VehicleVerdict

2002 Hyundai Accent problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 163 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Accent year — the 2002 model ranks #4 of 30 Accent years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 11 deaths and 36 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (27), transmission (25), and brakes (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

163

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

30

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

36

Injuries

11

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Accent years?

Accent NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted218 complaints1991: 2 complaints1993: 1 complaints1995: 197 complaints1996: 142 complaints1997: 82 complaints1998: 72 complaints1999: 66 complaints2000: 115 complaints2001: 148 complaints2002: 163 complaints2003: 45 complaints2004: 40 complaints2005: 76 complaints2006: 49 complaints2007: 113 complaints2008: 135 complaints2009: 128 complaints2010: 119 complaints2011: 51 complaints2012: 218 complaints2013: 206 complaints2014: 98 complaints2015: 100 complaints2016: 160 complaints2017: 97 complaints2018: 23 complaints2019: 37 complaints2020: 17 complaints2021: 22 complaints2022: 32 complaints
Accent NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Accent years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Hyundai Accent problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System2717%
Transmission2515%
Brakes1811%
Airbags159%
Engine149%
Speed Control127%
Tires & Wheels85%
Suspension74%
Visibility & Wipers64%
Electrical System64%
Steering53%
Body & Structure53%
Other53%
Latches & Locks32%
Seat Belts32%
Lighting21%
Child Seat11%
Seats11%

Does the 2002 Hyundai Accent have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V167000Body & StructureJune 25, 2002 · 67,565 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING TESTING, THE 3-DOOR HATCHBACK EXCEEDED THE PERFORMANCE CRITERION IN THE STANDARD MIDWAY ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE WINDSHIELD SUPPORT PILLAR (A-PILLAR).

Consequence

AN OCCUPANT'S HEAD THAT CONTACTS THE A-PILLAR DURING A CRASH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INCREASED RISK OF A HEAD INJURY AS A RESULT OF THIS CONDITION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW ENERGY MANAGEMENT BRACKETS TO SUPPORT THE A-PILLAR COVERS AND INCREASE THE ENERGY ABSORBING PERFORMANCE OF THE A-PILLAR IN THE RELEVANT AREA. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 28, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“2002 HYUNDAI ACCENT WITH 90,000 MILES WILL NOT ACCEPT MORE THAN A TRICKLE OF GASOLINE WITHOUT BACKING UP AND SHUTTING OFF THE GAS PUMP. THIS OCCURS DUE TO THE CHARCOAL IN THE VAPOR CANISTER EXPANDING AND BLOCKING OFF THE VENTING FROM THE GAS TANK. NOT ONLY IS THE BACK UP OF FUEL DANGEROUS, BUT IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 1, 2010

“VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR SERVICE, TRANS. SLIPS, FREE WHEELS, BUCKS, BRAKES TWICE HAVE NOT WORKED UNTIL MINUTES AFTER PEDAL PRESSED TO FLOOR, THEN POP WHEN ACCELERATING, DEALER UNABLE TO REPRODUCE?? SO THEY WON'T FIX/INVESTIGATE PROBLEMS, THEY HAVE, HOWEVER, REPLACED PARTS FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 4, 2002

“A "CLUNKING" NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE DURING APPLICATION OF BRAKES. DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DETERMINED BRAKE DRUMS WERE NOT ROUNDED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. FOUR DAYS LATER, VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHEN BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR BEFORE BRAKE SYSTEM ACTIVATED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 29, 2001 · crash

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE DRIVER FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE AIR BAG DEFLATED SO FAST IT CAUSED THE DRIVER TO HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 3, 2006 · crash

“THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE TRAPPED THE DRIVER INSIDE, BURNING HIM TO DEATH. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 17, 2003 · crash · fire

2002 Hyundai Accent — common questions

Is the 2002 Hyundai Accent reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 163 complaints put the 2002 model at #4 of 30 Accent years. It is one of the Accent years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Accent problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (27 complaints), transmission (25 complaints), brakes (18 complaints).

Does the 2002 Hyundai Accent have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Hyundai Accent. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Hyundai Accent years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Accent years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 1995, 2002, 2016, 2001, 1996, 2008, 2015, 2014. The cleanest record among Accent years belongs to 1993.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.