2016 Hyundai Accent problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 160 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Accent year — the 2016 model ranks #5 of 30 Accent years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (32), engine (32), and airbags (28), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
160
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
14
Crash-involved
9
Fires reported
14
Injuries
0
Deaths
4
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2016 compare to other Accent years?
What are the most common 2016 Hyundai Accent problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 32 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 32 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 28 | 18% | — flat |
| Other | 15 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 10 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 8 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 7 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 6 | 4% | — flat |
| Seats | 5 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I was driving up a hill on interstate 8 in California and all of a sudden i heard a bang under the hood and see sparks and flames and my hyundai was on fire right there on the freeway. No clue why. ”
“MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION YESTERDAY THAT BROKE BOTH HEADLIGHTS, BUCKLED HOOD, KNOCKED THE ENGINE IN TO THE TRANSMISSION, AND BUSTED THE FRONT FAN AND COOLANT. THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND NEITHER DID THE SEAT BELT LOCK. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED WITH HIS LIP, NOSE AND FOREHEAD BUSTED…”
“I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WITH MY 11 YEAR OLD SON. A WOMAN RAN A RED LIGHT AND WE HIT THE CAR IN THE SIDE COMPLETELY MASHING OUR FRONT END. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AT ALL NONE OF THEM.WE WERE CROSSING THE INTERSECTION ON A GREEN LIGHT!!”
“I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WITH MY 11 YEAR OLD SON. A WOMAN RAN A RED LIGHT AND WE HIT THE CAR IN THE SIDE COMPLETELY MASHING OUR FRONT END. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AT ALL NONE OF THEM.WE WERE CROSSING THE INTERSECTION ON A GREEN LIGHT!!”
“My steering wheel column was replaced 4 months ago because it was shorting itself - steering froze up while driving - I was unable to steer vehicle in any way - after total replacement I am having issues with dash board lights flashing on off - MPH states that Iâm driving at 0 miles per hour and…”
2016 Hyundai Accent — common questions
Is the 2016 Hyundai Accent reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 160 complaints put the 2016 model at #5 of 30 Accent years. It is one of the Accent years to avoid.
What are the most common 2016 Accent problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (32 complaints), engine (32 complaints), airbags (28 complaints).
Does the 2016 Hyundai Accent have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2016 Hyundai Accent.
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 2016 Hyundai Accent?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 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.