CARFOCALvehicle research
Research CarsCompareRankingsArticles
  1. Home›
  2. Manufacturers›
  3. Hyundai›
  4. Accent›
  5. 2016›
  6. Complaints

2016 Hyundai Accent Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Ethan Miller
2016 Hyundai Accent Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2016 Hyundai Accent has 156 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and air bags.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.8/ 10

Based on 156 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

31 19.9%

AIR BAGS

27 17.3%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

24 15.4%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

14 9%

STEERING

9 5.8%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 19.9% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 21 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

Subscribe to Recall Alerts

Get notified when a new recall or important ownership update lands for the 2016 Hyundai Accent.

Free alerts based on U.S. recall data. Unsubscribe anytime.

Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2016 Hyundai Accent

The 2016 Hyundai Accent has 156 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 20% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2016 Hyundai Accent are ENGINE (31), AIR BAGS (27), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (24).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 108 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2016 Hyundai Accent?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2017 Accent complaints2015 Accent complaints2018 Accent complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 21 of 21 systems

ENGINE

31 Reports20% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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! I'M NOT VERY HAPPY ABOUT THIS AND WILL BE TAKING IT BACK TO CHECK BOTH THE BRAKES AND ENGINE.

6/21/2016

ENGINE OVERHEATED WHILE HIGHWAY DRIVING (SPEWING STEAM). WOULD NOT START AFTER COOLING DOWN. MOBILE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED A FAULTY COOLING FAN THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH RESERVOIR (NON-OEM REPLACEMENTS WERE ONLY AVAILABLE AT THE TIME). CONTINUED THE TRIP WITH NO FURTHER ENGINE TEMPERATURE PROBLEMS.

10/15/2018

29 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

27 Reports17% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH AN ELK. ALL THE AIR BAGS IN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK AND HAD BROKEN GLASS IN HER HAIR. THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED CUTS FROM THE BROKEN WINDSHIELD GLASS AND BACK PAIN. THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEAD AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. ALL OCCUPANTS WERE WEARING SEAT BELT RESTRAINTS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,800.

4/25/2017

I WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISON, 45 MPH, MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.. I WAS MOVING ON A HWY.

5/22/2017

25 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

24 Reports15% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOWN THE HIGHWAY, ALL THE DASH LIGHTS STARTED LIGHTING UP AND THE GAUGES APPEARED TO STALL IN A RANDOM PLACE, THEN RESET. I WASN'T SURE IF THE CAR WAS STALLING OR IF IT WAS JUST AN ELECTRICAL GLITCH. THIS WAS A DISTRACTION AND TOOK MY ATTENTION OFF THE ROAD AS THE CHECK ENGINE/TIRE PRESSURE/LOW FUEL/ETC LIGHTS ALL LIT UP AT THE SAME TIME AND THE GAUGES APPEARED TO BE MALFUNCTIONING MOMENTARILY. WITHIN 15 SECONDS, EVERYTHING APPEARED TO BE OPERATING NORMALLY AGAIN. THE CAR NEVER STALLED OR LOST POWER, THE GAUGES JUST MADE IT APPEAR AS IF IT DID. I SCANNED THE CODES WITH THE CAR STILL RUNNING AFTER THIS INCIDENT AND THERE WERE NO CODES (PREVIOUS, CURRENT, PROCESSING). I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IF IT KEEPS DOING IT TO BRING IT BY BUT IF IT'S NOT ACTIVELY HAVING AN ISSUE THAT THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING FOR IT JUST YET (REQUESTED VIA PHONE TO INSPECT FOR LOOSE CONNECTIONS/GROUNDS AT THE LEAST).

7/24/2017

WHENEVER THE VEHICLE SITS IN TEMPATURES BELOW 51 DEGREES FOR MORE THEN A FEW HOURS WHEN IT IS STARTED THE STABILITY MANAGEMENT LIGHT THE AND LIGHT AND THE BREAK LIGHT ARE ALL ON PLUS THE AND AND STABILITY MANAGEMENT DON'T WORK. THE SPEEDOMETER THE FUEL GAUGE AND THE ODOMETER DON'T TRACK PROPERLY IF AT ALL I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT IT SINCE I HAD IT INTO BOTH RON THINKING HYUNDAI IN GRESHAM AND GLADSTONE SEVERAL TIMES LAST WINTER WITH NO RESULT THEY JUST KEEP SAYING THEY EITHER CAN'T DUPLICATE THE ISSUE OR THEY DON'T HAVE THE INFORMATION TO FIX THE VEHICLE CAUSE NO-ONE KNOWS WHAT'S CAUSING THE PROBLEM THE KEEP SEEKING HELP FROM THE TECH HOTLINE AND GETTING NO RESULT FROM THE SUGGESTIONS THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD SEEING AS THE PROBLEM PERSISTS FOR RANDOM PERIODS OF TIME WHILE BEING DRIVEN BETWEEN 30 MINUTES TO 4 HOURS

10/26/2017

22 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

14 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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. NEXT I CALLED ROADSIDE ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THEY CAN'T EVEN ASSIST ME UNLESS I HAD A FLAT TIRE BUT NOT WITH NEEDING A TIRE. I HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR UNATTENDED, IN A DARK AREA, ALMOST HAD A ACCIDENT ENDANGERING MYSELF AND OTHERS, CALL ALL OVER THE NEXT DAY , SPEND BILL MONEY I DIDN'T HAVE JUST TO PURCHASE ANOTHER TIRE. HOW INCONVENIENT!!!! I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH HYUNDAI ! YOU'D SALE MORE CARS AND HAVE MORE HAPPIER CUSTOMERS THAT WAY VERSUS TRYING TO SAVE MONEY AND GAS BY NOT PROVIDING ONE IN THE CARS!!!!

9/20/2016

WHEN OFF AND STATIONARY PRESSING/RELEASING THE BRAKE NUMEROUS TIMES, CABLE SOUND IS HEARD UNDER CENTER CONSOLE GEAR SELECTOR & BEHIND UNDERNEATH A/C CONSOLE/STORAGE, NOT HEARD WHEN AUTO WAS NEW.

5/13/2018

12 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

9 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

7/14/2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE AND JERKED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JEFFERSON CITY HYUNDAI IN JEFFERSON CITY, MO, BUT THE FAILURES WERE UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURES PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

9/29/2017

7 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

7 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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! I'M NOT VERY HAPPY ABOUT THIS AND WILL BE TAKING IT BACK TO CHECK BOTH THE BRAKES AND ENGINE.

6/21/2016

I'VE HAD MY 2016 HYUNDAI ACCENT 5-DOOR SINCE FEBRUARY 2016. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, I HAVE NOTICED TWO ISSUES. THE FIRST IS THAT COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IT FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS HITTING THE GROUND BENEATH MY FOOT ON THE UNDERSIDE. DEALERSHIP FOUND NOTHING BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE IT. THE SECOND IS WHEN AT A STOP SIGN, ETC., AND YOU START TRYING TO INCREASE THE SPEED, THE ENGINE HAS A HARD TIME GAINING SPEED AS QUICKLY AS IT SHOULD. I HAVE TO PRESS THE ACELERATOR TO THE FLOOR BOARD TO GET MOVING. I KNOW THAT MY VEHICLE ISN'T ONE WITH A HUGE ENGINE BUT STILL IT SHOULDN'T STRUGGLE TO GAIN SPEED EVERY SINGLE TIME! I'M NOT VERY HAPPY ABOUT THIS AND WILL BE TAKING IT BACK TO CHECK BOTH THE BRAKES AND ENGINE.

11/14/2016

5 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I'VE HAD MY 2016 HYUNDAI ACCENT 5-DOOR SINCE FEBRUARY 2016. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, I HAVE NOTICED TWO ISSUES. THE FIRST IS THAT COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IT FEELS LIKE SOMETHING IS HITTING THE GROUND BENEATH MY FOOT ON THE UNDERSIDE. DEALERSHIP FOUND NOTHING BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE IT. THE SECOND IS WHEN AT A STOP SIGN, ETC., AND YOU START TRYING TO INCREASE THE SPEED, THE ENGINE HAS A HARD TIME GAINING SPEED AS QUICKLY AS IT SHOULD. I HAVE TO PRESS THE ACELERATOR TO THE FLOOR BOARD TO GET MOVING. I KNOW THAT MY VEHICLE ISN'T ONE WITH A HUGE ENGINE BUT STILL IT SHOULDN'T STRUGGLE TO GAIN SPEED EVERY SINGLE TIME! I'M NOT VERY HAPPY ABOUT THIS AND WILL BE TAKING IT BACK TO CHECK BOTH THE BRAKES AND ENGINE.

11/14/2016

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. ITS LIKE HYUNDAI WANTS YOU ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD OR AN ACCIDENT BEFORE THEY BELIEVE YOU. I'VE SEE OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING ON CAR COMPLIANT. I GUESS ME AND THOSE OTHER PEOPLE ARE CRAZY. I'M THINKING ABOUT GETTING A LAWYER IF THIS ISN'T TAKEN CARE IF SOON.

9/27/2017

5 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

6 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISON, 45 MPH, MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.. I WAS MOVING ON A HWY.

5/22/2017

NEED ALL PICTURE

1/28/2018

4 more complaints are available in this category.

SEATS

5 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

8/31/2019

AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF AT RANDOM, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT OR NOT. CAR WAS TAKEN TO A HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP, AND THEY DISCOVERED A SEAT CUSHION WITH A SENSOR WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THIS WOULD COST CLOSE TO A $1000.00 TO FIX. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, THUS, THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL ENOUGH PEOPLE AND CHILDREN HAVE DIED FROM THIS. MOST OF US DO NOT HAVE $1000.00 TO DISH OUT FOR A FANCY SEAT CUSHION. I SEE FROM MANY COMPLAINTS THAT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM. PLEASE TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY AND PUT OUT A RECALL FOR THOSE OF US THAT ARE TOO BROKE TO FIX A SAFETY MALFUNCTION THAT CAME WITH THE CAR.

1/24/2020

3 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

4 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE DRIVING, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED FOR 15 SECONDS AND THEN TURNED OFF. AS A RESULT, THE MILEAGE HAD INADVERTENTLY RESET. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE DIAGNOSED ONLY IF THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

9/28/2017

WHENEVER THE VEHICLE SITS IN TEMPATURES BELOW 51 DEGREES FOR MORE THEN A FEW HOURS WHEN IT IS STARTED THE STABILITY MANAGEMENT LIGHT THE AND LIGHT AND THE BREAK LIGHT ARE ALL ON PLUS THE AND AND STABILITY MANAGEMENT DON'T WORK. THE SPEEDOMETER THE FUEL GAUGE AND THE ODOMETER DON'T TRACK PROPERLY IF AT ALL I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT IT SINCE I HAD IT INTO BOTH RON THINKING HYUNDAI IN GRESHAM AND GLADSTONE SEVERAL TIMES LAST WINTER WITH NO RESULT THEY JUST KEEP SAYING THEY EITHER CAN'T DUPLICATE THE ISSUE OR THEY DON'T HAVE THE INFORMATION TO FIX THE VEHICLE CAUSE NO-ONE KNOWS WHAT'S CAUSING THE PROBLEM THE KEEP SEEKING HELP FROM THE TECH HOTLINE AND GETTING NO RESULT FROM THE SUGGESTIONS THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD SEEING AS THE PROBLEM PERSISTS FOR RANDOM PERIODS OF TIME WHILE BEING DRIVEN BETWEEN 30 MINUTES TO 4 HOURS

10/26/2017

2 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS VEHICLE HAS TOTALLY DESTROYED AND FLOODED BY HURRICANE MARIA 09/20/2017.I MADE CLAIM AND INSURANCE DID NOT DECLARED IT AS " LOST" BECAUSE IT HAS A NEW VEHICLE.SAFETY FEATURES ON STEERING WHEEL WONT FUNCTION , DASH , RADIO, FLOOR, SEATS,REAR TRUNK WAS FLOODED. ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURE COMPANY , THE VEHICLE LOST IT'S WARRANTY BECAUSE IT HAS FLOODED. I DON'T NEED AN ACCIDENT AND EXPERIMENT AIR BAGS FAILURE, ALL MEDIA SYSTEM DON'T WORK TO KEEP MY HANDS ON STEERING WHEEL.

10/12/2018

2016 Hyundai Accent SE 86,000 Miles. My car has no acceleration I don't get on the highway due to This issue. It feels like the car is Going to stop but it doesn't. I have To put the drive pedal to floor. To get desired speed. Also I have to put oil in the care Weekly. Even after a oil change No oil is leaking to the eye. I ride around with oil in my Car. Hyundai has been ineffective With any help the service manager Say alot Hyundai McDonough Ga The service manager said he Would do a diagnostic test When i get to the dealership At appointment time. That when He change everything around So Hyundai absolutely suck. No check engine light come on Due to my financial situation Im unable to pay the high fees For a diagnostic test. So i keep Oil in the car and don't get on The highway.....

3/24/2023

2 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE AND JERKED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JEFFERSON CITY HYUNDAI IN JEFFERSON CITY, MO, BUT THE FAILURES WERE UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURES PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

9/29/2017

The vehicle made a loud catastrophic noises stopped running and couldn’t be restarted. Towed car to dealership where it was inspected and denied coverage based on owner not original owner. This 1.6L Gamma GDI Engine is part of the larger Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II (Case No. 8:18-cv-02223). The settlement provides a 15-year/150,000-mile extended warranty for said engine.

10/2/2025

1 more complaint is available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION YESTERDAY THAT BROKE BOTH HEADLIGHTS, BUCKLED HOOD, KNOCKED THE ENGINE IN TO THE TRANSMISSION, AND BUSTED THE FRONT FAN AND COOLANT. THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND NEITHER DID THE SEAT BELT LOCK. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED WITH HIS LIP, NOSE AND FOREHEAD BUSTED BECAUSE THE SAFETY FEATURES DIDN'T WORK ON THIS VEHICLE.

11/3/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 45 MPH, SHE BECAME AWARE THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT HEADLAMP WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL AUTOZONE WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE WITH THE HEADLAMP. MURFREESBORO HYUNDAI (2203 NW BROAD ST SUITE HYUNDAI, MURFREESBORO, TN 37129), WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,979.

4/6/2020

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SUSPENSION

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VEHICLE IS MAKING A NOISE WHEN YOU ARE STEARING THE GEAR

4/16/2016

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.

5/9/2018

WHEELS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THIS VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH A FACTORY FURNISHED SPARE TIRE/WHEEL NOR TOOLS TO REMOVE A TIRE/WHEEL. I HAD A FLAT TIRE, CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE BUT THEY COULD ONLY TOW ME TO A REPAIR FACILITY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE A SPARE TIRE/WHEEL. THIS IS A DANGEROUS IF YOU ARE IN A REMOTE AREA, DON'T HAVE PHONE COMMUNICATIONS, DISASTERS AND SUCH, OR REPAIR FACILITY THAT IS 100'S OF MILES AWAY OR CLOSED.

7/13/2016

The car was rented by a Turo host with defectuous brakes and worn-out tires. During 3 weeks and 3400 Mi, forward disk brakes produced a thud of metallic grinding without effective braking at each brake. Forward tires were measured 2/32" and 'Replace Tire' marking were noticed on the treads. Rear tires were measured 3/32" and 'Replacement Tire Monitor' marking were noticed on the treads. A rear tire exploded on a straight line, between 55 and 60 Mph, the burst fortunately did not cause any swerve and the vehicle was able to be stopped on a few meters. During the journey, the driver's seat belt sometimes unlocks unexpectelly, even if initial locking has been checked by pulling on the buckle.

9/9/2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE DRIVING, ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED FOR 15 SECONDS AND THEN TURNED OFF. AS A RESULT, THE MILEAGE HAD INADVERTENTLY RESET. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN LOCAL DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE DIAGNOSED ONLY IF THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

9/28/2017

When driving the car, the ABS light, emergency brake light, and traction control light will come on. When these come on the speedometer ALWAYS quits working. Sometimes turning off the car will solve the problem but other times it won't do anything. Dealership has not been able to fix it. Other people have had the same problem with the Hyundai Accent. There are forums about it if you just look them up. Definitely a problem that needs to get fixed that seems to not be able to get fixed.

7/26/2021

SEAT BELTS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

3/18/2020

The car was rented by a Turo host with defectuous brakes and worn-out tires. During 3 weeks and 3400 Mi, forward disk brakes produced a thud of metallic grinding without effective braking at each brake. Forward tires were measured 2/32" and 'Replace Tire' marking were noticed on the treads. Rear tires were measured 3/32" and 'Replacement Tire Monitor' marking were noticed on the treads. A rear tire exploded on a straight line, between 55 and 60 Mph, the burst fortunately did not cause any swerve and the vehicle was able to be stopped on a few meters. During the journey, the driver's seat belt sometimes unlocks unexpectelly, even if initial locking has been checked by pulling on the buckle.

9/9/2023

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD NOT OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

5/29/2018

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD NOT OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

5/29/2018

STEERING:RACK AND PINION

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ESP warning light suddenly illuminated and moments later the steering wheel could not be turned in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. Dealer admitted and wrote car was a factory defect.*JB

8/25/2021

TIRES

1 Report1% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I bought two new Futura 2000 LTE tires (P175/70R14) and in less than a week, there were bubbles in both. There were no impacts and the tires themselves show no evidence of impact.

8/15/2022

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Accent?

The most reported complaint category for the 2016 Hyundai Accent is ENGINE, with 31 owner reports. That is about 20% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Accent a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 108 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2016 Hyundai Accent?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Accent severe?

108 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Hyundai Accent: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
156
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

We may earn a commission via links on this page.

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

Start here

Buyer guideMaintenance guideRecall report

Get recall and ownership alerts for the 2016 Hyundai Accent

Get our free model-year alerts and ownership updates.

Sign Up

We may earn a commission if you buy parts through our links. Learn more.

Carfocal

Automotive Research

Real data on vehicle reliability, safety, and ownership costs.

  • Used Car Research
  • Reliability Rankings
  • Buying Guides

  • Data Sources & Methodology
  • Editorial Standards
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal Disclosures
  • Terms of Service

© 2026 Carfocal · All Rights Reserved