2017 Hyundai Accent

Routine

Owners filed 68 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. No safety recall has been issued.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
51,000 milesMedian miles at failure

31 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 40,00050,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine19
000
Air Bags18
707
Unknown or Other6
120
Electrical System6
010
Service Brakes5
100
Power Train4
000
Structure › Body3
000
Steering1
000
Fuel/Propulsion System1
000
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights1
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Jul 17, 2026FL

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.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jun 2, 2026FL

While traveling on a public roadway under wet conditions, the vehicle was unable to stop within a safe distance despite brake application, resulting in a rear-end collision with the vehicle ahead. The primary concern is that the airbags did not deploy during the impact, despite significant front-end damage. The collision caused severe deformation of the hood and extensive damage to the front-left area, including the fender, bumper, and headlight assembly, with visible intrusion into the engine compartment. The vehicle was subsequently determined to be a total loss, which raises concerns about whether the airbag system functioned as intended under these impact conditions. Prior to the incident, there were no warning lights, dashboard messages, or other indications of a malfunction. The issue has not been reproduced or evaluated by a dealer or independent service center due to the extent of the damage. The incident was documented by responding law enforcement, and the vehicle has been reported to an insurance carrier. The failure of the airbags to deploy in a collision resulting in severe front-end damage may have increased the risk of injury to the driver. The vehicle is no longer available for inspection.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 4, 2026TN

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

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Jan 28, 2026176,504 milesKS

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Hyundai Accent. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 115,000. It was later discovered upon checking the Carfax Report, that the mileage was 176,504.

Engine
Filed Dec 9, 2025AL

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.

Engine
Filed Oct 5, 2025FL

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.

Engine
Filed Aug 20, 2025CA

On [XXX] driving home from Crestline to Covina. My car died to get onto the on ramp at the [XXX] I had to pull over to a side street. My brakes weren’t working no indication light came on. I had it towed to Fontana Hyundai where they did a diagnostic And said my catalytic converter was the problem they had one in stock they replaced it sidenote, I had an oil change the week before. I took the car home. I drove back to Crestline on Monday. My family was with me. My car was throwing smoke on acceleration. I took it back to the dealer. I left it the next day I had no phone call despite sending a text and a phone call message with no response. I picked up the car the following day at three. I was told they drove it and they had no problems And that the problem was my fault basically. I was told I needed a new engine. They didn’t know when it would happen. I filed a complaint with Hyundai. I requested a Goodwill request and was just informed today. It was denied due to not enough maintenance records. I had the oil changed regularly on that car. I had no prior problems with the engine. I am left now without a car and a $2500 bill and still no car and I’d like to know if there’s any action I can take moving forward. I did not get a phone call to say that my Goodwill claim was denied. It was just an email. Thank you in advance, Laura. I have more oil change receipts here. I also lived in the inland Empire for a while, and probably have more in those cities, but I don’t know where I g

Engine
Filed May 15, 2025GA

To preference, I have only owned this vehicle for less than six months, and that the only major issue concerning the vehicle was the replacement of the catalytic converter manifold. On the afternoon of [XXX] I was coming to a complete stop at a very busy 4-way located in Peach County, GA when the power to the entire vehicle was shut down. There was difficulty attempting to turn over the key in ignition, so with the help from a passerby I was able to push my vehicle to a safe location nearby as my vehicle was idle in the middle of a populated 4-way intersection, putting my and others’ safety at risk. As I go to check under the hood, I look for any components out of place and to check fluids. I check my oil dipstick to notice that there was metal residue in my oil, something that was not present previous to my commute in the area. As I am now able to turn over the ignition, a sputtering noise begins to emit from the engine, a noise that was also not present previous to my commute. Within the hour I was able to move my car, albeit slowly to a U-Haul location; it should also be known that my check engine light appeared in the process (no warning lamps were present on the vehicle prior to the engine failure). I returned home and instantly got in contact with my technician who does repairs to my car and he confirmed after inspecting the oil and noise from the engine that it was engine failure and that there may have been a ‘recall on the engine’ as did another mechanic I advised wi

Engine
Filed Nov 17, 2024NY

I had two different mechanics I trust tell me that this car has a particular engine that had an error in manufacturing, but Hyundai didn't correct it, because it would cost them too much. The error is heavy oil burning, such that it destroys the catalytic converter. I am now on my third catalytic converter in this car, and the check-engine light is beginning to flicker. Mechanic recommended contacting Hyundai corporate to file a complaint. He knows of others with this same engine, and dealers in New Hampshire have been able to get new engine replacements. I tried to call Hyundai corporate, but they refuse to take any information from me and tell me I would have to buy a new engine if I want to replace it. Mechanics have said that the cost would be heavy for Hyundai if they admitted the problem. But they must be aware of the problem, since they have replaced some engines for people who have the time and money to chase them around. The problem developed well before the 100,000 mile warrantee expired. The car is now over that limit, but the issue was first reported before that limit was reached.

Air BagsCrash4 injured
Filed Nov 12, 2024144,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was involved in a head-on collision. The contact stated that the oncoming vehicle failed to stop at the stop sign, and resulted in a head-on collision. In addition, the contact stated that it resulted in a five-vehicle crash. The contact's vehicle was severely damaged to the entire front of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact's vehicle was towed to the local tow yard. The paramedics and the police arrived on the scene. A Police Report was filed, however the information was unavailable. There were a total of four occupants in the vehicle. There were two adults seated in the front seats and two minor children seated in the rear seat. All four passengers were transported to the local medical center. All four passengers sustained concussions and received medical treatment. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

Engine
Filed Nov 1, 2024VA

My catalytic converter failed on my car and will eventually needed a new engine. I was driving a busy road doing about 55 miles per hour and my car suddenly dropped down to 3-5 miles per hour without warning now flashing light on the dash nothing. I could have been killed or hit causing a multi car accident. I was so scared and it was so hot I thought my engine was going to blow. I coasted back into the auto place that just preformed my oil change thinking they had done something wrong. They did a throughall diagnostic of my car and my car was read that my catalytic converter was bad. So I then got my car to the Pearson Hyundai dealership where there formally diagnosed my car stating that I needed to replace my catalytic converter for 2500 - 3000, but I had done my research and new it was a known problem. People in several Hyundai Forums have been complaining about this same issue. I asked for assistance in getting my car repaired from Pearson Hyundai, Hyundai USA, and I even wrote a letter to the CEO of Hyundai to no avail. I have been without my car since June. Hyundai has a real issue with oil consumption, bad catalytic converters and they need to replace my engine warranty or not. I feel my vehicle is very unsafe and I am nervous to drive it. I can't drive it if I wanted to more then a few feet because it chokes up and the goes 3-5 miles per hour feel like it is going to die at any moment. I am asking that Hyundai take ownership of it's faulty car parts and do the right t

Air Bags
Filed Jul 25, 2024CO

Passenger air bag dosent work. Dosent sense when someone is in the seat, the air bag light is on the dash.

Engine
Filed Jun 22, 2024LA

Bad engine crankshaft, engine is still under 150k miles. Experiencing same issues as other models with this engine have. Other vehicles have received a recall for engine and extended warranty protection but not this model Pressing on gas throttle but low acceleration or none in some instances

Engine
Filed Jun 19, 2024WA

Blown engine. Hole in engine block. Defective engine.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Mar 20, 2024WA

I have already submitted a report here and never had any follow up and I don't see it in the reported complaints section of this website with newer incidents already showing so I know it isn't that there is a back log. my car caught on fire while I was in the car, asleep. I have reports from the fire department, I have struggled with Hyundai for months and ultimately was denied any assistance due to I was missing one of two service records. the fire report clearly stated that fire started in the cabin of the car not the engine so a lack of an oil change shouldn't have been the reason this happened. this event has traumatized me and continues to be an enormous burden on me and my family and their lack of caring is beyond disheartening. I easily could have died that day, by all accounts I should have. I would greatly appreciate some sort of follow-up as I feel like I'm just being completely ignored and discredited. I would gladly provide more information as to the actual incident if needed but like I said I have already done so in another report and don't want to do it again if it's just going to be ignored a second time.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 13, 2024VA

Side marker light in the passenger side (PS) headlight assembly IS NOT working. Headlight (high beam and low beam) and combination turn signal/parking light ARE working. First noticed Feb 2024. Malfunctioning marker light will cause vehicle to fail annual state safety inspection. Problem is not intermittent. Car hasn't been inspected by dealer or other shop, dealer wants $169 to inspect/troubleshoot. Owner evaluation, PS headlight assy, marker light bulb and socket are undamaged, there is no corrosion, car has not been in a crash, functioning bulb/socket from DS installed in PS did not function. Hyundai has issued (at least) 2 technical service bulletins for excessive moisture in headlight assys. Electrical circuit for malfunctioning light is internal to the light fixture. Since 2 of the 3 lights in the headlight assy ARE working, suggests the headlight assembly is at fault. I have yet to check if there is 12V at the wire harness plug on the pin that supplies electricity to the marker light.

Engine
Filed Feb 22, 2024138,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to the dealer; however, the vehicle stalled twice while in transit to the dealer. The dealer replaced the engine cylinder, catalytic converter, and various other engine parts. Months after the repair, the contact stated that the failure returned, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The contact was informed that the compression in the engine was low and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a claim was filed; however, the claim was later denied. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 138,400.

Engine
Filed Jan 4, 2024PA

My car slowly started losing power and was not able to accelerate. My car would not go over 5 miles an hour as I pushed on the peddle. The engine was making noises every time I pushed on the peddle. My check engine light was also on. I got my car towed to AAA where they informed me that there was no oil in my engine and my engine was severely damaged. My last oil change was October 24, 2023 at 102,132 miles. I was advised my next oil change would be around 106,000. My car was reported with no oil on December 30, 2023 at 104,349 miles. My car is deemed ineligible for an extended warranty for my engine despite the recent engine recalls for Hyundais and having my car experience similar symptoms as other Hyundais with the same engine problem.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 20, 2023DE

October 2017 I purchased a 2017 Hyundai Accent. During my very first month driving this car right bumper clip broke. As I was under warranty took car in complained to the dealership. A tech came out and basically wacked it back in place. So now I notice both left and right sides of bumper are off track. My son is a licensed mechanic. Before I took it back to dealership he had checked and said mom your clip is broke. So he looks back under it again and now BOTH clips are broke. On 9/13/17 go back in. Hyundai notes in my paperwork clips are broke but failed to repair again at a little over 30,000 miles they note it again and failed to repair. This is a safety issue and I feel it should be a recall. The clips are cheap plastic and if it comes off I fear I will be in an accident.I have also been throwing PODS module defect codes and they just keep resetting it.This air light and OCS mat defect has shown up since I first purchased the car. So for 6 years code just keeps getting reset. After calling Hyundai they are FINALLY going to repair it. So my family has been endangered for 6 years. I'm also throwing a catalytic code and that's been going on since a little over 50,000.I called a local Hyundai dealership and was told warrenty only covers a certain part of the converter. I'm at 79,000 and fed mandates say manufacturer must cover it up to 80,000. I don't know what to do and all codes just keep being reset. Car is currently undergoing a fuel consumption test as it's been eating o

Air Bags
Filed Dec 1, 2023DE

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after a visual inspection of the vehicle, she became aware that the vehicle was leaking oil. The check engine warning light was also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with failures to the passenger’s side occupant sensor and the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.

20 of 68 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2012
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202216210Routine
202116410Routine
202012410Routine
201930110Routine
201819140Routine
2017 — this page68030Routine
2016100030Routine
2015692100Routine
201479190Routine
2013141190Routine
2012153281Fatalities reported
201138100Routine
201087100Routine
2009101210Routine
2008101110Routine
200788310Routine
200643301Fatalities reported
200549130Routine
200433020Routine
200337010Routine
2002134125Fatalities reported
2001112240Routine
200092420Routine
199961131Fatalities reported
199847100Routine
199755210Routine
1996101420Routine
1995142510Routine
19931000Routine
19912000Routine

Compare every Accent year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.