2017 Hyundai Accent Problems
Compared with other Hyundai Accent years
Typical for this model
36/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× 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.
- 19 of its 68 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Airbag warning light and occupant sensor faults (20 complaints, median 43,500 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
- 68filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles, 31 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of 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 2017 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 engine problems: oil consumption that leads to repeated catalytic converter replacements, knocking or ticking sounds, and sudden loss of power or stalling. A second common theme is the airbag warning light, frequently traced to the passenger occupant sensor, along with complaints that airbags did not deploy in collisions. Many reports come in above 60,000 miles, though the airbag light and some brake complaints appear at low mileage.
- Engine
Excessive oil consumption and catalytic converter failure
- 15 complaints (22%)
- median 109,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2026
Owners describe the car using oil faster than expected, sometimes a quart every few hundred miles, and repeated catalytic converter replacements even after a recent converter or tune-up. Common signs are a check engine light, misfires, spark plugs coated in oil, sluggish acceleration, and in some cases a stall or severe loss of power while driving. Several say dealers replaced the converter or engine parts but the problem returned, and a few report the engine was replaced or needs replacement. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 145,000 miles, often within months of a routine oil change.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or exhaust smell, and ask for records of converter or engine work. Service bulletins describe oil consumption inspection and combustion chamber cleaning procedures for this condition.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“In october of 2020 the car had an oil change. About a month later while driving down the highway I started to hear a ticking noise. When I got to my house we started to investigate what was going on. First we checked the oil which was nothing but fumes but the oil light never came on. Confused as to why there was no oil we kept investigating because as stated before the car had an oil change the month prior. We replaced the oil yet again and continued to drive the car to see what was going on. …”
NHTSA complaint #11378211, filed 2020-12, 80,000 miles“Like many of the other complaints, in 2 years I have now replaced 3 catalytic converters. Everything will be fine and then BAM car stops working. No one can find any other issues. The car is in the shop again after the engine misfire light came on. Let’s see what it is this time. I am guessing it is an engine problem but no matter how many times I look, there are no recalls. Not sure what else I can do”
NHTSA complaint #11557579, filed 2023-11 - Air bags
Airbag warning light and occupant sensor faults
- 20 complaints (29%)
- median 43,500 mi at 2.9 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,500 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2017–2026
Owners report the airbag warning light coming on and staying on, or the passenger airbag off indicator appearing with someone in the seat. Several say a diagnostic traced it to the passenger occupant classification sensor mat or module, with repair quotes around $1,400 to $2,500. A separate group describes airbags not deploying in front-end or rollover collisions, with no warning light beforehand. Reported from very low mileage up to about 144,000 miles, with many cases between roughly 20,000 and 66,000 miles.
What to check: With the ignition on, confirm the airbag light goes out after the bulb check and that the passenger airbag indicator reads correctly with a passenger seated. Warranty extension bulletins cover the occupant classification sensor on certain model years, so ask whether any related coverage or repair applies.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Occupant classification system defect. My car was only 2,000 miles out of warranty and Hyundai will not cover this defect. Right passenger seat air bag sensor mat is faulty causing the air bag light to come on. I've done my research online and this is pretty common. It should be a recall and I shouldn't be having to spend $1,400 to get it fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #11340692, filed 2020-07, 62,000 miles“I bought it used with 63,000 miles around 11/8/20, everything was going good, and one day I noticed the airbag light was on. Over a the next couple of days, the light would stay on & if I turned my car off and on again, it would turn off but come back on a couple minutes later. I looked it up, and it talked about a possible issue with the airbag system or the airbag sensor. I also noticed that a lot of people had the airbag light issue with their Hyundai vehicles, mostly the Accent models.”
NHTSA complaint #11386746, filed 2021-01, 66,000 miles - Engine
Stalling, hesitation and loss of power
- 19 complaints (28%)
- median 80,000 mi at 4.2 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2026
Owners describe the engine cutting out or dropping to very low speed without warning, sometimes at highway speed, and occasionally not restarting on the first attempt. Others report hesitation or lunging when pressing the accelerator, or the car refusing to go above about 5 to 15 mph. Some had the car towed and were told of camshaft timing or computer faults; others had no warning light at all. Scattered across the sample from roughly 55,000 miles upward, with several reports beyond 100,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the car has ever stalled or hesitated and whether any diagnostic codes were stored. A test drive should include a stop-and-go stretch and a brief highway pull to check for hesitation.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Wow entering the highway my car stalled out in the middle of traffic the never cut out just will not drive more than about 5 miles an hour even with putting my foot all the way down on the pedal turn it off for 30 minutes started back up started driving start out again almost causing me to wreck multiple times no warning lights or anything popped up I still have no lights on my dash and it is still not drivable had to get it towed by aaa I don't understand how did you record that is 3 years old is having this issue with no warning I'm very …”
NHTSA complaint #11374624, filed 2020-11, 100,125 miles“I purchased my car in February I was told everything was fine, my car does this jerking everytime I drive sometimes acceleration is slow at first I took my car to carmax and was told the issue was fixed unfortunately my car is still having this issue it’s upsetting because this is my first car & I shouldn’t have this issue when it was supposed to be fixed before my warranty ended.”
NHTSA complaint #11691442, filed 2025-10 - Brakes
Brake pedal feels soft, pedal pushback or grinding
- 8 complaints (12%)
- median 51,895 mi at 3.1 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2022
Some owners describe the brake pedal sinking toward the floor, or pushing back and making a grinding or crunching noise during stops, in a few cases with reduced stopping. Others report the car skidding or struggling to brake on hills or gravel, or the pedals being close enough that the brake foot also catches the accelerator. Dealers reportedly resurfaced rotors or could not reproduce the concern. Reported from very low mileage (under 3,000 miles) up to about 81,000 miles, in dry and wet conditions alike.
What to check: Test the brakes at low speed and on a slight incline, listening for grinding and checking that the pedal stays firm. Ask whether rotors or pads have been serviced and whether the concern has recurred.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Wen u let off gas n put brake on while driving n you go to push back on gas petal it don't do anything u have to let off gas petal n do it again it's dangerous on freeway the service manager said just punch it it should then .what so I hit cars in front of me n now it's starting to do it wen I turn corners”
NHTSA complaint #11385235, filed 2020-12, 48,791 miles“Every time I try to press on brakes on a hill or gravel my car skids while driving and I feel my car skid and struggle to brake on a dry day with no rain what so ever. My 2017 Hyundai Accent brand new and im the only owner. This has been happening since I purchased the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11162294, filed 2018-12, 500 miles - Electrical system
Dashboard and electrical glitches
Mentioned in 7 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report dashboard lights flashing on and off while driving, the speedometer dropping out, the fuel gauge reading erratically, and the trip meter resetting to zero. Some describe brake, ABS and traction control lights appearing together, and one notes the brake lights stopped working at low mileage. Dealers often could not recreate the fault. Reported between roughly 22,000 and 66,000 miles, with some cases at unknown mileage.
What to check: Check that all warning lamps behave normally at startup and that the speedometer and fuel gauge read steadily during the test drive. Ask whether the anti-theft software campaign or key cylinder reinforcement has been applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“At approximately 22,000 miles my 2017 Accent's brake lights would no longer work. My tail lights are on but my brake lights that illuminate brighter while braking will not work. I have attempted to change the fuse with an identical one, bought new light bulbs, and will now be taking it into a dealership. I believe it is the brake switch that is faulty but I am unsure. Ut they are booked for weeks and this is a huge safety/legal issue. Recall number 131”
NHTSA complaint #11348518, filed 2020-08, 22,000 miles“I have already submitted a report here and never had any follow up and I don't see it in the reported complaints section of this website with newer incidents already showing so I know it isn't that there is a back log. my car caught on fire while I was in the car, asleep. I have reports from the fire department, I have struggled with Hyundai for months and ultimately was denied any assistance due to I was missing one of two service records. …”
NHTSA complaint #11578557, filed 2024-03
Buying note. Look closely at oil consumption and converter history on this model year, since those reports are the most frequent and can be expensive, and confirm the airbag system functions with no warning light. A pre-purchase inspection that includes reading stored codes and checking service records is worthwhile.
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 68 consumer complaints for the 2017 Hyundai Accent. 31 of the complaints include a mileage, and 48% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 51,000 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 7 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 70 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 36 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.
- Engine23 34%
- Air bags21 31%
- Other or unknown16 24%
- Electrical system9 13%
- Brakes5 7.3%
- Fuel system4 5.9%
- Body and structure4 5.9%
- Vehicle speed control3 4.4%
- Exterior lighting2 2.9%
Also reported: Engine cooling (1), Seat belts (1), Steering (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Driving on highway on vacation coming from florida, the car lost power for 3 seconds and came back on again. Weird it happened. Hasnt happened since but scary to completely shutdown then start up again. The motor continue to run but lights and everythg else shut. It was weird. This happen summer 2020. Was not raining and was on straight highway.”
NHTSA complaint #11402609, filed 2021-03, 58,000 milesAir bags: “On easter sunday 04/01/2018 I was in an accident that caused ,$ 10,800.00 in front end collision damage , no airbags deployed. The resulting collision caused my seatbelt on break 3 of my left ribs . I had accidentally dropped a closed water bottle between my legs , said bottle then rolled up under brake pedal , after I looked down to see where it went I looked up to my horror discovered a red ishtar with a car stopped if front of me . …”
NHTSA complaint #11096678, filed 2018-05, 6,500 milesOther or unknown: “The under carriage is not stable. The undercarriage cover falls off whenever something scrapes the bottom of car...on the passenger aide only. The screws and bolts vecome bent and the nuts fall off, forcing under carriage cover to fall and scrape on ground. The car was in motion about 1 block from my house when this happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11073412, filed 2018-02, 18,298 milesElectrical system: “Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Hyundai Accent. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 115,000. It was later discovered upon checking the Carfax Report, that the mileage was 176,504.”
NHTSA complaint #11713961, filed 2026-01, 176,504 milesMileage when problems were reported
48% of the 31 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 22,000 and 63,000 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 2017 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: 2016: 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 2017 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 2017 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. 70 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 2017 Hyundai Accent?
Owners of this model year most often describe engine problems: oil consumption that leads to repeated catalytic converter replacements, knocking or ticking sounds, and sudden loss of power or stalling. The issues reported most often: Excessive oil consumption and catalytic converter failure; Airbag warning light and occupant sensor faults; Stalling, hesitation and loss of power.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Hyundai Accent have?
NHTSA recorded 68 consumer complaints for the 2017 Hyundai Accent as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Hyundai Accent is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 23 complaints (34% of the total), followed by air bags with 21.
Has the 2017 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 2017 Hyundai Accent do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 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 2017 Hyundai Accent get?
The EPA rates the 2017 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 2017 Hyundai Accent reported?
Among the 31 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 51,000 miles and the middle half falls between 22,000 and 63,000 miles; 48% 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.