belt vehicles can also corrode, crack, and break, with the broken coil potentially puncturing a tire. On manual-transmission 1995 models, the clutch pedal bracket can abrade the engine control wiring harness under the dash, eventually causing a short circuit and unexpected engine stall. A headlamp dimmer switch issue on 1995 models can leave the vehicle with no headlights at all when switching from low to high beam.