2013 Hyundai Accent Problems
Compared with other Hyundai Accent years
More complaints than typical for this model
73/100 1.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.7× that of a typical Hyundai Accent year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 35 of its 142 complaints were filed by the end of 2015.
- Most reported problem: Airbags not deploying in a crash (14 complaints, median 21,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2011, 2014
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 142filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles, 71 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 32 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 28 city / 37 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Hyundai Accent (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2013 Accent most often report brake problems (ABS-related incidents, noise, fluid leaks), followed by engine trouble such as stalls, knocking, oil loss and engine replacement. Many complaints describe the car losing power or shutting off while driving, with dealers often unable to reproduce the problem; brakes and engine issues tend to appear across a wide mileage range, while airbag no-deploy reports cluster at low mileage.
- Engine
Engine knocking, oil loss, and engine replacement
Mentioned in 8 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report a rattling or knocking sound, louder when the engine is cold, that sometimes leads to low oil, dark oil, or metal debris and eventually an engine replacement. Several say the dealer dismissed the noise as normal or could not find a fault, while independent mechanics diagnosed internal engine damage. Some describe the car dying on the road or failing to start after the noise began. Spread from about 18,000 to 130,000 miles, often noted at cold startup or under acceleration.
What to check: Listen for a rattle or knock at cold start and ask about oil consumption between changes. Check the oil level and condition, and ask whether any engine-related service bulletin work or engine replacement has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On february 24, 2020 I was traveling on I-495 south during peak hour traffic at approximately 8am when my 2013 Hyundai Accent began to lose power with no warning. I managed to negotiate through two lanes of highway traffic to the break down lane where the car went completely dead. I waited a half hour on a busy highway to be towed to the closest Hyundai dealership. They checked the car and found metal debris scattered all over the engine crankshaft. …”
NHTSA complaint #11377475, filed 2020-12, 125,000 miles“I notice my car had a 'knocking'/ 'pinging' sound and took it to the dealer to get serviced about 7 months ago. The dealer claimed they 'couldn't replicate the noise' which is false because I took one of the service representatives for a ride to show him the noise. They decided to clean the intake which helped, but the pre detonations are back again, this time they are more noticeable. I've read several Accent owners in forums complaining about pinging, knocking, and pre detonations. Hyundai must act on this issue!”
NHTSA complaint #11096959, filed 2018-05, 49,000 miles - Engine
Stalls, loss of power, or failure to restart
Mentioned in 7 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the car losing electrical power or the engine cutting out while driving, sometimes with the check engine light coming on, and often being unable to restart right away. Several say the dealer could not replicate the problem or could not identify a definite cause; some mention the throttle position sensor or junction box as suspected areas. In a few cases the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed engine or needed a sensor or fuel-system part replaced. Reports span roughly 25,000 to 135,000 miles, with many under 80,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the car has had intermittent stalling or no-start episodes and whether the throttle body, sensors or wiring were checked. A test drive that includes stop-and-go and highway speeds can help surface hesitation or a cut-out.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“September 2020 the car would not start after sitting for awhile, I recently had replaced the battery. Once I got the car to start, when. I slowed the car cut off while I was on a busy street, it's not the alternator everything was still on in the car. The check engine light appeared before the car cut off. Got started again, was able to drive. I've replaced fuel pump, cam shaft sensors, new battery. …”
NHTSA complaint #11397489, filed 2021-02, 120,000 miles“My car is fairly new. I was pulling into my driveway and my car just stop accelerating. It no longer starts up. I took it to a Hyundai dealership and said they can't figure out what wrong with my car. Please recall”
NHTSA complaint #11048669, filed 2017-11, 21,599 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal or ABS problems, noise, and fluid leaks
Mentioned in 7 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe brakes that did not slow the car as expected, a pedal that kicked back or a car that slid when stopping, and some attribute it to ABS or stability control engaging prematurely. Others report noise from the brakes and rotors, or brake fluid leaking from a line and the brake light coming on. Some mention waiting on the ABS-module recall parts. Reported from very low mileage up to about 160,000 miles, with many between 40,000 and 70,000 miles.
Recall 23V6510002 related service bulletins
What to check: Confirm whether the ABS module recall (23V651000) has been completed, and check for brake noise, pedal feel and fluid leaks at the calipers and lines. Ask for service records on pad and rotor replacement.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“(my car has been driven modestly since purchase on 1/15/16) there are roughly 40,760 miles on my car.1/31/16 I turned out of my work parking lot, made a left.my steering became uncontrollable at less than 15mph.I have a steady hand.I remained calm.but when I tried to break to prevent a possible collision into anything after the steering seemed to have gone out, I braked harder than normal, but not slammed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10823378, filed 2016-02, 40,760 miles“I was driving on a street when I went to make a stop. I was going about 15-20mph and had 3 car lengths room ahead of me. I tried to press on the brakes to make a stop, and the brakes did not work. The brakes ended up shaking and the brake pedal kicked back at me. It seemed as if ABS kicked in prematurely, or ESC kicked on prematurely. My wheels locked up causing my car to slide into the car ahead of me. I am not a mechanic so I am not sure which. I hit a vehicle in front of me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10825331, filed 2016-02, 45,000 miles - Air bags
Airbags not deploying in a crash
- 14 complaints (10%)
- median 21,000 mi at 2.5 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 13 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2019
Multiple owners describe collisions in which the front airbags did not deploy, including rear-end, frontal and wall impacts, and some report the side airbags deploying while front ones did not. One owner reports the driver airbag deploying while the car was parked and the key was turned. Complaints do not indicate a common cause from the dealer side. Mostly reported at low mileage, many under 25,000 miles, though some up to about 110,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the airbag warning light has ever come on and whether the airbag system or occupant classification sensor has been inspected. A used-car inspection can include a scan for stored airbag diagnostic codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My daughters were in a three car accident on 13 june 2019. They were rear ended which caused them to hit another car in the rear; no air bags deployed. They suffer from neck pains, shoulder pains, back pains, and headaches. Why install airbags if the are going to be no use during an accident?!? I'm very disappointed in Hyundai!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11221000, filed 2019-06, 113,000 miles“I was hit on the left front quarter panel area so hard the car spun around. The side airbags deployed but not the front ones. I had my seatbelt on however was slammed against the steering wheel and my hands impacted the passenger windshield. I was rendered unconscious and had a temporary lapse of memory. I know have a pinched nerve in my lower left back and severe pain and bruising in breast right should area. I have been told that it could take weeks or months to heal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10560580, filed 2014-01, 11 miles - Electrical system
Electrical faults and exterior lighting problems
Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report repeated headlight bulb failures, one after another, with a voltage spike suspected by an independent test, and turn signals that switch the high beams on instead. Others describe the car failing to start without warning, or electrical power dropping out while driving. Some complaints about stalling also involve suspected wiring or junction box issues. Reported from near-new mileage up to roughly 130,000 miles; several early reports came within the first few thousand miles.
What to check: Check that all lights and turn signals work correctly, ask about repeated bulb replacements or no-start episodes, and confirm whether any anti-theft software or immobilizer-related campaign work was performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have had a problem with the right turn signal for over a year now. While driving at night when ever I flip up the turn signal to make a right had turn the high beams on the headlights go on. This always happens now. When the turn is completed and the turn signal goes off the low beams go back on. As mentioned this first starting every so often and has deteriorated to the pint it happens all the time now.”
NHTSA complaint #10903319, filed 2016-09, 103,000 miles“Headlight bulbs keep failing in a rapid and repetitive succession, first incident occurred few weeks after purchase and now while I'm writing this on 2/21/2014 I'm on bulb number 7. I've had the car in at the dealer twice, each service took 2 hours and they were not able to find anything, independent tests confirmed that a voltage spike was occurring which could be causing the bulbs to fail, perhaps from faulty voltage regulator. …”
NHTSA complaint #10565353, filed 2014-02, 1,000 miles
Buying note. Look closely at brake and engine health on a 2013 Accent: confirm the ABS recall repair was completed, listen for cold-start engine noise, and ask about oil use and stalling history. Service records and an independent pre-purchase inspection are worth the cost on this model year.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 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 142 consumer complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Accent. 71 of the complaints include a mileage, and 52% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 45,000 miles. Of all complaints, 16 involved a crash, 9 a fire, 23 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 78 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 10 Hyundai Accent model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 73 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
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.
- Brakes42 30%
- Engine35 25%
- Electrical system18 13%
- Other or unknown17 12%
- Air bags14 9.9%
- Transmission and drivetrain12 8.5%
- Steering8 5.6%
- Suspension8 5.6%
- Vehicle speed control8 5.6%
- Exterior lighting7 4.9%
Also reported: Body and structure (7), Wheels (7), Fuel system (5), Seat belts (5), Tires (5), Electronic stability control (4), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Forward collision avoidance (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “I was driving down the street to my sister house, when I got to her house I pulled up behind her car approximately 10 to 15 ft. On the curb and on the street, I stopped the car, put in in park while still running, when I touched the switch to turn the car off, the gas pedal went to the floor and the car ran into the car in front of me not ejecting the seat belt.”
NHTSA complaint #10615973, filed 2014-07, 100 milesEngine: “Engine/power train the engine went out on my vehicle while I was traveling from houston to dallas texas on a major highway. I had it towed to Hyundai dealership who diagnosed the engine problem. I was asked to provide documentation that showed oil change maintenance was being performed from 70k-82k miles. I provided that information to the dealership and they conducted a pre-approval and sent it over to Hyundai corporate. After several days waiting and stranded in dallas, I received the news that the claim was denied for improper maintenance. …”
NHTSA complaint #11166126, filed 2019-01, 82,000 milesElectrical system: “I experienced theft in my vehicle which was parked in front of my home due to a malfunctioning remote anti-theft alarm system. I have a Hyundai Accent 2013 that contains the following security features: power doors and locks, wheel locks, airbags, Hyundai roadside assistance, remote anti-theft alarm system, theft protection decals on windows.”
NHTSA complaint #10669773, filed 2015-01, 10,010 milesOther or unknown: “Chrome tape on driver's side door handle came loose creating a sharp edge that is a cut hazard when attempting to open the door. My daughter is returning to longwood university with this vehicle so I had to superglue and tape the chrome tape back into place. The chrome tape is starting to bubble on the right side of the handle so that part of the chrome tape will also be separating soon from the plastic”
NHTSA complaint #11119930, filed 2018-08, 54,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
52% of the 71 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 16,383 and 82,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 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 FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 12.4% risk |
| Accent 5 · hatchback FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 12.4% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating; 2014: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2013 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 | 1.6L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 28 | 37 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Accent FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 28 | 37 | 31 | $2,150 |
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control…Covers: Hyundai Accent 2012–2015, Tucson 2010–2013, 2015, Elantra 2011–2015 +9 more
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013…
Recall details for the 2013 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. 78 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038722Oct 15, 2026Back-over prevention (rear camera). Some Hyundai vehicles may be equipped with a parking distance warning (PDW) sensor(s) that may trigger various DTCs and display warning messages on the instrument cluster, resulting in the PDW…
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Engine. Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Engine. Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles…
- 11033679May 23, 2026Air bags, Electrical system. Certain 2012 – 2017 model year Accent, 2012 – 2017 model year Azera, 2013 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2013 – 2019 model year Santa Fe, and 2012 – 2017 model year Veloster vehicles may exhibit…
- 11032526Apr 25, 2026Air bags, Electrical system. Some vehicles listed below may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and DTC(s) B1763 (OCS ECU Defect), and/or B1764 (OCS Mat Defect) may be stored. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage…
- 11032525Apr 25, 2026Air bags, Electrical system. Some vehicles listed below may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and DTC(s) B1763 (OCS ECU Defect), and/or B1764 (OCS Mat Defect) may be stored. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage…
- 11032523Apr 10, 2026Air bags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile…
- 11032522Apr 10, 2026Air bags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo…
- 11025476Nov 6, 2025Exterior lighting. 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…
- 11000788May 10, 2024Electrical system. A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer (called the “Class…
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
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Hyundai Accent?
Owners of the 2013 Accent most often report brake problems (ABS-related incidents, noise, fluid leaks), followed by engine trouble such as stalls, knocking, oil loss and engine replacement. The issues reported most often: Engine knocking, oil loss, and engine replacement; Stalls, loss of power, or failure to restart; Brake pedal or ABS problems, noise, and fluid leaks.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Hyundai Accent have?
NHTSA recorded 142 consumer complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Accent as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2013 Hyundai Accent is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 42 complaints (30% of the total), followed by engine with 35.
Has the 2013 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.
How did the 2013 Hyundai Accent do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 Hyundai Accent 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Hyundai Accent get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Hyundai Accent (Accent, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 32 mpg combined, 28 city and 37 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Hyundai Accent reported?
Among the 71 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 45,000 miles and the middle half falls between 16,383 and 82,000 miles; 52% 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.