This page covers 4 recalls, 16 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Hyundai Accent.
33–36 mpg combined
6.5–7.1 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Accent cluster around three systems. Seat belt complaints lead the count, with multiple owners describing belts that fail to restrain properly or behave unexpectedly during normal driving. Wheel and lug nut issues are the second most-reported concern, owners describe lug nuts breaking or shearing off during tire service, with several noting the problem occurred at authorized dealerships during routine rotations. Engine and starting complaints round out the picture: owners report intermittent no-start conditions where the engine cranks but won't catch, as well as brief, unexpected losses of power while driving at highway speeds. The no-start issue appears to recur across multiple attempts before dealers can observe it directly, making diagnosis difficult. A handful of owners also mention sudden power loss lasting several seconds during acceleration or deceleration in traffic.
16
Total Complaints
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database.
The 2021 Hyundai Accent has 4 recalls, the most serious being two safety-critical issues: seatbelt pretensioners that can explode in a crash and send metal fragments into the cabin, and a steering column bolt that can come loose and cause complete loss of steering control.
The pretensioner issue has been filed across multiple campaigns but describes the same defect: in a crash, the front driver and passenger seatbelt pretensioners can rupture and throw metal fragments at occupants rather than safely restraining them. On the braking side, the brake master cylinder can have sharp internal edges that cut the oil seal over time, reducing hydraulic pressure and causing the brake pedal to travel further than normal before the vehicle slows, which extends stopping distances.
At a glance
What can fail
Front seat belt pretensioners may explode when deployed during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a cap to secure the seat belt pretensioner(s).
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A bolt securing the steering column may not be tightened properly, allowing the steering column to separate from the steering rack and cause loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat belt pretensioners may explode when deployed during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front seat belt pretensioners at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake master cylinder may have sharp edges that damage the inner oil seal, reducing braking performance.
What the fix does
The brake master cylinder will be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
