RoadVitals

2022 Hyundai Accent

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
17
Latest Sep 30, 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.
2
Latest May 19, 2022
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.
0
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
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 17 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2022 Hyundai Accent, most frequently naming the electrical, seat belts and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 38 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

  • Electrical620.0%
  • Seat belts413.3%
  • Engine413.3%
  • Steering310.0%
  • Airbags26.7%
  • Brakes26.7%
  • Driver assistance26.7%
  • Suspension26.7%

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

2 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.gov

SEAT BELTS:FRONT; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

May 19, 2022
230,233 units potentially affected
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Accent, 2021-2022 Elantra, and 2021-2022 Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
The risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
The remedy: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioner(s) with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 28, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 229. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall numbers 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-218, and 22V-123 for Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles. All Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles already repaired under the previous recalls will need to have the new remedy completed.
Hyundai Motor AmericaManufacturer number 229View on NHTSA.gov

STEERING:COLUMN

May 6, 2022
2 units potentially affected
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Accent vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 226.
Hyundai Motor AmericaManufacturer number 226View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

EngineExterior lightingPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 30, 2026

Transmission began exhibiting hesitation, RPM surge/drop, and a stuck gear at approximately 26,000 miles. Diagnostic trouble code P0741 was confirmed by the dealer, and the transmission assembly was replaced under warranty. This matches a documented defect pattern currently under federal class action litigation involving this manufacturer's IVT/CVT transmissions in this and related models (2020+ model years), specifically sudden loss of power and acceleration failure. Prior to the repair, the issue was reported verbally to a service advisor but not logged on the invoice. Separately, at the same service location, a coolant reservoir was found completely empty within hours of a repair visit where the dealer stated it could not reproduce a related stuttering complaint during a road test, and no diagnostic codes were stored. A rear brake light has also remained inoperative across two dealer visits without being flagged, and was later found by a third party to require dealer-specific tooling to access — confirming it was not a simple user fix. The vehicle remains drivable but the transmission defect poses an ongoing safety risk given its documented tendency toward sudden power loss in this defect pattern.

NHTSA ID
11768169
Incident
Aug 13, 2026
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 7, 2026
Crash reportedFire reported1 injury reported

I was driving my 2022 Hyundai Accent (VIN [XXX] ) when the brakes suddenly failed without warning. When I pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not slow down properly resultina in a crash Immediately after the crash, the vehicle caught fire According to the fire department report, the fire originated in the engine compartment and was classified as unintentional/ accidental There were no prior warning lights or known brake issues before this incident. The failure was sudden and unexpected. This incident raises serious safetv concerns regarding a potential defect involving the braking system and/or electrical components. The vehicle is currently preserved and available for inspection INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11729689
Incident
Apr 5, 2026
Filed Nov 10, 2025

This Is another complain on this car I bought car on 10 /10/25 because of cold weather approaching I asked my son to check and see if the antifreeze looked ok in car and the radiator looked hallow in could not see any fliud then checked container for antifreeze looked empty no fluid touched the stick. What is going on . seemed like the dealer would have checked it before they test drove it for miles because I also have break issues that's why they tested it. And were stupposed ed to have done all check point before selling me car . another unsafe problem please help.No I have not had in inspect by mechanic service afraid to drive cart its far to go With out fluid to operate engine coolant.

NHTSA ID
11698476
Incident
Nov 9, 2025
BrakesSteering
Filed Oct 15, 2025

Power steering power breaks, acceleration. Head rest, blind spot. Problems. Bought car ,driving to get home mirror was not in place needed to get on left lane to get under bridge crossing traffic was rushing through so fast I could adjust mirror so I turned to right on road the steering wheel glided so fast it frightened me. Wheel turning was slippery. So any way since I didn't know car I just kept going home. On my way I noticed the breaks are very sensitive breaks quick . I found the acceleration on stop and then turn to right it took force on my pressing gas acceleration to make it go very sluggish feeling there was a car behind me tailgating me to go it a while for car to get going..it was very dangerous thank God the other car slowed down or he would of hit from behind .. Finally Got home alright next day I called to make appointment to check underneath car I asked sales person 3 times before purchase but he didn't do it he kept telling me just a minute every time... He did it. So I made appointment for coming monday Oct 10. I went in drove slow to be careful, serviced it Hyundai mechanic looked it over but didn't test drive it don't run any electrical machines to check deeper of my unsafety report. With the power breaks or steering wheel and acceleration. . maybe because it cost money and no warranty left on my part and being second buyer.. Its very strange the acceleration sluggish does it only at different times so I cannot really trust it. Its very annoying. And stressful haven't been able to sleep well now I put also mall my saving for a car and I am in need of good safe transportation and I trade my old car in. Hyundai will not trade ,buy back nor sale me another. So please try to help with me on this report as quick . I don't want to have accident. Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11693531
Incident
Oct 10, 2025
Seat belts
Filed Mar 4, 2025

We have two 2022 Hyundai Accent SEL cars and both have the same problem. When there is no passenger aboard, the "Passenger Air Bag" Off sign lights up as it should and when there is a passenger aboard, the "Off" light goes off as it should. What doesn't happen is when there is a passenger aboard and the seat belt was not fastened and the car is being driven, there is no indication (either by beeper or dash light) that the belt is not fastened! This I feel is unacceptable and is clearly a safety defect and Hyundai should be able to possibly reprogram their system so a warning comes on to advise that the passenger seat belt is not in place. The second car with the same problem is VIN [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11646278
Incident
Mar 4, 2025
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Oct 3, 2024

The instrument cluster malfunctioned and turned the dashboard off repeatedly in 2023 and now again in 2024. This part controls the cruise control, as well as the electrics on the dashboard. When it malfunctions, it deaccelerates the cruise control and you don't know what speed you are driving. The component was replaced in 2023 and is scheduled to be replaced, again, in two weeks. There is no warning when this part is going to malfunction and turn off and on.

NHTSA ID
11617920
Incident
Aug 30, 2023
Tires & wheels
Filed May 15, 2024

Tire size 205/45 R17 88V M.S. Brand new car with only 8000 miles. All 4 tires are crumbling or falling apart in chunks. Called Hyundai dealer and was told to communicate with Tire manufacturers. Unable to do so since manufacturers are not available in Puerto Rico.

NHTSA ID
11588827
Incident
May 15, 2024
Electrical
Filed Jun 5, 2023

On three separate occasions my car has completely shut off WHILE DRIVING! I purchased it brand new in August 2022. Each time there was no warning lights or anything. I would notice I was losing speed. When I would look down at the dashboard and notice all the lights were off and the entire car was off. Each time it has happened I have been able to slow down and pull over. I've had to put the car in to "Park" then restart the engine. It's a terrifying experience and I feel lucky that there were no cars in front of me. This has happened 3 times! Twice I had children in the car. Once I was going 70 mph and another time I was turning a curve. It has been by far one of the scariest things in my life. I took it to the dealership multiple times but they can not replicate the problem so they keep dismissing the case. The Hyundai corporation has also dismissed my case. I've tried reaching out to the attorneys and the dealership owner. The car should not be allowed on the road. At this point I'm driving with a video camera per advice of an attorney. However, I'm terrified for when this will happen again. It has happened at random and unpredictable times so I never know. I posted on a Facebook group and a few other people have commented that their Hyundai's are doing the same thing! They are running into the same problem with dealerships and corporate dismissing the cases.

NHTSA ID
11525514
Incident
Jan 10, 2023

Manufacturer communications

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

26-EM-016H TSB

ENGINE

Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles diagnosed with this condition. All internal combustion engines consume some engine oil during normal operation, depending on driving conditions and mileage, and this procedure should only be performed when deemed necessary based on inspection and diagnosis of the vehicle as outlined in TSB 26-EM-015H, Engine Oil Consumption – Inspection & Repair Guidelines, or the latest revision.

26-EM-015H TSB

ENGINE

Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles exhibiting this condition. All internal combustion engines consume engine oil as part of normal engine operation. Oil consumption rates may vary based on mileage, operating conditions, driving habits, and maintenance history. Hyundai recommends following the prescribed maintenance schedule and periodically checking the engine oil level using the dipstick to maintain proper engine oil level.

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.

P33 OL

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.

25-01-089H TSB

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.

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
2022Viewing172051.5
2021164155.1
2020124159.1
2019311053.0
2018191054.4
2017680047.7
20161030045.5
2015702162.2
2014791155.2
20131431154.4
20121532156.9
2011381041.6
2010881041.9
20091012049.0
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.