1999 Hyundai Accent Problems
- Complaints
- 61filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 74,992miles, 24 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 · 24 city / 34 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Hyundai Accent (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe automatic transmission trouble — slipping gears, delayed or failed engagement, and loss of reverse — with many complaints noting the car was not covered by a related transmission recall. Air bag concerns are the second most frequent theme, split between warning lights staying on and bags failing to deploy in a frontal crash. Fuel-system complaints, especially a slow or splashing fuel fill, and engine oil consumption also appear, typically at moderate mileage.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Automatic transmission slipping, harsh or lost gears
- 12 complaints (20%)
- median 94,100 mi at 6.4 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2000–2006
Owners describe the automatic transmission slipping between gears, holding a gear and refusing to shift, or failing to engage reverse, sometimes with a loud noise before the loss. Several say the vehicle lost power or speed abruptly, and some were told by the dealer that a sensor or computer chip was at fault and were charged for repeated repairs. More than one owner reports finding recall 99V178000 for a similar transmission symptom and being told their car was not covered by it. Mostly reported between about 75,000 and 130,000 miles, though a few appeared under 50,000 miles.
Recall 99V1780005 related service bulletins
What to check: Road test through all gears, including reverse from cold, and watch for delayed or flaring shifts. Ask for transmission service records and whether the car was ever checked against campaign 99V178000.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 1999 Hyundai Accent gl and began experiencing trouble with transmission. I searched on internet and discovered that there was a recall on transmission pertaining to the same trouble I am having with mine. I called the Hyundai motor consumer affairs and they refuse to honor recall. I would appreciate info to help me exercise my rights to what I am entitled to.”
NHTSA complaint #10137105, filed 2005-09, 91,000 miles“I noticed when I got my car that is did not have good acceleration, but I figured that it was just because it only had 85 horse power it is a 99 Hyundai Accent. It also hitched when you would go to step on the gas. As time went on it worsened. Then one day without any warning I went to back up and I heard a huge thunking noise. I had lost reverse in my transmission and it did not shift well into first or second would not shift into 3rd or over drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10159139, filed 2006-06, 110,736 miles - Air bags
Air bag warning light on or bags not deploying
- 14 complaints (23%)
- median 84,439 mi at 9.2 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 12 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2010
Owners report the air bag warning light staying lit for long periods, sometimes appearing after driving over a bump, and in a few cases the light came on days after a collision. Several complaints describe frontal crashes where the bags did not deploy; one owner says a dealer replaced a sensor and the light returned. Another owner describes both bags deploying without a collision while shifting gears. Reported across a wide mileage range, from low-mileage cars to ones above 80,000 miles; many of these complaints do not list mileage.
What to check: Turn the key to on and confirm the air bag light cycles and then goes out. Ask whether any air bag sensor or clock spring work has been done and whether the light has ever come on intermittently.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Traveling 35 miles per hour in 3rd gear. Switching to 4th gear and both air bags deployed causing car to pull right and hit a large curb straight-on. Axle broken, suspension and undercarrage damaged, tire and rim destroyed and more. Jogger witnessed accident and attests to air bag deployment without cause. Pictures and report with hinesburg police in hinesburg, vt. Hyundai taking no responsibility for the accident.”
NHTSA complaint #710221, filed 1999-08“While traveling 30mph had a front end collision with another vehicle. Upon impact, neither air bags deployed. Driver suffered upper body, head & knee injuries. Passenger suffered knee & elbow injuries. Had emergency room treatment & released.”
NHTSA complaint #840348, filed 1999-06 - Fuel system
Fuel tank slow to fill and fuel spills at the filler
- 5 complaints (8%)
- median 33,282 mi at 5.6 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2010
Owners describe the fuel pump shutting off repeatedly after only a few gallons, making a fill-up take many minutes, and in some cases fuel backing up and spilling out of the filler neck. One owner reports a fuel line rubbing against another line in the engine bay and developing a hole. Complaints note that a dealer or the manufacturer treated the slow-fill behavior as not a defect. Reported from roughly 18,000 to 78,000 miles, with several under 50,000 miles.
What to check: Try filling the tank during the test drive and see whether the pump clicks off early. Look over the fuel and nearby lines in the engine bay for rubbing or chafing.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When putting gas in my 1999 Hyundai Accent it will only allow a few cents to be put in at one time making the gas pump constantly shut off. It takes 10- 15 minutes to fill up the tank. Hyundai manufacturer says this is not a defect even though the problem can not be corrected after 5 attempts.”
NHTSA complaint #10060551, filed 2004-03, 18,764 miles“The contact stated while pumping gas at a gas station, the fuel filler pipe neck would only allow so much gasoline at a time upon entering the fuel tank as though it was already full of gasoline. The vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop who determined the pressure relief vacuum needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not alerted.”
NHTSA complaint #10171917, filed 2006-10, 49,000 miles - Engine cooling
Engine oil consumption and overheating
Mentioned in 5 of 51 sampled complaints
Owners report the engine using large amounts of oil between changes, with one describing two quarts a month and repeated dealer inspections that found nothing. Others describe the engine overheating, check-engine light trouble traced to repeated converter and oxygen sensor replacement, and in a few cases engine compartment fires after service work. Mileage varies widely; overheating and oil-use complaints appear from low mileage up through higher-mileage cars.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for leaks or blue smoke on start-up, and confirm the temperature gauge stays steady during a long test drive. Ask about the service history for the cooling system and any oil-use complaints.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1999 Hyundai Accent. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle fire while driving the consumer stated the vehicle caught on fire ten days after purchasing it. The consumer stated her daughter was sitting at a red light, when all of a sudden, the vehicle started smoking. When the light turned green, the vehicle would not move and it shut off. The vehicle was a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10461613, filed 2012-06“Engine losing two quarts of oil per month. Vehicle been inspected by dealer shop on four occasions, and nothing could be found. Can NHTSA help in this matter, and provide additional information on this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #844724, filed 1999-08
Buying note. On this model year, give the automatic transmission a thorough test drive and ask for service records before buying, since transmission complaints are the most common and a related recall did not cover every car. Also confirm the air bag warning light behaves normally and check the fuel filler and rear defroster during the test drive.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 51 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 61 consumer complaints for the 1999 Hyundai Accent. 24 of the complaints include a mileage, and 29% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 74,992 miles. Of all complaints, 17 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 12 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 26 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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.
- Air bags14 23%
- Fuel system7 11%
- Engine cooling6 9.8%
- Brakes3 4.9%
- Electrical system3 4.9%
- Seat belts3 4.9%
- Exterior lighting2 3.3%
Also reported: Other or unknown (1), Seats (1), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “We own a 1999 Hyundai Accent. Bought brand new from dealership. Have had numerous problems with car, currently transmission problems. Have taken car to dealership, problem supposedly not under warranty, but charged us numerous times. Got on internet and found numerous recalls on this make of car. We have never received a recall notice regarding any of the problems. Would like to know how to go about obtaining these recalls, should be free from car company, and how to get this car repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10091360, filed 2004-09, 85,000 milesAir bags: “My 1999 Hyundai Accent vehicle got hit on the rear (bumper) while I was still on a red light and the impact was so strong that the hit propelled my vehicle to hit the vehicle in front of my vehicle (a suburban truck) causing rear and front damages to the Hyundai. The suburban incurred zero damages, while the limousine that hit me incurred very little damages if any. My vehicle got 'sandwich' even though I was about 4 to 6 feet behind the vehicle in front of me. My children were on the rear seats and incurred limited injuries. I received injuries and vehicle was total lost. …”
NHTSA complaint #10330499, filed 2010-05, 100,000 milesFuel system: “Fuel line and power steering line rubbed where they were close together in the engine compartment causing a hole in the fuel line which was spraying a steady strem of gasloline right into the engine compartment all over the transmission and radiator fans. I feel that this was a design flaw and that those lines never should have been placed that close together this is not a laughing matter however Hyundai motors of america tol me there was nothing they could do about it because my car is out of warranty.I could have been killed there could have been an explosion and or fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10159857, filed 2006-06, 77,985 milesEngine cooling: “Consumer called complaining about having problems with the engines check light on the dashboard. The catalytic converter was replaced twice and the o2 sensors were replaced 13 times. The manufacturer was contacted and urged the consumer to call NHTSA's hotline. Dealer had been working with consumer, but she did not feel that this vehicle was safe at all.”
NHTSA complaint #10038564, filed 2003-10Mileage when problems were reported
29% of the 24 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 49,000 and 85,000 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 1999 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 1999 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 | 24 | 34 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Accent FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 23 | 33 | 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
- 99V178000Jul 7, 1999Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Hyundai Accent 1999, Elantra 1999, Tiburon 1999
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The automatic transmission pressure control solenoid valve seals do not remain sufficiently elastic, resulting in transmission fluid leakage. This leakage can result in reduced…
Recall details for the 1999 Hyundai Accent → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
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. 26 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10247189Oct 13, 2023Engine cooling. This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- 10235566Apr 24, 2023Body and structure. Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial…
- 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, 2021Equipment, Engine cooling. 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, 2021Brakes, Equipment. This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
- 10189989Mar 10, 2021Equipment, Engine cooling. 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.
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 | 103 | 50,000 | 0 | 4 | 31 | 50 · 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
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Hyundai Accent?
Owners of this model year most often describe automatic transmission trouble — slipping gears, delayed or failed engagement, and loss of reverse — with many complaints noting the car was not covered by a related transmission recall. The issues reported most often: Automatic transmission slipping, harsh or lost gears; Air bag warning light on or bags not deploying; Fuel tank slow to fill and fuel spills at the filler.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Hyundai Accent have?
NHTSA recorded 61 consumer complaints for the 1999 Hyundai Accent as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 Hyundai Accent is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 15 complaints (25% of the total), followed by air bags with 14.
Has the 1999 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 1999 Hyundai Accent get?
The EPA rates the 1999 Hyundai Accent (Accent, 1.5L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 24 city and 34 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 1999 Hyundai Accent reported?
Among the 24 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 74,992 miles and the middle half falls between 49,000 and 85,000 miles; 29% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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.