2011 Hyundai Accent Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 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
- Electrical1020.4%
- Engine1020.4%
- Driver assistance714.3%
- Airbags714.3%
- Brakes510.2%
- Steering36.1%
- Tires & wheels12.0%
- Visibility12.0%
- Fuel system12.0%
- Exterior lighting12.0%
- Other / unspecified12.0%
- Seat belts12.0%
- Suspension12.0%
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle is subject to Safety Recall 13V-113 (Campaign 131) for problems relating to the brake light switch. The recall repair was attempted in 2016 but the defect has recurred (current symptoms include but is not limited to: brake lights sporadically staying on with car off, key removed and all doors securely closed. This condition has caused the Battery to be repeatedly completely drained and has required a Battery replacement. Domino Effect of a Faulty Signal - Defective Switch causes intermittent, erratic, or "ghost" signals to the vehicles logic relays and computer elements. Logic Processor Confusion and Relay Chatter can mimic a relay or component failure and can lead to PCM, TCM, BCM faults, errors and vulnerability. Additionally and in the present case the ABS and Brake Warning Alert Lights have now come on as well on the Dashboard. These warning lights are not sporadic but are now apparently permanent. The dealership is refusing a second free repair, incorrectly claiming a "one-time fix" limit. Hyundai Corporate Case #42932438 was filed but ignored.
MY 2011 HYUNDAI ACCENT HAS A PERSISTENT PROBLEM WITH IGNITION COIL FAILURE LIKE OTHER COMPLAINTS FOUND ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE EVERY IGNITION COIL. THE FIRST WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY, ALL OTHERS AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AT COST OF OVER $1000. HYUNDAI ALSO REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS AT THE SAME TIME. MY CAR ONLY HAS 67000 MILES ON IT, THESE ARE NOT COMPONENTS THAT SHOULD NEED REPLACING SO EARLY AND SO OFTEN. THIS CAUSES FINANCIAL HARDSHIP AS WELL AS A SAFETY RISK AS SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENTS AND UNSAFE LOW SPEEDS. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL AS THIS MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS TO THE NHTSA ABOUT THIS VEHICLE HAVE TO DO WITH THIS IGNITION COIL ISSUE.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car is experiencing the same issue as the recall on the engines for sonatas and Elantra in my year. My vehicle experienced a stall while in a drive thru the oil light illuminated and ever since then I have a ticking sound in the engine.
The recall issue showed at the inspection center and this vehicle has not been in an incident
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ACCENT. AS THE CONTACT BEGAN TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY TO 50 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MOVED THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO NEUTRAL AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED ONTO THE CURB AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 13627256. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
I WAS DRIVING ALONG ON A CITY STREET GOING ABOUT 40MPH. AS I WAS DRIVING THE GAS PEDAL BECAME SLACK AND THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING RAPIDLY. I HAD TO DRIVE WITH THE BREAK DEPRESSED IN ORDER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. WHILE THE CAR WAS IN PARK, THE CAR CONTINUED TO REV. I TURNED THE CAR OFF. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR, IT WAS REVVING AS BADLY AS IT HAD BEFORE I TURNED IT OFF. CURRENTLY, THE CAR IS AT THE USED CAR DEALERSHIP, AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO FIX IT OR EVEN HOW IT HAPPENED TO BEGIN WITH.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The recall issue showed at the inspection center and this vehicle has not been in an incident
AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AFTER GETTING HIT IN THE FRONT END. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle is subject to Safety Recall 13V-113 (Campaign 131) for problems relating to the brake light switch. The recall repair was attempted in 2016 but the defect has recurred (current symptoms include but is not limited to: brake lights sporadically staying on with car off, key removed and all doors securely closed. This condition has caused the Battery to be repeatedly completely drained and has required a Battery replacement. Domino Effect of a Faulty Signal - Defective Switch causes intermittent, erratic, or "ghost" signals to the vehicles logic relays and computer elements. Logic Processor Confusion and Relay Chatter can mimic a relay or component failure and can lead to PCM, TCM, BCM faults, errors and vulnerability. Additionally and in the present case the ABS and Brake Warning Alert Lights have now come on as well on the Dashboard. These warning lights are not sporadic but are now apparently permanent. The dealership is refusing a second free repair, incorrectly claiming a "one-time fix" limit. Hyundai Corporate Case #42932438 was filed but ignored.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V566000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN AT THE DEALER FIVE TIMES SINCE THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 19,850.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Key ignition locked, key would not turn and steering wheel locked while driving. Previously checked by Auto nation hyundai in Savannah, GA. They could not get it to lock up. Drove a few weeks and it locked up again while driving and would not unlock. Hyundai could not get it unlocked or the key to turn. Advised this is a major expense. Needs a new steering column and new ignition. This was extremely dangerous locking while driving. I would like this reviewed as a safety danger and a manufacturing problem.
MY STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND BEGAN TO RATTLE VERY LOUDLY PARTICULARLY GOING OVER A ROUGH SURFACE. IT SEEMS TO GETTING WORST. THERE IS RECALL FOR STEERING PROBLEMS IN THE 2011 SONATA BUT THE COMPANY SAID MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT ONE OF THEM. FROM EVERYTHING I HAVE READ THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND VERY COSTLY TO REPAIR. THIS HAPPENED WHILE IN NY AND I HAVE TO TRAVEL BACK TO FLORIDA SOON.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2011 HYUNDAI ACCENT WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO 724 TIRES, SIZE: 125/70R14. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES AIR PRESSURE WAS LOW. THE CONTACT ADDED AIR TO THE TIRES BUT THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IT SUDDENLY STARTED RAINING VERY HEAVILY. I TURNED ON MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND NOTHING HAPPENED. THE WIPERS DID NOT WORK AND I WAS UNABLE TO SEE. IT TURNS OUT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILED. APPARENTLY THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM IN THE PAST AND RECALLS WERE ORDERED, BUT NOT FOR MY MODEL YEAR EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM APPARENTLY STILL PERSISTS. LOOKING ON HYUNDAI ACCENT MESSAGE BOARDS AND FORUMS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. PLEASE ISSUE ANOTHER RECALL AND HYUNDAI FIX THEIR CARS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING TO GET ON XPRESSWAY GOING THIRTY FIVE MILES AN HOUR ALL AT ONCE I HAD NO GAS PEBBLE THERE WAS NOTHING LUCKY I COULD PULL OVER ON THE SIDE ALL I HAS WAS A BREAK IF I HAD GOT ON THE INTERSTATE WITH CARS TRAVELING 70 AND 80 MILES HOUR I WOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD WITH TWO SMALL KIDS IN THE CAR BECAUSE THE CAR GAS P WAS GOING I GOT A TOW TO TAKE MY CAR IN AND THEY SAY THE THROTTLE CABLE HAD BROKEN , I HAVE NEVER HAS OR HEARD OF THIS HAPPEN THE CAR I TRADE IN WAS SIXTEEN YEARS OLD TOYOTA HAD OVER FOUR HUNDRED THOUSANDS MILES ON IT AND ALL WAS WRONG WITH IT WAS THE AIR THE DEALER SAY THEY NEVER HAD A CAR COME THERE WITH THOSE MANY MILES AND STILL RUNNING GREAT IT WOULD HAVE COST MORE TO REPLACE THE AIR THAN THE CAR WAS WORTH AND WE TRADE IT IN FOR A LEMON THIS CAR HAS GIVEN US PROBLEMS FIRST ALL THREE COILS WITH OUT NO POWER PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS MATTER BEFORE SOMEONEDIES , I DID RESEARCH AND NO ONE HAS EVER HEARD OF THE CABLE BREAKING ON A CAR . [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHTS GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY. SEEMS TO OCCUR AFTER SWITCHING FROM HIGH BEAMS TO LOW. TOGGLING BETWEEN HIGH AND LOW BEAMS OR TURNING LIGHTS ON AND OFF HAVE NO EFFECT. TAKEN TO 2 DIFFERENT HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS. NEITHER HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. IT OCCURS ON AVERAGE EVERY 3-6 WEEKS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
AS I WAS DRIVING WHEN I GOT UP TO A CERTAIN SPEED OVER 60 I WILL HEAR A TICKING NOISE THEN THE MOTOR WILL START TO JUMP AND THEN THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT IT DOWN
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
AS I WAS DRIVING WHEN I GOT UP TO A CERTAIN SPEED OVER 60 I WILL HEAR A TICKING NOISE THEN THE MOTOR WILL START TO JUMP AND THEN THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT IT DOWN
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I MERGED ON TO THE FREEWAY ON RAMP INCREASING MY SPEED AS NORMAL. WITNESS STATES I WAS DRIVING IN THE CENTER OF THE STREET. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY VEHICLE LOST TRACTION AND STARTING SWERVING RIGHT AND LEFT AS IF A TIRE HAD BLOWN OUT. I TRY TO GET CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BY LETTING OFF OF THE GAS AND STEERING STRAIGHT WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL. I TRIED TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHT AS MY CAR VEERED OFF THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND ROLLED OVER ONCE. I HAD THREE SMALL CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT BUCKLED AND SECURED AND MY CAR LANDED ON ITS TIRES. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DURING THE ROLLOVER ACCIDENT AND I WAS UNABLE TO GET CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE STEERING WHEEL BEING LOCKED AND THE SUDDEN LOSS OF CONTROL. ONCE I HAD PULLED MY CHILDREN OUT OF THE VEHICLE I NOTICED NON OF THE TIRES HAD BLOWN BUT MY ENTIRE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT THERE HAD BEEN NO NOTICEABLE PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR AND THE ACCIDENT WAS DUE TO A MECHANICAL ISSUE OR FAULTY ASSEMBLY OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .