1998 Hyundai Accent Problems
- Complaints
- 47filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 66,000miles, 12 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 1.5L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Hyundai Accent (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 47 consumer complaints for the 1998 Hyundai Accent. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 15 complaints (32% of the total), followed by fuel system (11) and electrical system (8). 12 of the complaints include a mileage, and 25% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 66,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 23 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 4 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the tank assembly filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling15 32%
- Fuel system11 23%
- Electrical system8 17%
- Other or unknown6 13%
- Air bags5 11%
- Steering3 6.4%
- Brakes2 4.3%
- Seat belts2 4.3%
- Equipment1 2.1%
Also reported: Body and structure (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “I have been to the dealer for recall and regular maintenance and each time I would state how the vehicle would stall, the check engine light comes on, the car jerks and then it resumes normally as if nothing ever happened. I have noticed numerous people have complained of the same issue and their dealerships all say they have never heard of such a problem and it had never been reported before. Nhtsa needs to get on the case and notify whomever needs to be notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10064529, filed 2004-04, 73,000 milesFuel system: “On your web site I found out there is a recall on my car(fuel tank)if my mechanic fix it will the manufacture reimburse me. It is a emergency because it leaks out now.”
NHTSA complaint #10572585, filed 2014-03, 178,543 milesElectrical system: “While driving at highway speeds (50-75 MPH) the overdrive would dissengage. In turrn the RPM would ramp up. This would happen randomly. Somtimes pulling off and turning car off and starting it again temporarily fixed problem. Finally, we took it to a mechanic. He found that the wiring uner the stick (automatic) were bare and touching. He fixed the wiring and never had a problem since. I have noted many other entries with similar problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10183909, filed 2007-03, 50,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “While accelerating there is a loud banging noise like the vehicle is being kicked in the rear, and engine is stalling. Took vehicle to dealer, and they have replaced the transmission 3 times.”
NHTSA complaint #10029953, filed 2003-07, 11,600 milesMileage when problems were reported
25% of the 12 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 50,000 and 79,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1998 Hyundai Accent. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accent · sedan | not rated | 3 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1998 Hyundai Accent version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accent FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Accent FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 23 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 00V314001Oct 2, 2000Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Hyundai Accent 1998, Sonata 1997–1998, Accent GT 1997
Vehicle description: accent gt model vehicles equipped with dohc engines manufactured from december 19, 1996 through june 30, 1997; 1998 accent model vehicles manufactured from may 6, 1997 through june 25, 1998; 1997 sonata vehicles manufactured from august…
Recall details for the 1998 Hyundai Accent → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- RQ00017Fuel tank crackingClosed · Sep 16, 2000
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 23 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10230904Jan 30, 2023Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates…
- 10217251Jul 28, 2022Engine cooling. Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.
- 10217258Jul 14, 2022Tires. Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight…
- 10196546May 21, 2021Transmission and drivetrain. Hyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicleâÂÂs ownerâÂÂs manual. ï· Use of other ATF may result in improper shift quality or other drivability…
- 10190044Mar 30, 2021Engine cooling, Equipment. This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection…
- 10190038Mar 23, 2021Equipment, Brakes. This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
- 10189989Mar 10, 2021Engine cooling, Equipment. This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
- 10183963Nov 30, 2020Brakes. This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
- 10183960Nov 19, 2020Wheels, Tires. This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the âTire Balance Data Sheetâ must be fully…
- 10178175Jul 14, 2020Equipment, Exterior lighting. This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the…
Other model years of the Hyundai Accent
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 17 | 350 | 2 | 4 | 36 | — | Rising |
| 2021 | 16 | — | 4 | 4 | 36 | — | Stable |
| 2020 | 12 | 34,250 | 4 | 4 | 36 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 31 | 54,500 | 1 | — | 32 | 4 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 19 | 999 | 1 | — | 32 | — | Stable |
| 2017 | 68 | 51,000 | 0 | 4 | 31 | 36 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 102 | 50,000 | 0 | 4 | 31 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 70 | 61,794 | 2 | 4 | 31 | 54 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 79 | 76,000 | 1 | 4 | 31 | 30 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2013 | 142 | 45,000 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2012 | 153 | 60,000 | 2 | 4 | 32 | 87 · More | Stable |
| 2011 | 38 | 45,000 | 1 | — | 30 | 14 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2010 | 87 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 30 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 101 | 71,000 | 2 | — | 29 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 101 | 49,600 | 1 | — | 29 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2007 | 88 | 65,033 | 3 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 43 | 61,000 | 3 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 49 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 33 | 36,000 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 37 | 35,000 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 134 | 43,400 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 112 | 52,500 | 2 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 92 | 61,000 | 4 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 61 | 74,992 | 1 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 47 | 66,000 | 1 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 55 | 69,450 | 2 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 101 | 86,250 | 4 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 142 | 71,725 | 5 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
All Hyundai Accent model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Hyundai Accent have?
NHTSA recorded 47 consumer complaints for the 1998 Hyundai Accent as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Hyundai Accent is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 15 complaints (32% of the total), followed by fuel system with 11.
Has the 1998 Hyundai Accent been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Hyundai Accent get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Hyundai Accent (Accent, 1.5L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 25 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Hyundai Accent reported?
Among the 12 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 66,000 miles and the middle half falls between 50,000 and 79,000 miles; 25% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.