RoadVitals

2011 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.
38
Latest Aug 6, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
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.
3

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.

10
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11755267 · filed Aug 6, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11241999 · filed Aug 6, 2019
All 10 reports naming electrical

Engine

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

10
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11584706 · filed Apr 23, 2024

The recall issue showed at the inspection center and this vehicle has not been in an incident

NHTSA ID 11499932 · filed Jan 3, 2023
All 10 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

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

7
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11162543 · filed Dec 19, 2018

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.

NHTSA ID 11113538 · filed Jul 25, 2018

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.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The recall issue showed at the inspection center and this vehicle has not been in an incident

NHTSA ID 11499932 · filed Jan 3, 2023

AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AFTER GETTING HIT IN THE FRONT END. *TR

NHTSA ID 11324093 · filed May 11, 2020

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.

5
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11755267 · filed Aug 6, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 10810863 · filed Dec 17, 2015

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

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.

NHTSA ID 11530108 · filed Jul 3, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID 10732991 · filed Jul 9, 2015

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.

1
report

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.

NHTSA ID 10537325 · filed Aug 26, 2013

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 10478070 · filed Oct 1, 2012

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

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

NHTSA ID 10648643 · filed Oct 19, 2014

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 10485904 · filed Nov 24, 2012

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 11101320 · filed Jun 12, 2018

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 11101320 · filed Jun 12, 2018

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 10531981 · filed Jul 26, 2013

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 .