Skip to content
Engine coolingPart report

1997 Hyundai Accent Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
15about this part
Share
27%of 55 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Hyundai Accent, 27% of the 55 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“For the pc system problem, I had noticed that the pc valve was leaking oil around it, so I replaced the component on may 12,2000. By december, I noticed that the car had some sort of problem with a noted drop in performance and fuel economy. So I decided, before bringing the car in for maintenance, to visually check the fluids, and wear components. I ended up finding sludge in the engine, created by water in the oil. When dodge/Hyundai of paramus checked-out the car they told me the problem was a clogged pc system and it was not covered by any warrany, so I paid for the work. …”

NHTSA complaint #744895, filed 2001-05

“When putting gas into the tank there is a griding sound coming from the vehicle, and the only thing that is moving is the gauge. Vehicle isn't moving. Vehicle will kick in and then take off. Sometimes when the consumer is coming to a stop sign, he will put the vehicle into park just so the vehicle won't cut off. The vehicle shakes and vibrates. Vehicle has been in the shop about six times or more, and they can't determine the problem.”

NHTSA complaint #832647, filed 1998-12

“On or about march 4, 2000, the subject vehicle was involved in an auto accident, at which time the driver rear ended another vehicle driving at approximately 30-35 MPH. Both the passenger side and driver side airbags failed to deploy. Soon thereafter, the engine light became illuminated. After taking to farrish in manassas, virginia, it was reported that the computer indicated that I the engine was out of time. The timing belt was replaced and did not cure the problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #732192, filed 2000-09

“Vehicle hesitates while driving at a steady speed, dealer has replaced vacuum lines, coil pack, hoses, crank sensor but problem still exist, diagnostic test showed no abnormalities.”

NHTSA complaint #782393, filed 1999-06

“Automatic front seat belts would not release after being locked. Also, clutch fell out while driving 55 MPH. Vehicle lost control. Engine lifters also went out.”

NHTSA complaint #841705, filed 1999-07

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202216%
2019310%
201711%
201243%
201045%
200922%
200855%
200711%
200612%
200524%
200426%
200338%
2002129%
20011110%
20001112%
1999610%
19981532%
19971527%
199644%
199543%

Other parts of the 1997 Hyundai Accent

Transmission and drivetrain
13 complaints
Air bags
11 complaints
Suspension
7 complaints
Electrical system
6 complaints
Brakes
4 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Other or unknown
3 complaints
Equipment
2 complaints
Steering
2 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
Interior lighting
1 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 Hyundai Accent

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology