VehicleVerdict

2010 Hyundai Accent problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2010 Hyundai Accent sits mid-pack among Accent years: 119 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 89, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (23), visibility & wipers (19), and lighting (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

119

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Accent years?

Accent NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 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, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Accent years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Hyundai Accent problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2319%
Visibility & Wipers1916%
Lighting1714%
Electrical System1210%
Engine119%
Airbags108%
Steering76%
Other65%
Suspension43%
Tires & Wheels33%
Fuel System33%
Speed Control22%
Body & Structure11%
Transmission11%

Does the 2010 Hyundai Accent have recalls?

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

15V566000LightingSeptember 8, 2015 · 99,500 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Hyundai Accent vehicles manufactured March 1, 2009, to February 11, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning brake light switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning brake light switch may also prevent the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position.

Consequence

Failure to illuminate the brake lights during braking or the inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake switch, free of charge. The recall began on October 21, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign131. Hyundai's number for this recall is 131. This recall is an expansion of 13V-113.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I WAS APPROACHING A LINE OF CARS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND IT WAS RAINING. WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES THE REAR WHEELS OF MY ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP. I SLID OUT OF CONTROL INTO THE REAR OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 4, 2012 · crash

“DRIVING 75 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE DRIVER'S VISOR FELL INTO MY LINE OF SIGHT, I WASN'T USING THE VISOR AS IT WAS DARK MAKING IT VERY HARD TO SEE. IT'S ELECTRIC SO IT DIDN'T FALL ALL THE WAY JUST INTO MY LINE OF VISION. I HAD TO HOLD IT IN PLACE AND MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO SAFELY ATTEMPT TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 11, 2016

“PREPARING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN I NOTICE WHEN I PRESS ON MY BRAKES MY SIGNAL WOULD STOP BLINKING. BRAKES AND SIGNAL DO NOT WORK TOGETHER ANYMORE. SO NOW I CAN NOT SIGNAL MY INTENTION AND BRAKE AT THE SAME TIME. I READ THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON BRAKE LAMP SWITCH BUT NOT FOR 2010. SO THE ISSUE STILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 1, 2014

“THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH BECAME DEFECTIVE INTERMITTENTLY, APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES AGO. IT HAS NOW FAILED COMPLETELY. APPARENTLY I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM: HTTP://WWW.AUTOBLOG.COM/2013/04/03/HYUNDAI-KIA-RECALLING-1-6M-MORE-MODELS-FOR-FAULTY-BRAKE-SWITCH/ THIS IS A SERIOUS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 6, 2013

“THE IGNITION CABLES AND SPARK PLUGS ARE FAULTY AND HAD TO BE REPLACED JUST AFTER 60,000 MILES. I WAS DRIVING AND SUDDENLY MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING, MY CAR WAS SHAKING, AND NOT SHIFTING PAST FIRST GEAR. HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC. THEY SAID THE IGNITION CABLES AND SPARK PLUGS WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 5, 2016

2010 Hyundai Accent — common questions

Is the 2010 Hyundai Accent reliable?

It is close to typical for the Accent: 119 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2010 Accent problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (23 complaints), visibility & wipers (19 complaints), lighting (17 complaints).

Does the 2010 Hyundai Accent have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2010 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.