VehicleVerdict

2011 Hyundai Accent problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2011 Hyundai Accent sits mid-pack among Accent years: 51 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 electrical system (11), engine (10), and airbags (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

51

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Accent years?

Accent NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 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, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Accent years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Hyundai Accent problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1122%
Engine1020%
Airbags714%
Speed Control510%
Other48%
Lighting36%
Steering36%
Brakes24%
Tires & Wheels24%
Seat Belts12%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Suspension12%
Fuel System12%

Does the 2011 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.

“2011 HYUNDAI ACCENT HAS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM WITH THE COILS/SPARK PLUGS. I HAVE HAD ALL OF THEM REPLACED, YET THE CAR STILL SENSES A MISFIRE IN ITS COMPUTER. MY MECHANIC LOOKED IT UP AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS YEAR AND MAKE, BUT WHEN I CALLED HYUNDAI THEY DENIED A RECALL EVER BEING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 1, 2014

“AS WITH MANY OTHERS, HAVE ENGINE COILS GOING BAD, WHICH CAN LEAD TO MANY OTHER PROBLEMS IF NOT ADDRESSED QUICKLY. I BOUGHT THIS CAR 18 MONTHS AGO @ 33000 MILES. IT NOW HAS JUST TURNED OVER TO 40000 MILES. FIRST TIME I EVER HAD S COOL GO BAD IN 45 YEARS OF CAR OWNERSHIP. THEN FIND IT'S A HABITUAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 29, 2019

“AT APPROXIMATELY 1:00AM, THE CAR SLID ON ICE GOING 35MPH, HITTING A SIDEWALK AND A STEEL GATE. BOTH INDIVIDUALS IN THE CAR BLACKED OUT HEAD ON DASHBOARD, NO AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED FROM EITHER THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE. ONCE THE POLICE CAME 2MINUTES LATER. BOTH INDIVIDUALS STEPPED OUT OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 1, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS REVERSING FROM A PARKING LOT WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT COMPLETELY POWERED OFF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO STOP THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 21, 2012

“THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND I HAVE FIXED EVERYTHING FROM THE MECHANICS TO EVERYTHING ELSE IT STILL POPS UP AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME I AM HAVING A MISSFIRE SOUND WHILE IN MOTION IT WOULD BLONK AND AT TIMES IT WOULD STAY ON AND COME OFF”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 3, 2018

2011 Hyundai Accent — common questions

Is the 2011 Hyundai Accent reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 51 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Accent year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2011 Accent problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (11 complaints), engine (10 complaints), airbags (7 complaints).

Does the 2011 Hyundai Accent have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 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.