VehicleVerdict

2013 Hyundai Accent problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2013 Hyundai Accent carries two red flags at once: 206 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.3× the Accent norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Accent years to avoid. Complainants reported 43 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (42), engine (34), and electrical system (23), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

206

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

27

Crash-involved

14

Fires reported

43

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Accent years?

Accent NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Accent years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Hyundai Accent problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes4220%
Engine3417%
Electrical System2311%
Other168%
Airbags147%
Tires & Wheels126%
Transmission126%
Steering84%
Speed Control84%
Suspension84%
Lighting73%
Body & Structure73%
Fuel System52%
Seat Belts52%
Latches & Locks21%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2013 Hyundai Accent have recalls?

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

23V651000BrakesSeptember 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET TO MY SISTER HOUSE, WHEN I GOT TO HER HOUSE I PULLED UP BEHIND HER CAR APPROXIMATELY 10 TO 15 FT. ON THE CURB AND ON THE STREET, I STOPPED THE CAR, PUT IN IN PARK WHILE STILL RUNNING, WHEN I TOUCHED THE SWITCH TO TURN THE CAR OFF, THE GAS PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 20, 2014 · crash

“I was driving home with my children from the store, when my car started smoking, shut off, and the engine caught on fire. I barely made it out of the car with my toddlers before the whole thing was engulfed, and I lost all of my money, cards, and the majority of our clothing, as it had been in the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 28, 2023 · fire

“The AEB light came on in car. Car was brought home 15 min later and parked in driveway. 3 hours later the car went on fire. The fire department inspected and said it was a mechanical issue. The car was totaled by the insurance company the next day. The engine was burned and the fire department…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 25, 2023 · fire

“I was driving home with my children from the store, when my car started smoking, shut off, and the engine caught on fire. I barely made it out of the car with my toddlers before the whole thing was engulfed, and I lost all of my money, cards, and the majority of our clothing, as it had been in the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 28, 2023 · fire

“MY DAUGHTERS WERE IN A THREE CAR ACCIDENT ON 13 JUNE 2019. THEY WERE REAR ENDED WHICH CAUSED THEM TO HIT ANOTHER CAR IN THE REAR; NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THEY SUFFER FROM NECK PAINS, SHOULDER PAINS, BACK PAINS, AND HEADACHES. WHY INSTALL AIRBAGS IF THE ARE GOING TO BE NO USE DURING AN ACCIDENT?!? I'M…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 13, 2019 · crash

2013 Hyundai Accent — common questions

Is the 2013 Hyundai Accent reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 206 complaints put the 2013 model at #2 of 30 Accent years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Accent years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Accent problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (42 complaints), engine (34 complaints), electrical system (23 complaints).

Does the 2013 Hyundai Accent have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 Hyundai Accent. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Hyundai Accent under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

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.

How safe is the 2013 Hyundai Accent?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Hyundai Accent earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.