Problems · NHTSA complaints
2013 Hyundai Accent problems
Owners filed 142 complaints about the 2013 Hyundai Accent with NHTSA between Nov 2012 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (35).
Complaints
142
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
16
Reported by owners
Fires
9
Reported by owners
Injuries
23
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine35
- Service brakes, hydraulic24
- Electrical system18
- Service brakes18
- Air bags14
- Power train12
- Vehicle speed control8
- Suspension8
- Steering8
- Structure7
- Wheels7
- Exterior lighting7
- Seat belts5
- Tires5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
3
10
12
10
5
6
8
11
5
5
11
24
22
6
4
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 10 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 10 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
35 reports4 fires
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a connecting rod bearing failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the extended warranty program might cover the repair. The contact was informed that the repair was not eligible because the vehicle had a salvage title. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.”
Service brakes, hydraulic
24 reports1 fire1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop as intended while the brake pedal was fully depressed. The brake warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact used the parking brake to pull over to the shoulder of the road safely. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed brake fluid leaking from a rusted brake line. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the residence and remained at the residence for additional investigation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.”
Electrical system
18 reports2 crashes1 fire
“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…”
Service brakes
18 reports3 crashes
“The incident started August 15, 2025, I was driving my car and the traction light came on I stopped and turned it off. I proceeded to drive it after that and came home. Then I noticed my brake lights were constantly on so I took a piece of cardboard and folded it in a few folds and put it between the brake pedal and the brake switch it turned it off. I then proceeded the next day to drive my car it was doing fine until my caliper seized on my rotor and left me stuck on the side of the road, I then called a mobile mechanic he came out replaced the caliper on the left front driver side it still did not unseize my rotor for my caliper to move freely so he installed a new master cylinder it worked for 2 days then I was always driving it felt like the tire was falling off the car a lot of shaking and bouncing. So I parked it that unfortunately sees the caliper on the rotor again three times. I had a new caliper put on it worked for a week my traction light was off. And then my traction light came back on as I was driving it seized up again I've replaced a lot of fuses, new Masters cylinder, new caliper, new brake switch. I'm at a loss help me!!”
Air bags
14 reports12 crashes
“ON 5/15/2013 MY DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN A 1 VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON INTERSTATE 40 EAST IN AMARILLO TEXAS. SHE WAS DRIVING A 2013 HYUNDAI ACCENT LEASED NEW IN FEBRUARY. THIS WAS A VIOLENT CRASH IN WHICH THE CAR ROLLED NUMEROUS TIMES. NOT ONE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. NEITHER HYUNDAI NOR THE DEALER SEEMED WORRIED ABOUT THE SITUATION. I SPOKE WITH BOTH HYUNDAI AND AMARILLO HYUNDAI AND WAS BLOWN OFF. SAFETY APPARENTLY IS NOT THEIR PRIORITY, JUST THE SALE OF AN UNSAFE PRODUCT. *JS”
Power train
12 reports1 crash
“2013 HYUNDAI ACCENT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER INFORMED HER THIS WAS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED BEFORE THE WARRANTY EXPIRES.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.