RoadVitals

2013 Hyundai Accent

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “park outside” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 23V651000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
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.
140
Latest May 21, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Sep 22, 2023
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
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.
25
23 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 140 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2013 Hyundai Accent, most frequently naming the brakes, engine and electrical categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 75 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
23V651000NHTSA advisory: park outside

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Sep 22, 2023
1,649,478 units potentially affected
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Hyundai Motor AmericaManufacturer number 251View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

AQ23002OpenAudit Query

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Filed May 21, 2026
Fire reported

My parked, unoccupied 2013 Hyundai Accent spontaneously caught fire while turned off in my driveway. This vehicle is included in Hyundai Safety Recall 251 (NHTSA Campaign Number 23V651000) for a defective Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module that causes an electrical short circuit and engine compartment fires when parked. The local fire department responded to extinguish the blaze. The vehicle is a total loss. The local Hyundai dealership currently possesses the vehicle and has refused to take responsibility, claiming they "cannot find the issue," despite this being a federally recognized safety hazard. I am filing this complaint to trigger a manufacturer accountability review, as the vehicle caught fire exactly as described in the federal recall notice.

NHTSA ID
11739389
Incident
Apr 29, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed May 11, 2026

My name is [XXX] and I am filing a complaint against The Auto Factory in [XXX] . In December 2024 I purchased a 2013 Hyundai Accent (VIN: [XXX] ) from this dealership. I financed the vehicle and have been making my payments on time every month. Recently the car developed a serious engine problem and is no longer drivable. While looking into the situation I discovered that my vehicle has been under an active federal safety recall since November 2023 — more than a year before I bought it. The recall (NHTSA Campaign #23V651000) involves a brake system defect that can cause an engine fire while the car is parked or being driven. Owners are advised not to park near homes or buildings. The dealership never told me about this recall. It was never fixed before they sold it to me. I had no idea I was buying a car with a known fire risk. When I called the dealer to address this, the representative told me they are “not responsible for the car after this long.” The defect existed over a year before I even purchased the vehicle. I am now making loan payments on a car I cannot drive and cannot safely park near my home. I have sent the dealer a formal complaint in writing and a Chapter 93A demand letter requesting a buyback or full loan payoff. They have not responded in good faith. I am asking the Attorney General’s office to investigate this dealer’s sales practices and help me reach a fair resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11737034
Incident
May 11, 2026
Seat belts
Filed Dec 18, 2025

I suddenly jammed my breaks to avoid an accident and my seat belt came undone. I flew foward in my seat. Now the seat belt (driver) comes undone every time I have a sudden stop.

NHTSA ID
11705755
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
Engine
Filed Oct 17, 2025

My 2013 Hyundai Accent with 130K miles is experiencing excessive oil consumption. I'm replacing 1.5+ quarts per month to keep it at the full mark on the dipstick. After some research, it appears that lawsuits and Technical Service Bulletins have been issued to address the concerns, but the dealer says my vehicle does not qualify for these warranty/goodwill repairs. TSB 23-EM-008H, as an example, seems to apply to my vehicle. Can this be investigated please? I believe this vehicle qualifies for warranty/goodwill repairs and/or engine replacement.

NHTSA ID
11694030
Incident
Oct 17, 2025
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Sep 24, 2025

The incident started August 15, 2025, I was driving my car and the traction light came on I stopped and turned it off. I proceeded to drive it after that and came home. Then I noticed my brake lights were constantly on so I took a piece of cardboard and folded it in a few folds and put it between the brake pedal and the brake switch it turned it off. I then proceeded the next day to drive my car it was doing fine until my caliper seized on my rotor and left me stuck on the side of the road, I then called a mobile mechanic he came out replaced the caliper on the left front driver side it still did not unseize my rotor for my caliper to move freely so he installed a new master cylinder it worked for 2 days then I was always driving it felt like the tire was falling off the car a lot of shaking and bouncing. So I parked it that unfortunately sees the caliper on the rotor again three times. I had a new caliper put on it worked for a week my traction light was off. And then my traction light came back on as I was driving it seized up again I've replaced a lot of fuses, new Masters cylinder, new caliper, new brake switch. I'm at a loss help me!!

NHTSA ID
11689391
Incident
Aug 15, 2025
Tires & wheels
Filed Apr 20, 2025

Fast fraud lease agreement during initial payment part removed void out 10 min window no re-entry

NHTSA ID
11655699
Incident
Apr 18, 2025
Other / unspecified
Filed Apr 20, 2025

Stuck in deep snow long ride share gig service high mileage 247924

NHTSA ID
11655694
Incident
Jan 28, 2025
Brakes
Filed Jan 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11639748
Incident
Jan 30, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

Z01 Letter

AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Certain 2012 – 2017 model year Accent, 2012 – 2017 model year Azera, 2013 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2013 – 2019 model year Santa Fe, and 2012 – 2017 model year Veloster vehicles may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may be set. At Hyundai, we are committed to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value. In an effort to meet this commitment, the warranty coverage for the Occupant Classification System (OCS)/Occupant Detection System (ODS) under these conditions has been extended to 18 years/unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

26-BE-011H DN

AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some vehicles listed below may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and DTC(s) B1763 (OCS ECU Defect), and/or B1764 (OCS Mat Defect) may be stored. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage of the sensor for the Occupant Classification System (OCS) / Occupant Detection System (ODS) to 18 years/unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners. Refer to the warranty and parts information outlined in this bulletin.

26-BE-011H TSB

AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some vehicles listed below may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and DTC(s) B1763 (OCS ECU Defect), and/or B1764 (OCS Mat Defect) may be stored. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage of the sensor for the Occupant Classification System (OCS) / Occupant Detection System (ODS) to 18 years/unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners. Refer to the warranty and parts information outlilned in this bulletin. This bulletin contains the procedure to inspect for the airbag warning light and DTC(s), replace the OCS (ODS) unit or wire harness, reset the OCS (ODS), and initialize the power seat module (if applicable). This TSB also contains the procedure to replace the OCS (ODS) mat if DTCs exist after replacement of the OCS (ODS) wire harness.

DTN DCS

AIR BAGS

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached announcement, provided by NHTSA, for more details.

DTN DL

AIR BAGS

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during deployment, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin. To date, Hyundai is aware of three people who have died while driving a Hyundai vehicle with one of these substandard replacement airbag inflators that deployed in what likely would have been a survivable crash. NHTSA has issued a public advisory urging vehicle owners and service professionals to have vehicles inspected if there is reason to believe that a non-genuine replacement airbag may have been installed. Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, prior airbag deployments, or unknown repair histories may present a higher risk. NHTSA strongly cautions against self-inspection by vehicle owners and recommends inspection by trained technicians.

25-BD-012H TSB

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Hyundai Accent by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2022162054.5
2021164155.2
2020124163.4
2019291050.5
2018191056.1
2017680049.8
2016990042.8
2015692161.9
2014791155.2
2013Viewing1401153.6
20121532158.4
2011381041.6
2010871040.6
20091012050.4
20081011043.4
2007883156.6
2006433152.0
2005491046.9
2004330047.2
2003370046.6
20021341046.9
20011122054.9
2000924055.8
1999611051.1
1998471148.6
1997552359.0
19961014363.0
19951425466.1
1994000
1993100
1992000
1991200

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.