RoadVitals

1996 Hyundai Accent Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
101
Latest May 2, 2011
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
19

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1996 Hyundai Accent, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Suspension2419.0%
  • Airbags2116.7%
  • Brakes75.6%
  • Body & structure75.6%
  • Tires & wheels75.6%
  • Seat belts54.0%
  • Electrical54.0%
  • Interior & seats54.0%
  • Exterior lighting43.2%
  • Engine43.2%
  • Steering32.4%
  • Driver assistance10.8%
  • Heating & air conditioning10.8%
  • Fuel system10.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED, THE TIRE TURNED SIDEWAYS INTO THE FENDER AND THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND REFERENCED RECALL 02V341000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM) BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 120,000.

NHTSA ID 10398467 · filed May 2, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT STOPPED SUDDENLY. THE SUSPENSION SPLIT IN HALF DUE TO CORROSION AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM COLLAPSED. HE WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND DROVE BACK INTO HIS DRIVEWAY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V341000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD REPLACE SOME OF THE PARTS AND WOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL REPAIRS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 109,477. UPDATED 03/06/08. *LJ

NHTSA ID 10204199 · filed Sep 26, 2007
All 24 reports naming suspension

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MANUAL TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHIFT INTO 2ND GEAR, 4TH GEAR, OR REVERSE. (INTO ANY OF THE DOWN SHIFTING POSITIONS) THERE SEEMS TO BE NO PATTERN TO PREDICT WHEN THIS PROBLEM WILL APPEAR. I'VE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS ON SURFACE STREETS, FREEWAYS, AND WHEN JUST STARTING THE CAR OR MID TRIP. *JB

NHTSA ID 10112226 · filed Feb 27, 2005

UPON HAVING TRANSMISSION REPLACED VEHICLE STALLED, AND GEARS GOT STUCK WHEN TRYING TO GO FROM ONE GEAR TO THE NEXT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ID 8002514 · filed Jan 18, 2002
All 22 reports naming transmission

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WAS IN A CAR CRASH WHERE THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE STRUCK THE DRIVERS SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. WAS TRAVLING AT APROXIMATELY 35MPH. NO AIRBAG DEPLOY. FILED A CLAIM WITH HYUNDAI AND WAS TOLD THE AIRBAGS WERE NOT SUPPOSED TO DEPLOY. THEN SOLD THE CAR TO A FRIEND OF MINE. SHE THEN REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AND APROXIMATELY 6 WEEKS AGO, SHE WAS T-BONED IN THE SAME VEHICLE. THE JAWS OF LIFE WERE NEEDED TO GET HER OUT OF THE VEHICLE. NO AIRBAG DEPLOY. *LA

NHTSA ID 10047399 · filed Nov 23, 2003

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, WHICH RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURIES.*JB

NHTSA ID 10009223 · filed Feb 24, 2003
All 21 reports naming airbags

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ONGOING PROBLEM WITH BOTH FRONT SIDE WINDOWS COMING OFF THE TRACK. FIRST TIME WINDOW WAS REPAIRED BY DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. YEAR LATER, PROBLEM REOCCURRED TWICE, AND DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR DUE TO EXPIRED WARRANTY. *AK

NHTSA ID 876739 · filed Dec 19, 2000

BRAKE SYSTEM WAS GRINDING. WHEN CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE HAS HAD FORTY WORK ORDERS. ALSO, RADIO MALFUNCTIONED. WHEN TURNING THE VOLUME UP THE STATION CHANGED. SEAT BELTS AND SUNVISORS DON'T WORK PROPERLY, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, WINDOWS GO DOWN ABOUT 1/4 IN WHILE DRIVING. *AK *ML

NHTSA ID 857431 · filed Feb 23, 2000
All 9 reports naming visibility

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BRAKE SYSTEM WAS GRINDING. WHEN CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE HAS HAD FORTY WORK ORDERS. ALSO, RADIO MALFUNCTIONED. WHEN TURNING THE VOLUME UP THE STATION CHANGED. SEAT BELTS AND SUNVISORS DON'T WORK PROPERLY, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, WINDOWS GO DOWN ABOUT 1/4 IN WHILE DRIVING. *AK *ML

NHTSA ID 857431 · filed Feb 23, 2000

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HWY ON RAINY NIGHT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE IN THE BRAKES. TRIED TO SLOW DOWN, APPLIED BRAKES AND WENT INTO A DITCH. CONTACTED DEALER MAY THE NECESSARY REPAIR FOR A RECALL. *AK

NHTSA ID 852513 · filed Nov 3, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN VEHICLE'S DOOR BY LIFTING THE HANDLE, A SPRING POPPED OUT. THIS RESULTED IN DOOR HANDLE NOT OPERATING. THIS WAS THE THIRD HANDLE THAT BROKE. *AK

NHTSA ID 10029633 · filed Jul 18, 2003

DOOR HANDLES INSIDE AND OUT ARE MADE OF VERY CHEAP MATERIAL AND BREAK EASILY. *AK

NHTSA ID 745407 · filed May 16, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE CONSTANTLY PULLS TO THE RIGHT MAKING IT HARD TO STEER.TIRES AND STRUTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, AND PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. *AK

NHTSA ID 880466 · filed Feb 13, 2001

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH TREAD ON PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR TIRE CAME OFF. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE SOMEHOW. DRIVER WAS NOT INJURED. ORIGINAL TIRE EQUIPMENT ON A 96, HYUNDAI, ACCENT. TIRE MILEAGE 23, 175. THE TIRE WAS TAKEN TO A UNIROYAL DEALERSHIP. OWNER WAS TOLD THAT TREAD SEPARATION WAS NORMAL. PLEASE LIST DOT # AND TIRE SIZE.*AK FINALLY, THE DEALER OFFERED FOUR FREE TIRES TO THE CUSTOMER. *YH

NHTSA ID 871756 · filed Sep 28, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THREE OF INSIDE DOOR HANDLES DID NOT WORK. DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PREVIOUSLY BROKE . BUT HAS BEEN REPAIRED BY THE DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, DOOR BROKE AGAIN. ALSO, BACK DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLES BROKE/BACK PASSENGER SIDE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM EITHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, AND FRONT PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S SIDE DOORS COULD ONLY BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. CONSUMER IS ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BACK PASSENGERS' SEATBELTS.*AK

NHTSA ID 862640 · filed May 26, 2000

BRAKE SYSTEM WAS GRINDING. WHEN CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE HAS HAD FORTY WORK ORDERS. ALSO, RADIO MALFUNCTIONED. WHEN TURNING THE VOLUME UP THE STATION CHANGED. SEAT BELTS AND SUNVISORS DON'T WORK PROPERLY, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, WINDOWS GO DOWN ABOUT 1/4 IN WHILE DRIVING. *AK *ML

NHTSA ID 857431 · filed Feb 23, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AT 50MPH THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING AND COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

NHTSA ID 8012954 · filed Jun 28, 2002

BRAKE SYSTEM WAS GRINDING. WHEN CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE HAS HAD FORTY WORK ORDERS. ALSO, RADIO MALFUNCTIONED. WHEN TURNING THE VOLUME UP THE STATION CHANGED. SEAT BELTS AND SUNVISORS DON'T WORK PROPERLY, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, WINDOWS GO DOWN ABOUT 1/4 IN WHILE DRIVING. *AK *ML

NHTSA ID 857431 · filed Feb 23, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE DRIVER SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED, THIS IS THE FIFTH TIME. *AK

NHTSA ID 10025024 · filed Jun 26, 2003

I HAVE A 1996 HYUNDIA ACCENT ,I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR HANDLE 3 TIMES. THE FIRST TIME THE DEALER SAID HE WOULD HAVE TO ORDER ONE ,BUT THIS LAST TIME HE HAD PLENTY IN STOCK ,HE SAID HE KEEPS A GOOD STOCK BECAUSE SO MANY BREAK.THIS WOULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD IF YOU WERE IN A WRECK AND COULD NOT GET OUT. IN LOUISIANA YOU CAN NOT GET AN INSPECTION STICKER WITH OUT THIS HANDLE IN WORKING ORDER.

NHTSA ID 10016753 · filed Apr 30, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TRANSMISSION FAILURES CONTINUALLY EXPERIENCED SINCE OWNERSHIP. MJS

NHTSA ID 546440 · filed Jun 28, 1999

LEFT REAR TAIL LAMP LENS BROKEN .

NHTSA ID 542372 · filed Nov 2, 1998

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON REPEATEDLY AFTER O2 SENSORS ARE CHANGED. WENT TO FOUR DEALERS NONE COULD FIX THE PROBLEM. FIRST OCCURRED AT 16805 MILES(7/24/98),19583 MILES, (2/4/99).23,077MILES (6/14/00)24,349 MILES (6/27/00),25368 MILES(7/13/00)34,934 MILES (10/20/00{GAVE UP!}58454 MILES (8/29/01), AT 95,000 PROBLEM STILL THERE. HAD SENSORS CHANGED7X NOT FIX PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID 10005589 · filed Feb 10, 2003

OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED TWICE.

NHTSA ID 528148 · filed Jan 13, 1998

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL. THIS WAS PROBABLY CAUSED BY THE SALT USED ON ROADS DURING WINTER.

NHTSA ID 10068980 · filed Jan 15, 2004

WHILE TRAVELING 30MPH AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING STEERING WHEEL BROKE OFF. *AK

NHTSA ID 10022387 · filed Jun 4, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP TO ME WAS IN AUGUSTA GEORGIA. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP IN MY TOWN TOLD ME I NEEDED A TORK CONVERTER,EPC ASSEMBLY,COMPLETE PLANETARY SET UP,LEFT AXLE BEARING,HOUSING, BUSKING KIT?,MASTER KIT,FLUID,FLITER, AND AUXILLARY COOLER. I NOTIFIED HYUNDAI,WESTERN NAT'L, TAYLOR AUTOMOTIVE IN GA., AND TODEY IN CA. NOT UNTIL AFTER I CALLED WITH CHARGES WAS I TOLD HYUNDAI HAD TO DO THE REPAIRS FOR WARRANTY. CA. TOLD ME THAT I MISUNDERSTOOD MY OWNER'S MANUAL WHEN IT SAID THAT IF IT WAS UNREASONABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE SERVICED BY AN AUTHORIZED HYUNDAI TECH., MY WARRANTY WOULD BE NULLIFIED. HYUNDAI NULLIFIED MY POWERTRAIN WARRANTY 1MONTH LATER. I WAS TOLD BY HYUNDAI'S CUST SERV.IN CA. THAT I HAD NO RIGHT TO CALL MY SITUATION AN EMERGENCY,ONLY THEY HAD THAT RIGHT. I ASKED THEM AND ALL CONCERNED WHY THEY HAD ME TOW THE CAR KNOWING MY LOCAL TECH HAD DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AND THEY KNEW THAT. I WAS TOLD BECAUSE ANOTHER TECH TOUCHED THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY DID NOT TAKE TRANSMISSIONS APART BUT SWITCH TO NEW TRANS. THEY WOULD CHRG. ME AT 1/2 PRICE.A "NEW" TRANSMISSION AND P/UP OF THE CAR WAS8/24/2001. ON THE WAY HOME,THE CAR WOULD SLOW DOWN ON SMALL INCLINES FR 55 -45. IT STARTED STALLING WHEN TURNING OR GOING OVER BUMPS. I WAS ABLE TO TAKE IT BACK ON 1/9/2001 AND NO CODES FROM DIAGNOSTIC MACH. AND THE TECH SAW THAT A HOSE NEEDED CLEANING FOR THE ACCELERATOR STICKING. ALMOST HOME,THE CAR JERKED, STALLED, CHANGED GEARS;REVED UP AND WOULD CHOKE WHEN ACCELERATING.IT THREATENS TO GO OFF AND SOMETIMES DOES WHEN ACCELERATING FROM 0-ANYTHING. I WAS TOLD I HAD TO BRING IT BACK, BUT I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL STOP ON THE ROAD LIKE IT DID 1/9/2002 WHEN A TRUCK ALMOST HIT ME. THE CAR IS IN WORSE SHAPE NOW THEN BEFORE. I KNOW THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTED AT HYUNDAI FROM MORE THAN I. WE ALL SEEM TO VOID WARRANTY,1996 ACCENT'S TRANSMISSION DEFECTIVE,GEARS SHIFTING PROBLEMS,NO CODES OR FINDINGS WHEN BROUGHT IN FOR SERV.&RUDE REPS.

NHTSA ID 756729 · filed Jan 11, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

ENGINE NOISE.

NHTSA ID 511621 · filed Nov 22, 1996

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

FUEL LINE FAILURE.

NHTSA ID 515703 · filed Mar 10, 1997

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .