2016 Hyundai Accent Problems
Compared with other Hyundai Accent years
Typical for this model
49/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× 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.
- 26 of its 102 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported problem: Speedometer drops to zero, ABS/brake/traction lights on (33 complaints, median 50,996 mi).
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2014, 2019
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
- 102filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles, 51 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 31 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 27 city / 37 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 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 two different problems: dashboard and electrical glitches, where the speedometer drops to zero and ABS, brake and traction lights come on, and a passenger-seat airbag sensor that leaves the airbag warning light on. Engine complaints also appear, mainly reports of oil loss and knocking at higher mileage. Many electrical reports were filed in warm weather at moderate mileage, while engine reports tend to cluster well past 60,000 miles.
- Electrical system
Speedometer drops to zero, ABS/brake/traction lights on
- 33 complaints (32%)
- median 50,996 mi at 4.2 yrs old (24 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
Owners describe the speedometer falling to zero while the car keeps moving, often together with ABS, brake, traction control and sometimes airbag or check engine lights. The fuel gauge and trip or odometer readings can jump or reset at the same time, and the panel sometimes returns to normal after a few seconds. Complaints say dealers could not duplicate the fault or advised bringing the car back when it happens again. Commonly reported between roughly 23,000 and 60,000 miles, with several owners linking it to warm or hot weather.
What to check: Drive the car and watch the speedometer, fuel gauge and warning lights, ideally on a warm day; ask whether the instrument cluster or related sensors were ever diagnosed or repaired.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Was driving my car on the highway and my speedometer kicked off. I was in motion and then the ABS, break and traction lights popped up and my speedometer went to 0 even though I was traveling at about 70mph. This is dangerous and poses a real threat to safety. It has happened many times.”
NHTSA complaint #11287613, filed 2019-12, 38,000 miles“Most days of the week, upon start up, I get 3 lights that come on and most of the time do not go off, the 3 lights are: brake light, ABS light, and traction control. When then car is in motion, the speedometer doesn't move and my gas gauge will change numbers while in motion. In motion, I feel like the brakes are touchy but I don't feel the brakes gripping like the lights shown and don't feel any difference in speed or gear switching.”
NHTSA complaint #11319909, filed 2020-04, 51,993 miles - Air bags
Passenger seat airbag sensor / airbag light on
- 28 complaints (27%)
- median 62,000 mi at 4.1 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
The airbag warning light comes on and stays on, or the passenger-side airbag indicator reads off even with someone in the seat. Owners say the light behaves randomly, sometimes clearing for days or weeks. Dealers have diagnosed a faulty passenger occupant detection sensor or seat cushion and quoted roughly a thousand dollars or more for replacement, and some owners report a diagnostic charge with no fault found. Reported from about 30,000 to 100,000 miles, with many filings in the 40,000 to 70,000 mile range.
What to check: Turn the ignition and watch the airbag and passenger airbag indicator lights with the seat empty and occupied; ask whether the occupant classification sensor has been inspected or replaced and whether any warranty extension on it applies to this vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My airbag light came on 3 days ago and hasn't turned back off. Today I tested my seatbelts and they don't lock like they're supposed to upon impact . I called my local hyindai dealership who informed me that there is no safety recall available to remedy this safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11318586, filed 2020-03, 77,300 miles“For the last two years the air bag sensor keeps coming on. Most recent is the last few days. It's staying on, not gone off. Second time it came on, early 2019, I took to dealer. That day it had gone off but they said they ran a diagnostic and nothing was wrong. Yet again it's on since july 7th. Every time when started the vehicle, lights on dash came on but airbag light never goes off. I've been driving around with it on for 3 days..”
NHTSA complaint #11338469, filed 2020-07, 35,560 miles - Engine
Oil consumption and engine knocking
- 24 complaints (24%)
- median 98,890 mi at 4.7 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2026
Owners report the oil level dropping between changes, low-oil and check engine lights, rough running and a knocking noise from the engine. Several complaints describe replacing valve cover or timing cover gaskets for leaks without solving the oil loss, and some say a shop diagnosed that the engine needed replacement. Others mention fuel mixing with the oil and resulting catalytic converter or sensor damage; dealers are described as running an oil consumption test, changing spark plugs, or finding the loss within a normal range. Mostly reported from about 60,000 miles upward, with several cases past 90,000 miles.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or burnt smell on the dipstick, review oil change records, and ask whether an oil consumption test has been performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“At 100,000mi the piston rod bearings failed. We have kept up with oil changes, etc. so this is very strange. It seems to be a common problem with Hyundai GDi engines, but our engine (1.6L Non-turbo) is not part of the massive recall/lawsuit for this exact issue on 2.0L cars. Clearly the same design flaw exists for the 1.6L.”
NHTSA complaint #11536522, filed 2023-08“In 2019, the car started losing oil. Not realizing it was still under warranty, twice I took it to my mechanic and they replaced the valve cover gasket, December 2019 and August 2020. It never resolved and then realized it was still under warranty. Took it to the dealership November 2020 and they found the oil was leaking from a timing cover and claimed it was fixed. It appeared so at first, but then the trouble continued but we just dealt with it. Saturday, October 28, 2023, my husband was driving up a hill and the engine almost seized. …”
NHTSA complaint #11553186, filed 2023-11 - Steering
Hard steering or loss of power steering assist
- 7 complaints (7%)
- median 20,000 mi at 2.4 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2022
Owners describe the steering suddenly becoming very hard to turn, sometimes with a steering or stability warning light on, and in some cases the wheel locking while pulling out of a driveway or while driving. Complaints mention diagnosis of a failed steering rack or motor-driven power steering component. Other owners report wandering or sloppy steering at highway speed that a dealer described as normal for the electric steering. Reported from very low mileage up to about 50,000 miles.
What to check: Test the steering at low speed in a parking lot and on the highway for stiffness, wander or unusual noises, and ask whether any steering component has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The car drifts at speeds over 40 MPH and at 55 MPH on highway require constant correction due to steering drifting. Dealership says that's the electronic steering. And that I will get used to it. The cars acts as if it has worn steering components. At higher speed the steering is sloppy, the car wanders from side to side.”
NHTSA complaint #10884816, filed 2016-07, 100 miles“When car is stationary; turning the steering wheel left and/or right causes a repeated clacking sound only heard while inside the cabin. Possibly suspension or strut problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11092685, filed 2018-05, 11,000 miles - Other or unknown
Slow acceleration and hesitation from a stop
- 7 complaints (7%)
- median 23,100 mi at 2.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2016–2025
Owners describe the car struggling to pick up speed from a stop sign or light, needing the accelerator pressed near the floor, with hesitation and occasional jerking. A few reports mention the car entering limp mode with no warning light and being diagnosed with engine failure. Dealers are described as unable to duplicate the concern. Reported both at very low mileage, under 10,000 miles, and around 20,000 to 25,000 miles.
What to check: Test acceleration from a stop during a test drive and ask whether the throttle or transmission programming has been checked or updated.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I've been to 2 Hyundai dealerships,...they both told me they can find anything they cant duplicate the problem. It makes me mad because I take off work to go get my car taken care of, but to them nothing is wrong. My car lags at times. When I stop at a light or stop sign, its hard to go,..it stalls I have to floor it at times to even get it to 25 0r 30. I know my car doesn't have much horsepower but shouldn't have to floor it to even get it to 25. This is a accident waiting to happen. …”
NHTSA complaint #11030185, filed 2017-09, 24,700 miles“I've had my 2016 Hyundai Accent 5-door since november 2015. On several occasions, I e noticed two issues. The first is that coming to a complete stop, the brakes make a strong sound, which I was told at the dealership that there are no problems with the brakes. The second is when at a stop sign, etc., and you start trying to increase the speed, the engine doesn't gain speed as quickly as it should. I know that my vehicle isn't one with a huge engine but still it shouldn't struggle to gain speed every single time! …”
NHTSA complaint #10875480, filed 2016-06, 15 miles
Buying note. On this model year, check the dashboard behavior and the passenger airbag light carefully during a test drive, since those are the two most frequently described problems. Also verify oil level and service records, and confirm which warranty extensions or service campaigns have been applied to the specific car.
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 102 consumer complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Accent. 51 of the complaints include a mileage, and 49% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 50,000 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 8 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 76 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 49 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (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.
- Engine33 32%
- Air bags30 29%
- Electrical system26 25%
- Other or unknown17 17%
- Steering11 11%
- Brakes8 7.8%
- Vehicle speed control7 6.9%
- Body and structure6 5.9%
- Seats5 4.9%
Also reported: Fuel system (4), Exterior lighting (3), Transmission and drivetrain (3), Seat belts (2), Suspension (2), Wheels (2), Forward collision avoidance (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Me and my wife was driving on the freeway towards san antonio for new year's. We were about 130 miles out when the engine light started blanking on and off. The car started to slow down so we pulled over to see what was wrong with it. We open the front hood of the car and the engine was really hot. So we took it to a technician we know and had him to work on the car. After he ran a diagnostic test to see what was wrong with the engine I found out that we either need a new motor or we would have to get a new car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11389235, filed 2021-01, 98,890 milesAir bags: “Passenger seat airbag sensor malfunction. Started on 21 june 2019, I started my car and noticed the red airbag dash light on and the passenger airbag off light out. A few days later, I started my car and the red dash light stayed off and the airbag off light was working. It works off and on till this day; weight some times influences it. Most of the time it is unresponsive and the dash light is on. Dealership diagnosed it for $100 and confirmed it was the $1200 passenger seat airbag sensor.”
NHTSA complaint #11252604, filed 2019-08, 69,015 milesElectrical system: “My daughter called to tell me that upon starting the car and still in park, the brake light and ABS control lights were lit up, as well as the speedometer was not working. This should be addressed by the manufacturer as this poses a serious problem for a driver.”
NHTSA complaint #11195453, filed 2019-04, 74,000 milesOther or unknown: “Filing a complaint because I recently had a blowout and its pretty messed up and dangerous that there isn't a spare tire (donut) or any type of tire changing tools supplied in the car other then a bag of first aid supplies and stuff for a flat. Next issue is what good does the stuff do for the flat of you haven't been trained on how to use it? As much as we customers are paying for these cars I'd think and expect some type of spare tire and changing tire tools like other car suppliers. If I can't get that without having to pay extra I may as well cancel my contract. …”
NHTSA complaint #10908316, filed 2016-09, 6,712 milesMileage when problems were reported
49% of the 51 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 23,100 and 91,379 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 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: 2015: same overall rating; 2017: 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 2016 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 | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Accent FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 26 | 36 | 30 | $2,250 |
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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2016 Hyundai Accent in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by 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. 76 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 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, 2026Electrical system, Air bags. 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…
- 11000314May 9, 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 2016 Hyundai Accent?
Owners of this model year most often describe two different problems: dashboard and electrical glitches, where the speedometer drops to zero and ABS, brake and traction lights come on, and a passenger-seat airbag sensor that leaves the airbag warning light on. The issues reported most often: Speedometer drops to zero, ABS/brake/traction lights on; Passenger seat airbag sensor / airbag light on; Oil consumption and engine knocking.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Hyundai Accent have?
NHTSA recorded 102 consumer complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Accent as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Hyundai Accent is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 33 complaints (32% of the total), followed by air bags with 30.
Has the 2016 Hyundai Accent been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2016 Hyundai Accent do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 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 2016 Hyundai Accent get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Hyundai Accent (Accent, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 31 mpg combined, 27 city and 37 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,150 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Hyundai Accent reported?
Among the 51 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 50,000 miles and the middle half falls between 23,100 and 91,379 miles; 49% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.