Home · 2016 Hyundai Accent 5 · Complaints

What 93 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Accent 5

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (93)Crash / fire / injury (9)Engine (28)Airbags (27)Electrical system (24)Steering (9)Brakes (7)Body & structure (6)Speed control (6)Seats (5)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (4)Fuel system (4)

Newest first · 93 complaints · page 1 of 4

Jul 11, 2025Airbags

The passenger seat airbag seat sensor does not work properly. The sensor wiring gets loose making the airbag system not work. It’s a common problem in this make and model. So I don’t understand why it hasn’t been recalled yet.

NHTSA ODI 11672630

Jun 5, 2025Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

NHTSA ODI 11665173

Feb 1, 2025Electrical systemEngineFire

The report does not specify the exact component that failed, but the fire originated under the hood of the 2016 Hyundai Accent. The vehicle and related documentation, including the fire department report, insurance claim, and incident photos, are available for review​. The fire under the hood posed a serious safety risk as it occurred while the vehicle was in motion on a busy highway. Fortunately, the driver evacuated safely, but the incident could have resulted in injury or more severe consequences​ of both driver and other drivers traveling. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Due to the extent of the damage caused by the fire, it is unlikely that the issue can be reproduced or thoroughly examined. The vehicle has not been inspected by a mechanic since the incident. The incident was inspected by Chesterfield Fire & EMS (Report No. [XXX]), Chesterfield Police Department arrived on the scene, and an insurance claim is in process. About a week prior to the fire, oil indicator light would flash on and off periodically, unusual noise began, and the engine light came on. At the earliest convenience, the car was taken to a shop for inspection and consultation - with no life threatening concerns or mechanical damages reported. The day of and right before the fire, there was a loud noise and immediate smoke. The exact timing of the believed ignition of the fire started around [XXX] with the fire in full flames by [XXX] on [XXX]​.

NHTSA ODI 11640127

Oct 23, 2024Electrical systemEngineFuel system

My 2016 Hyundai accent engine has all of sudden stop working and i have explained to multiple shops and my insurance that i was deployed for a whole year and the car was driving fine and once I came back it just wouldn’t crank. Two Hyundai shops informed me that the engine is locked up but neither shop provided a thorough investigation as to why this has happened. There were two-three major hurricanes in Texas where it was stored while I was deployed in Kuwait and Iraq from march 2023- march 2024 as well as another hurricane in Georgia where i am currently located now which happened September 2024. The engine is locked with no explanation as to how and a Hyundai representative by the name of don who provided the goodwill repair on July 09 2024 and i had it towed to Hyundai in Marietta and they looked and provided the same explanation that the engine is locked and to get it replaced with no detailed reasoning why. My safety has been at risk due to driving across states and town to get this vehicle serviced properly and causing mental anguish and depression as I am not able to get to where I need to go everyday which is causing friction in relationship and I am missing important events. I emailed the CEO Randy Parker and his executive assistant Amanda has done nothing but further deny the goodwill with no explanation on how, why, what, when. No, the problem was not confirmed as again it was no detail reasoning behind how the engine locked when it was working fine before returning from overseas. The vehicle was inspected by the local Hyundai dealerships in Killeen Texas and another in Marietta, GA and only inspected by one adjuster recently on October 10, 2024. There was no check engine illuminated in the car once I returned from overseas as it has not been driven much. There is still no check engine light illuminated even after all the shops checking. To make this right, I would like for Hyundai (HMUSA) to honor the goodwill REPAIR and or REPLACEMENT of the engine.

NHTSA ODI 11621511

Aug 21, 2024Electrical system

The instrumental panel suddenly malfunctioned the abs, airbag, and check engine lights illuminated, and the speedometer dropped to zero. The instrumental panel returned to normal, but the mileage range reset to 0. This was while I was traveling on a highway going 70mph. While it did not cause an accident this time, it was very upsetting. Further it is concerning that there was a recall on the 2014 Hyundai Accent for wiring issues that could cause a fire in the engine also referred to as an intermittent. We had the car inspected and nothing was found to be wrong with the battery/alternator or starter and nothing we could do in regular maintenance to ensure the safety of this vehicle. Note the mileage of this vehicle is 108k which is interesting considering the powertrain warranty was for 100k miles.

NHTSA ODI 11610076

Aug 20, 2024Electrical systemEngineFuel system

Component/System Failure: The component that has malfunctioned is the engine. This issue is critical and affects the vehicle's overall performance. The malfunctioning engine is available for inspection upon request, and I am willing to facilitate this inspection to substantiate my claim. Safety Risk: The engine's failure poses a significant safety risk, including potential engine stalling or loss of power while driving, which could lead to accidents or collisions. The ongoing issue has compromised my safety and that of other road users. Confirmation of the Problem: The problem has been confirmed by [Dealership Name/Independent Service Center]. They have verified the engine issue and noted it in their service records. I can provide documentation from this service center upon request. Inspection by Manufacturer or Others: The vehicle has been inspected by [Dealership Name] and Hyundai Motor America (HMA) corporate. The problem was also discussed with Hyundai representatives, including Amanda, who is aware of the issue and the relevant maintenance records. There has been no inspection by police or insurance representatives related to this specific issue. Warning Lamps, Messages, or Symptoms: Prior to the engine failure, there were several warning lamps and messages indicating engine problems. These symptoms first appeared on [Date of First Warning], giving preliminary notice of the impending failure. Despite these warnings, the necessary repairs or goodwill intervention were not provided. Given the seriousness of the situation and the impact on my daily life, including the necessity to use rental cars, take time off work, and travel extensively, I request the following: Immediate Approval of Goodwill Repair: Reassess and approve the goodwill repair for the engine issue based on the accurate maintenance records provided. Compensation for Inconvenience: Compensation for time off work, rental car costs, travel expenses, and emotional distress caused by this situation.

NHTSA ODI 11609672

Feb 1, 2024Electrical systemAirbagsSeats

This reports a recurring Safety Restraint System (SRS) airbag warning light issue for no apparent reason other than potentially defective components. Please investigate this! Any issues with the SRS system of a vehicle by default puts the safety of the vehicle's passengers at risk. The SRS airbag warning light first turned on randomly in June 2023 and remained on for a few weeks every time the car was on or being driven. (I am the second owner of the car, and this happened a year after purchase; I do not know if the original owners also had issues with this SRS warning light.) This SRS warning light turned itself off randomly a few weeks later. I had scheduled with a Hyundai Service Dept. to diagnose the issue for the price of $184.50 but ended up cancelling since the SRS light turned itself off 2 weeks before my appointment. The rough phone estimate by this Hyundai Service Dept. said that depending on if it is a sensor, control module, or something else, it could cost between $500 to $3000 to resolve. I was told that an issue with the SRS would not be investigated/covered by the manufacturer original warranty. (But SRS is a non-maintainable system so should work properly for the lifetime of the vehicle.) The SRS airbag warning light remained off until on Dec. 22, 2023, when it turned on again randomly. It stayed on again (anytime the car was on or being driven) for a few days then turned off randomly again. The SRS airbag warning light turned on again 1/26/24, then turned off on again on 1/29/24. It turned on AGAIN on 1/30/24 and is still on (2/1/24). This recurring SRS light issue indicates an urgent, underlying issue with the SRS system that has occurred randomly, without warning or reason, to my vehicle and to others with this vehicle according to this NHTSA web site. This SRS warning light issue suggests that the SRS system may not be working properly and could case the airbags to deploy incorrectly, or not deploy when needed, which is unacceptable.

NHTSA ODI 11569397

Jan 13, 2024Airbags

The airbag SRS light started to blink on and off and now stays on full time. I took the car to the dealership and they ran diagnostics and got code B1440 and B1774. They stated the entire passenger seat cushion must be replaced with the MAT sensor. This is a common problem per this website and there is no recall issued for some reason. Please investigate this issue as it was a common problem with earlier models 2006 through 2011 and later models are still having the same issue. This is a costly fix and it is suspicious that this sensor failed right after the warranty expired.

NHTSA ODI 11565335

Nov 2, 2023Engine

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. He luckily got home ok and we checked the oil and it was empty! He had just put a quart in two days earlier. sometimes the oil light goes on but not always so we always have to stay on top of it. I looked up to see if there were any recalls going on and saw there is a petition for one for quite a few models of Hyundais and Kias with the exact same problem as my Accent. I'm writing with the hopes that the 2016 Hyundai Accent will be included as so far we've been lucky that it hasn't seized while on the highway or on a side road.

NHTSA ODI 11553186

Sep 24, 2023Electrical systemBody & structureFire

The car caught on fire while driving on the freeway for no reason, an explosion occurred.

NHTSA ODI 11546277

Sep 9, 2023Seat beltsWheelsBrakes

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.

NHTSA ODI 11543603

Aug 23, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud knocking sound coming from underneath the hood. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

NHTSA ODI 11540380

Aug 4, 2023Engine

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 ODI 11536522

Jul 6, 2023AirbagsSeats

The car facing Air bag light ON few days ago. Mechanical Shop inspect the car the scan shows code B1490 ( PODA ( Passenger Occupant Detecting System) Sensor (Bladder) defect Contact the Hyundai Customer care to check if there is any extend warranty on the this part, they said NO, open case # 21683569

NHTSA ODI 11530698

Jul 5, 2023Engine

Drinks oil like it's going out of business. car does not leak nor can of make it from one change to the other. i know my jeep had a recall for the same kind of issue and they offered to fix the problem free of charge. don't see why hyundai can't find the issue and do the same for there customers. a motor that Drinks that much oil is not a good nor safe thing when driving on the road.

NHTSA ODI 11530473

Jun 20, 2023Engine

My car has had serious oil consumption issues. I cannot make it to recommended oil change date/milage before i am completely out of oil. This has been a reoccurring issue with Hyundai vehicles. I've been informed by serval mechanics it is unsafe to drive as the engine could blow while i am driving. Hyundai engines are notorious for this issue

NHTSA ODI 11527916

May 14, 2023Engine

My name is [XXX]. I writing to your office for I feel though I'm riding in a ticking time bomb. I bought a used Hyundai. Every since I've had the car, I'm putting a quart of oil in the car per week. My mechanic said that Hyundai sold me a defective engine. My mechanic asked me, if the oil is not leaking on the ground then where is all that oil going? Also the check engine light constant on, I had it serviced once and do it again. I filed a complaint with Hyundai my claim number #[XXX]. I have talked [XXX] and his phone [XXX] extension [XXX] of Hyundai about the issue. He stated that they are not going to help me. Please investigate my case. All, I want is what I paid for: a dependable and reliable car. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11521944

Mar 24, 2023EngineFuel system

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.....

NHTSA ODI 11513530

Dec 27, 2022Engine

My car stopped accelerating while I was on the expressway. The report shows that my car was in good condition. They later told me that my engine gave out. They told me that several 2016 Hyundai Accents have been having this issue. This needs to be recalled.

NHTSA ODI 11498926

Dec 21, 2022Electrical system

During hot/warm weather, typically 65 degrees or hotter, as soon as I turn on my car, the traction control light, the ABS light, and emergency brake light comes on. When this happens, the speedometer does not work. The gas level on the screen will also fluctuate, as well as the odometer stops counting miles. The car will still drive normal with all these specific lights, but is obviously extremely dangerous as the speedometer does not work. Sometimes when this issue is happening, if I drive around for 10 minutes, the speedometer will start working again and all the lights go out besides the traction control light. If I then find a spot to turn off my car and on again, it goes back to normal with no lights illuminated on the dashboard, the speedometer works, and the gas gauge goes back to what it is supposed to be at. However, at the same time, the issue might seemed to have fixed itself, but then will start happening again when I’m in the middle of driving. I tried taking it to Hyundai, as at the time this first began happening my car was under warranty still, and they told me my ABS connection was corroded, so they put in a new one. This did not fix the issue at all and the issue started back up again not even 30 minutes after leaving Hyundai. I had to leave town and couldn’t get the issue checked out again right after. This all started happening when my car was around 57,000 miles. I now have almost 75,000 miles and the problem still occurs. I have noticed that this only occurs when it is hot/warm outside and the car sits for a little, as stated above. I live in NY, so during the colder winter months, this issue never happens. This all is very worrisome when your speedometer stops working out of no where, or having the thought that it’ll get worse somehow when I’m driving at higher speeds, then all of this will put myself and others in danger on the road.

NHTSA ODI 11498343

Nov 30, 2022Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light and oil warning light illuminated, and the vehicle would shake, vibrate, and drive rough. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the engine oil was very low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test and changed the spark plugs; however, the failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 92,000.

NHTSA ODI 11495422

Sep 29, 2022Engine

2016 Accent, 78,000 miles. -Engine makes a loud knocking noise while running. Available to be inspected upon request. -Abrupt engine failure without a warning light could cause an accident depending on location, especially if one needs to pull over on a busy road. -Mechanic confirmed new engine needed, advised reaching out to Hyundai directly. -Not yet inspected by Hyundai directly, police, or insurance representatives. -Check engine light turned on when engine began smoking, no other indications prior.

NHTSA ODI 11487061

Sep 19, 2022Engine

The oil stopped flowing as listed in your recall. It caused serious enough damage that I had to purchase a new car. I had to take on $180 more per month due to the problems caused by the faulty oil system in the car. I seek monetary compensation for the purchase difference of a new vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11485189

Aug 25, 2022Airbags

The airbag light in my vehicle has been randomly turning on and off sporadically, several times a month. When I had my local dealership check the codes, they reported that there were several passenger-side airbag related codes that were stored and that they didn't know why they were going off at all. They were able to observe the light turning off and on at random. There have been no other known issues with the car. This airbag issue occurs when I am driving, parked, with someone/something on the passenger seat, and without. The codes stored were the following: b1764, b1767, b1493, b1603, b1490. Dealer notes were: "cleared codes and tried to get them to reset and would not reset put 100lbs in pass seat and buckled it and went on test drive no codes pending no light on moved seat front and back no codes. unable to further diag"

NHTSA ODI 11481224

Aug 15, 2022Tires

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.

NHTSA ODI 11479299

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Working with the data? Download all 93 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 25, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Hyundai Accent 5 verdict →