Common Hyundai Accent Faults: Reliability, Problems And More!
The Hyundai Accent is a decent subcompact car in most respects. It has excellent fuel economy, adequate passenger space, and various infotainment features designed to make for a more comfortable travel experience. Don’t leave until you read the list of common Hyundai Accent faults here.
The retail price of a new Hyundai Accent ranges from $15,395 to $19,500. The Accent is estimated to depreciate 48% after five years, making it a good investment for starting families and young professionals alike.
How good is the Hyundai Accent?
The 2021 Accent was named the ” Best Subcompact Car for the Money ,” so it should come as no surprise that it received a 90 out of 100 quality and reliability rating in the same review. Drivers love the versatility of this small but capable hatchback.
The SE 4dr sedan model will cost perhaps $6,624 in insurance and maintenance over five years. That’s $1,921 cheaper than the Kia Rio’s average insurance and maintenance costs. If you’re looking for a local budget, you really can’t go wrong with the Hyundai Accent.
Common faults of the Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent may be one of the most reliable vehicles in its class , but it’s far from perfect. This family sedan like other vehicles has its share of problems. Both professionals and users of it think that it is highly reliable due to its price, however it also has some cons.
Hyundai Accent is an economical compact car that was introduced to the US market in 1995. Here are some of the common Hyundai Accent faults:
1- Transmission failures
Gear changing should be a smooth experience. That has not been the case for some 2004 Hyundai Accent owners who complained of transmission failure in their vehicles. One user reported slipping gears on his used 2004 Hyundai Accent. He would hear a clang when the gears engaged.
This is a common sign of a misfiring transmission . Rattling noises can be caused by the engine, exhaust system, driveshaft, differentials, or a wheel bearing. Another common symptom of a faulty transmission is the inability to shift gears.
There are a few potential causes for this, such as incompatible transmission fluid, incorrect shift cable positioning, internal mechanical failure, a clogged filter, or a computer system malfunction.
There is a common pattern with Hyundai Accent transmission problems . Those who complained had to have their transmission replaced more than once. For context, transmission replacements range from $1,800 to $3,400.
This is very bad news for Accent owners who are counting on their vehicle’s fuel economy and low cost of ownership.
A failing transmission endangers not only the driver and passengers, but also pedestrians and other motorists. It is a matter of public safety to have your 2004 Hyundai Accent inspected for transmission problems.
You may have to spend thousands of dollars on transmission replacements, but that’s a small price to pay for some peace of mind.
2- Irregular idling
The Accent’s ignition coil is known to be prone to misfiring. If you’ve noticed a check engine light appearing on the instrument panel and/or misfiring (poor idle), the ignition coil is faulty.
To fix this, you must install a replacement ignition coil. It is recommended to replace all ignition coils at the same time.
3- Problems with the airbag
Everyone knows that airbags are a critical safety feature in all passenger vehicles, so it’s disappointing to learn that the trusty Hyundai Accent struggles with airbag problems . One complaint involved a 2020 Hyundai Accent that was rear-ended on a freeway near Dallas, Texas.
The impact pushed the vehicle into the guardrail on the right hand side of the freeway, but the airbag did not deploy. Another user on the site complained about a 2014 Hyundai Accent on behalf of a contact who suffered near-fatal injuries as a result of the airbag failure. There are 119 complaints dating back to the 2004 model.
Hyundai has issued a recall for 2015 Accents manufactured between September 15, 2014 and February 10, 2015. In extremely low temperatures, the Occupant Sensing System (ODS) may be unable to detect the presence of a child restraint seat in the front passenger seat, resulting in a front airbag failure . Affected models will receive an update to the ODS software, free of charge.
If you suspect a problem with your Accent’s airbag system, don’t hesitate to call your trusted mechanic to have your vehicle inspected.
4- It slows down and speeds up randomly
One user complained that his 2018 Hyundai Accent was accelerating and braking on its own . This is a common symptom of a failing Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). TPS works in conjunction with the vehicle’s fuel management system to ensure that the correct amount of fuel is delivered to the engine.
If your Hyundai Accent slows down or speeds up randomly, you should have your mechanic take a look at your TPS.
5- Disadvantages with rusty mirrors
Accent exterior mirrors are prone to rust . Depending on the severity of the rust on or around the outside mirror, you can correct the problem. If the rust is not too strong, you can sand the damaged area, impregnate it and paint it with a suitable paint. If the rust is very strong, you will have to cut out the damaged area, weld a new one and paint it the right color. Or maybe you should take the car to an expert in the matter.
6- Problems with electric windows
If there are problems with the windows opening slowly, it is usually due to a faulty window regulator. Windows are most likely opening/closing very slowly. To resolve this issue, replace the window regulator.
7- Leak in the trunk
If you notice that your car’s trunk is leaking, your Accent vehicle’s trunk seal is most likely leaking. If it is leaking, you may notice wet spots and/or wet mats.
To eliminate leaks, the trunk gasket must be replaced. The rugs will also need to be dried to prevent the entry of moisture.
8- Wiring problems
Most electrical wiring used in appliances, appliances, and vehicles is insulated with petroleum-based plastics. Since plastic materials do not break down easily in landfills, they can be harmful to the environment.
Hyundai introduced soy-based wiring insulation as a cost-effective, biodegradable alternative to plastic wiring insulation.
Unfortunately, this environmentally friendly alternative backfired, as the rodents were attracted to the soy-based material, which they used to build nests inside the hood of the vehicle.
Hyundai’s wiring problem culminated in a class action lawsuit filed in 2017 by owners of Hyundai Accent, Azera, Elantra, Equus, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata, Tucson and Veloster in California.
The case of Michelle Martinez vs. Hyundai Motor America, Inc. argues that soy-based materials continued to be used to replace chewed-up wiring, leading to a vicious cycle of repairs and maintenance. Honda, Kia, Subaru and Toyota faced similar lawsuits when they adopted soy-based insulation.
Hyundai has not recalled its soy-based insulation , so you may have to derat the electrical wiring yourself.
To complete
Despite its flaws, the Hyundai Accent remains one of the best rated cars in its class, with a high quality and reliability rating.
Its affordability surely makes up for some of its shortcomings. You can buy a 2019 Hyundai Accent for $15,625 to $18,025, which is much cheaper than other family sedans. However, if you plan to buy a used Hyundai Accent, you should ask the seller about the vehicle’s problems and repair history to help you make an informed decision.
