SEAT BELTS:FRONT; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
2021 Hyundai Accent
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 16 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Accent, most frequently naming the seat belts, other / unspecified and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 49 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 2 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 3 |
| Sep 2022 | 2 | 5 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 6 |
| Dec 2022 | 2 | 8 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 9 |
| Apr 2023 | 2 | 11 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 12 |
| May 2024 | 1 | 13 |
| Oct 2024 | 1 | 14 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | 15 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 | 16 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Seat belts631.6%
- Other / unspecified526.3%
- Engine421.1%
- Electrical210.5%
- Brakes15.3%
- Steering15.3%
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
4 campaigns 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.govSTEERING:COLUMN
SEAT BELTS:FRONT; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Seat Belt Pretensioners May Rupture
On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Recall Query (RQ) based on 3 incidents alleging front seat belt pretensioners that may rupture during deployment, on model year (MY) 2020-2022 of various Hyundai and Kia Models, resulting in 3 injuries (note: one incident occurred outside the U.S. and its territories).Between October 2021 and March 2023, Hyundai and Kia have filed the following 11 safety recalls for pretensioner rupture: NHTSA Recall No. 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-123, 22V-127, 22V-218, 22V-354, 22V-447, 22V-458, 22V-816, 23V-094, and 23V-210.Hyundai/Kia have stated that the abnormal deployment of the pretensioners is due to over-pressurization of the pretensioner pipe that can cause metal fragments to enter the vehicle occupant compartment, which can result in injury to vehicle occupants.The various makes/models covered by the above recalls include approximately 405,900 certain 2020-2022 Hyundai Accent, 2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra and Elantra HEV, 2021-2022 Hyundai Santa Fe HEV, 2022-2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV, 2020-2022 Hyundai Venue, 2021-2023 Genesis G80, 2023 Genesis G80 EV, 2023 Genesis G90, 2023 Genesis GV60 EV, 2022-2023 Genesis GV70, 2021-2023 Genesis GV80, 2021-2022 Kia Sorento HEV, and 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV.In response to ODI's investigation, in December 2022, Hyundai notified ODI that they would be conducting testing to validate subject vehicle seat belt pretensioners. This evaluation included sled testing and software testing which was performed by Hyundai and its suppliers. The tests were intended to evaluate pretensioner deployment characteristics based on the unique deployment signature of the subject and peer vehicles. ODI met with representatives from Hyundai on several occasions during the investigation to discuss testing progress and data. As a result of the testing, Hyundai was able to simulate the pretensioner failures. It was determined by Hyundai during testing, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment in the event of a crash which can cause metal fragments to enter the vehicle occupant compartment.Hyundai thus notified ODI of their decision to proceed with a safety recall, to expand the scope of the previous safety actions.In view of the recall actions taken by Hyundai and Kia, ODI concerns have been addressed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed; however, the contact was informed there was no fault found with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- NHTSA ID
- 11670511
- Incident
- Jun 27, 2025
Hard time stopping and controlling the vechile
- NHTSA ID
- 11656989
- Incident
- Mar 12, 2025
The contact leased a 2021 Hyundai Accent through Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power for about 5 seconds while accelerating and decelerating through traffic. The contact stated that he was able to duplicate the failure five times and related the failure to the engine; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact returned the vehicle to Enterprise Rent-A-Car and `informed them about the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- NHTSA ID
- 11617490
- Incident
- Sep 23, 2024
During a tire swap, another lug nut broke off while trying to remove it. This issue has occurred before, and it seems that the faulty lug nut problem is still present. The car has only been serviced at Hyundai dealerships, and the tires were last rotated during a service at an authorized Hyundai dealership before this incident. The affected lug nut this time was on the front passenger side.
- NHTSA ID
- 11588250
- Incident
- May 11, 2024
My 2021 Hyundai accent has randomly not started a in more than 10 different times. The lights go on and you can hear it trying to start but it never catches to actually start. It’s under warranty but the dealer says if they can’t see it when it’s happening then they can’t fix anything. I bought a new battery with dealer recommendations but I still hace they problem. I only have 25,300 miles on this 2 year old car.
- NHTSA ID
- 11556330
- Incident
- Oct 5, 2023
Fifth lug nut failure within a span of less than 6 months. Today during winter to summer tire snow change, front passenger side lug nut broke while it was being removed. This is the 4th incident in my vehicle with regards to the lug nuts. Less than two weeks ago, during routine maintenance at a Hyundai dealership, another lugnut broke and I have also registered a complaint here.
- NHTSA ID
- 11518464
- Incident
- Apr 22, 2023
This is the fourth lugnut/stud that has failed. This time it was during routine maintenance at an authorized dealership during tire rotation.
- NHTSA ID
- 11518462
- Incident
- Mar 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Accent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V354000 (Seat Belts) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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
- 11503411
- Incident
- May 18, 2022
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
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.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
In response to this trend, we engineered a software upgrade that addresses the social media theft method and made it available to owners of eligible models free of charge at authorized Hyundai dealers since early 2023. In addition to the anti-theft software, we’ve developed a new zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade that can be installed at the ignition cylinder location to provide additional protection against the social media theft method. Because your Hyundai vehicle with the VIN listed above (“Subject Vehicle”) was not factory-equipped with an engine immobilizer and was previously eligible for the software upgrade, you are now eligible until March 31, 2027 to have the ignition cylinder protector installed — if you request it — at no cost to you through an authorized Hyundai dealership.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Upon customer's request ONLY, the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-089H provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows. This repair procedure is being provided in addition to the previous Anti-Theft software provided under Service Campaign 993 (TSB 24-01-009H-1).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
In addition to the Anti-Theft software provided under Service Campaign 993 (TSB 24-01-009H-1), a zinc reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade is being made available to customers upon request. This supplemental security measure is to be installed at the ignition switch location and provides additional protection against the social media theft method. Vehicles not equipped with an immobilizer during production at the factory are eligible. The repair procedure shall be performed and claimed upon customer request only. Any future repairs to these vehicles in which an installed ignition cylinder protector impacts required parts and/or labor, shall be covered by HMA. Please see TSB 25-01-089H for details.
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 54.5 |
| 2021Viewing | 16 | 4 | 1 | 55.2 |
| 2020 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 63.4 |
| 2019 | 29 | 1 | 0 | 50.5 |
| 2018 | 19 | 1 | 0 | 56.1 |
| 2017 | 68 | 0 | 0 | 49.8 |
| 2016 | 99 | 0 | 0 | 42.8 |
| 2015 | 69 | 2 | 1 | 61.9 |
| 2014 | 79 | 1 | 1 | 55.2 |
| 2013 | 140 | 1 | 1 | 53.6 |
| 2012 | 153 | 2 | 1 | 58.4 |
| 2011 | 38 | 1 | 0 | 41.6 |
| 2010 | 87 | 1 | 0 | 40.6 |
| 2009 | 101 | 2 | 0 | 50.4 |
| 2008 | 101 | 1 | 0 | 43.4 |
| 2007 | 88 | 3 | 1 | 56.6 |
| 2006 | 43 | 3 | 1 | 52.0 |
| 2005 | 49 | 1 | 0 | 46.9 |
| 2004 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 47.2 |
| 2003 | 37 | 0 | 0 | 46.6 |
| 2002 | 134 | 1 | 0 | 46.9 |
| 2001 | 112 | 2 | 0 | 54.9 |
| 2000 | 92 | 4 | 0 | 55.8 |
| 1999 | 61 | 1 | 0 | 51.1 |
| 1998 | 47 | 1 | 1 | 48.6 |
| 1997 | 55 | 2 | 3 | 59.0 |
| 1996 | 101 | 4 | 3 | 63.0 |
| 1995 | 142 | 5 | 4 | 66.1 |
| 1994 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1993 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1992 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1991 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
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.