Hyundai Accent research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The Accent is Hyundai's low-cost subcompact. The 2012-2017 cars offered a sedan or 5-door hatchback with a peppy 137-138-hp engine and six-speed transmissions; the 2018-2022 sedan added a stiffer body, touchscreen and smartphone integration on most trims. From 2020 a CVT pushed EPA ratings to about 36 mpg combined. It is affordable to buy and run, with a VIN check essential for several recalls and the free anti-theft upgrade.
Model years covered: 2011–2022. The Accent was discontinued in the U.S. after the 2022 model year; there are no 2023 or later U.S. Accents.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Low purchase price
- Good fuel economy
- Roomy for a subcompact
- Simple low cost maintenance
- Apple carplay android auto on 2018 and later SEL and limited
- About 36 mpg combined with the 2020 2022 CVT
- Hatchback practicality 2012 2017
Things to know before you buy
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
- Anti theft upgrade or lock eligibility
- Abs fuse recall on 2012 2015
- Basic safety tech on lower trims
- Hatchback ended after 2017
- Manual ended after 2021
- Noisy at highway speeds compared with compacts
- US accent discontinued after 2022
Generations
Generation 3 (2006–2011)
The third-generation Accent (sold in the U.S. for 2006-2011; only 2011 is in this file) used a 110-hp 1.6L four with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, as a GLS sedan or a 3-door hatchback (Blue, GS, SE).
Buyer takeaway: A 2011 Accent is basic, very cheap transportation; if the budget allows, a 2012 or later car is a large step up in power, efficiency and refinement.
Generation 4 (2012–2017)
The 2012 redesign brought a direct-injected 1.6L four (138 hp, later rated 137 hp) with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, and a sedan or 5-door hatchback. A light 2015 refresh updated the styling, 2016 simplified trims, and 2017 was the last year of the U.S. hatchback.
Buyer takeaway: Best for buyers who want a hatchback or a manual at a low price. Confirm the 2012-2015 ABS-fuse recall by VIN; 2015-2017 cars have the refreshed look.
Generation 5 (2018–2022)
The sedan-only fifth generation has a stiffer body, standard touchscreen and camera, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto from the SEL up. 2018-2019 cars use a 130-hp direct-injected 1.6L with a 6-speed manual or automatic; 2020-2022 cars use a 120-hp 1.6L with a CVT (manual on the SE through 2021), rated about 36 mpg combined.
Buyer takeaway: For best fuel economy pick a 2020-2022 CVT car; the SEL offers the best value; the Limited adds automatic emergency braking. Check seat-belt and steering-column recalls by VIN.
Hyundai Accent by model year
2022 Hyundai Accent
The 2022 Accent is the final U.S. model year and comes only with the CVT and the 120-hp 1.6L four, rated about 33 city / 41 highway / 36 combined mpg. It remains a simple, frugal sedan. Hyundai's smallest U.S. car after this is the Venue crossover. Check the VIN for the steering-column bolt and seat-belt recalls.
- Engines: 1.6 liter I4 120 hp 113 lb ft port injection
- Transmissions: CVT continuously variable
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Manual transmission dropped
- Final US model year for the accent
- Se SEL and limited trims
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Anti theft software or steering lock status; Seat belt pretensioner recall completion; CVT operation and fluid service records; Check engine light and stored codes; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Air conditioning operation; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history; Steering column bolt recall completion.
2021 Hyundai Accent
The 2021 Accent is unchanged from 2020: a 120-hp 1.6L four with the CVT (about 33 city / 41 highway mpg) or, on the SE, a 6-speed manual. It is the last Accent offered with a manual. Some 2021 cars have recalls for the brake master cylinder, seat-belt pretensioners and a steering-column bolt, so confirm completion by VIN.
- Engines: 1.6 liter I4 120 hp 113 lb ft port injection
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual se only; CVT continuously variable
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- No major changes
- Last year for the 6 speed manual
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Anti theft software or steering lock status; Seat belt pretensioner recall completion; CVT operation and fluid service records; Check engine light and stored codes; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Air conditioning operation; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history; Steering column bolt recall completion; Brake master cylinder recall completion.
2020 Hyundai Accent
For 2020 the Accent switched to a new 120-hp 1.6L four (113 lb-ft) and a continuously variable automatic (Hyundai calls it IVT). It gives up some power but is rated about 33 city / 41 highway mpg with the CVT; the SE could still be had with a 6-speed manual (about 29/39). Several 2020-2022 Accents have seat-belt pretensioner recalls, so check the VIN.
- Engines: 1.6 liter I4 120 hp 113 lb ft port injection
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual se only; CVT continuously variable
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- New 120 hp 1.6 liter engine
- CVT replaces 6 speed automatic
- EPA rating rises to about 36 mpg combined
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Anti theft software or steering lock status; Seat belt pretensioner recall completion; CVT operation and fluid service records; Check engine light and stored codes; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Air conditioning operation; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history; Trunk latch recall completion.
2019 Hyundai Accent
The 2019 Accent carries over: a 130-hp 1.6L four with a 6-speed manual (SE) or 6-speed automatic, rated about 28 city / 37-38 highway mpg, in SE, SEL and Limited trims. The SEL is the value sweet spot with smartphone integration. It is the last Accent with a conventional automatic before the 2020 switch to a CVT.
- Engines: 1.6 liter direct injection I4 130 hp 119 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual se only; 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- Carryover se SEL and limited trims
- Last year of the conventional 6 speed automatic
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Anti theft software or steering lock status; Trunk latch recall completion; Automatic transmission shift quality; Oil level and oil change records; Rough idle or misfire check; Check engine light and stored codes; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Air conditioning operation; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2018 Hyundai Accent
The 2018 Accent was redesigned as a sedan only, with a stiffer body, standard touchscreen and rearview camera, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto from the SEL up. Its 1.6L direct-injected four makes 130 hp, with a 6-speed manual (SE) or 6-speed automatic, rated about 28 city / 37-38 highway mpg. The Limited adds automatic emergency braking and a sunroof. Check the VIN for the trunk-latch recall and the anti-theft software update.
- Engines: 1.6 liter direct injection I4 130 hp 119 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual se only; 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan
What changed:
- All new fifth generation sedan
- Hatchback dropped in the US
- Stiffer body with more high strength steel
- Standard touchscreen and rearview camera
- Apple carplay android auto on SEL and limited
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Anti theft software or steering lock status; Trunk latch recall completion; Automatic transmission shift quality; Oil level and oil change records; Rough idle or misfire check; Check engine light and stored codes; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Air conditioning operation; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2017 Hyundai Accent
The 2017 Accent is the final year of the fourth generation and the last U.S. Accent hatchback. A Value Edition sedan bundled extra features, while the Sport hatchback became automatic-only. The 137-hp 1.6L four and 6-speed manual or automatic carry over, rated about 26-27 city / 36-37 highway mpg. Choose this year if you want an Accent hatchback.
- Engines: 1.6 liter direct injection I4 137 hp 123 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- New value edition sedan
- Sport hatchback now automatic only
- Last year for the hatchback in the US
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Anti theft software or steering lock status; Automatic transmission shift quality; Oil level and oil change records; Rough idle or misfire check; Check engine light and stored codes; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Air conditioning operation; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2016 Hyundai Accent
The 2016 Accent simplifies its trims, with SE replacing the GLS and GS names, plus a better-equipped Sport hatchback. The 137-hp 1.6L four and 6-speed manual or automatic carry over, rated about 26-27 city / 36-37 highway mpg. It is a practical, low-cost commuter; the hatchback adds noticeably more cargo room than the sedan.
- Engines: 1.6 liter direct injection I4 137 hp 123 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Se replaces gls and gs trim names
- Sport hatchback remains the top trim
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Anti theft software or steering lock status; Automatic transmission shift quality; Oil level and oil change records; Rough idle or misfire check; Check engine light and stored codes; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Air conditioning operation; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2015 Hyundai Accent
The 2015 Accent got a light refresh with a new grille and updated lights. It keeps the 137-hp 1.6L direct-injected four with a 6-speed manual or automatic, in sedan or 5-door hatchback form, rated about 26-27 city / 36-37 highway mpg. Some early-built 2015s had an occupant-detection recall and all 2012-2015 cars have the ABS-fuse recall, so check the VIN.
- Engines: 1.6 liter direct injection I4 137 hp 123 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Light refresh with new grille and lighting
- Trim and equipment updates
- Occupant detection recall on early production
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Anti theft software or steering lock status; Abs module fuse recall completion; Automatic transmission shift quality; Oil level and oil change records; Rough idle or misfire check; Check engine light and stored codes; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Air conditioning operation; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history; Passenger airbag occupant detection recall completion.
2014 Hyundai Accent
The 2014 Accent is mechanically unchanged, with the 1.6L direct-injected four (rated 137-138 hp depending on source) and a 6-speed manual or automatic, in sedan or hatchback form. EPA ratings are about 26-27 city / 36-37 highway mpg. Small equipment additions arrived across the lineup. It remains one of the roomier, better-equipped subcompacts of its era.
- Engines: 1.6 liter direct injection I4 137 to 138 hp
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Added standard convenience details like sliding sun visors
- Mechanically carryover
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Anti theft software or steering lock status; Abs module fuse recall completion; Automatic transmission shift quality; Oil level and oil change records; Rough idle or misfire check; Check engine light and stored codes; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Air conditioning operation; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2013 Hyundai Accent
The 2013 Accent carries over the 2012 redesign: a 138-hp 1.6L direct-injected four with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, in sedan or 5-door hatchback form, rated about 28 city / 37 highway mpg. It is a roomy, efficient subcompact for the money. As with other 2012-2015 Accents, confirm the ABS-fuse recall has been done.
- Engines: 1.6 liter direct injection I4 138 hp 123 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2012
- Gls and se sedan and gs and se hatchback trims
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Anti theft software or steering lock status; Abs module fuse recall completion; Automatic transmission shift quality; Oil level and oil change records; Rough idle or misfire check; Check engine light and stored codes; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Air conditioning operation; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2012 Hyundai Accent
The 2012 Accent was all new, with sleeker styling, a sedan or 5-door hatchback, and a 138-hp direct-injected 1.6L four-cylinder paired with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. It was launched at 40 mpg highway, but Hyundai restated its ratings in 2012; the current EPA figure is about 28 city / 37 highway. It is a big step up from 2011 in power and refinement. Check the VIN for the ABS-fuse fire recall.
- Engines: 1.6 liter direct injection I4 138 hp 123 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback
What changed:
- All new fourth generation design
- New 138 hp direct injection 1.6 liter engine
- Six speed manual and six speed automatic replace older gearboxes
- 5 door hatchback replaces 3 door
- EPA ratings restated lower in november 2012
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Anti theft software or steering lock status; Abs module fuse recall completion; Automatic transmission shift quality; Oil level and oil change records; Rough idle or misfire check; Check engine light and stored codes; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Air conditioning operation; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history; Accessory power socket recall completion.
2011 Hyundai Accent
The 2011 Accent is the last year of the older third-generation car, offered as a GLS sedan or a 3-door hatchback (Blue, GS and SE). It uses a 110-hp 1.6L four-cylinder with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic and is rated about 27 city / 33-35 highway mpg. It is simple, inexpensive transportation, but it lacks the power, six-speed gearboxes and newer features of the 2012 redesign.
- Engines: 1.6 liter I4 110 hp 106 lb ft
- Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
- Body style: 4 door sedan; 3 door hatchback
What changed:
- Final year of the older third generation
- Sedan and 3 door hatchback body styles
- Blue base hatchback tuned for economy
- Replaced by an all new accent for 2012
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Anti theft software or steering lock status; Brake light switch recall completion; Automatic transmission shift quality; Rust and underbody condition; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Air conditioning operation; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.
Known issues and what to check
- ABS Module Fuse Recall (Park-Outside Advisory) (2012–2015)
NHTSA recall 23V651 covers certain 2012-2015 Accents. The anti-lock brake (ABS) module can leak brake fluid internally and short, which can cause an engine-compartment fire while parked or driving. Owners were advised to park outside until the dealer installs the remedy (a replacement ABS fuse), free of charge.
What to do: Confirm by VIN that the ABS-fuse recall has been completed before buying a 2012-2015 Accent. - Anti-Theft Software Upgrade or Steering-Wheel Lock (2011–2022)
Many key-start Hyundais built without an engine immobilizer were targeted by thieves. Hyundai offers a free anti-theft software upgrade for eligible 2018-2022 Accents (it adds an ignition-kill feature and longer alarm), and a free steering-wheel lock for vehicles that cannot take the software. Eligibility is VIN-specific.
What to do: Check the VIN on Hyundai's anti-theft site and get the free upgrade or lock if it has not been done. - Seat-Belt Pretensioner, Steering-Column and Brake Recalls (2020-2022) (2020–2022)
Late fifth-generation Accents have several recalls: front seat-belt pretensioners that may rupture when they deploy (22V069, 22V218, 22V354), a lower steering-column bolt that may not be secured on certain 2021-2022 cars (22V311), and a brake master cylinder seal issue on certain 2021 cars (21V937). Each is fixed free by dealers.
What to do: Before buying a 2020-2022 Accent, confirm all open recalls are completed by VIN. - Older-Model Recalls: Brake-Light Switch, Power Socket, Airbag Sensing, Trunk Latch (2011–2020)
Several smaller recalls apply to specific builds: a brake-light switch that may fail on certain 2009-2011 cars (15V566), a 12V accessory socket that may overheat on certain 2012 cars (20V393), a passenger occupant-detection issue in very cold weather on certain early 2015 cars (15V218), and an inside trunk-release latch on certain 2018-2020 cars (21V619).
What to do: Run the VIN and test brake lights and the trunk release during inspection. - CVT (IVT) Operation and Fluid Care, 2020-2022 (2020–2022)
From 2020 the Accent uses a continuously variable automatic. It feels different from a geared automatic (engine speed can stay steady while accelerating), which is normal. Hesitation, shudder, whining or warning lights are not normal and should be checked; follow Hyundai's maintenance schedule for fluid inspection.
What to do: Road test carefully and favor cars with documented maintenance. - Direct-Injection Engine Maintenance, 2012-2019 (2012–2019)
The 2012-2019 Accent uses a direct-injected 1.6L engine. Like other direct-injection engines, it benefits from on-time oil changes; neglected engines can develop carbon deposits, rough idle or oil consumption. The 2020-2022 engine uses port injection instead.
What to do: Favor cars with regular oil-change records and a clean cold start. - Generation, Body Style and Transmission Disambiguation (2011–2022)
The Accent spans three generations here: 2011 (110 hp, 3-door hatch or sedan), 2012-2017 (137-138 hp, sedan or 5-door hatch) and 2018-2022 (sedan only; 130 hp to 2019, 120 hp with a CVT from 2020). Manual availability changes by year and trim.
What to do: Confirm the exact year, body style, transmission and trim before comparing prices.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine, transmission, equipment, and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies. Also check anti-theft software eligibility at Hyundai's anti-theft site.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Kia Rio
- Nissan Versa
- Toyota Yaris
- Honda Fit
- Chevrolet Sonic
- Ford Fiesta
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4
- Hyundai Elantra
- Hyundai Venue
Questions this guide answers
- What generation is this Hyundai Accent?
- What engine and transmission does this Accent have?
- Is there an Accent hatchback, and which years?
- What changed in the 2018 and 2020 Accent?
- What fuel economy does the Accent get?
- Does this Accent need the anti-theft software upgrade?
- What recalls should I check by VIN on an Accent?
- What should I inspect on a used Accent?
- Why was the Accent discontinued and what replaced it?
- What similar vehicles should I consider?