VehicleVerdict

2021 Hyundai Accent problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 22 complaints on file for the 2021 Hyundai Accent — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

22

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Accent years?

Accent NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Accent years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Accent problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels836%
Seat Belts627%
Engine418%
Electrical System29%
Brakes15%
Steering15%

Does the 2021 Hyundai Accent have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V354000Seat BeltsMay 19, 2022 · 230,233 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Accent, 2021-2022 Elantra, and 2021-2022 Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.

Consequence

An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.

Remedy

Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioner(s) with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 28, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 229. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall numbers 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-218, and 22V-123 for Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles. All Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles already repaired under the previous recalls will need to have the new remedy completed.

22V311000SteeringMay 6, 2022 · 2 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Accent vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.

Consequence

Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 226.

22V069000Seat BeltsFebruary 9, 2022 · 354 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Accent vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.

Consequence

An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 219. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-796. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-354. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

21V937000BrakesDecember 2, 2021 · 76 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Accent vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.

Consequence

Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 213.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Fifth lug nut failure within a span of less than 6 months. Today during winter to summer tire snow change, front passenger side lug nut broke while it was being removed. This is the 4th incident in my vehicle with regards to the lug nuts. Less than two weeks ago, during routine maintenance at a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 22, 2023

“I've been trying for about 6 months to get this recall corrected. I've called several dealers and no one has the parts. Isn't it ridiculous that they are suggesting I park the car outside my garage because it is dangerous to park it inside, BUT it's OK if I drive it???? When will these parts be…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · September 24, 2022

“My 2021 Hyundai accent has randomly not started a in more than 10 different times. The lights go on and you can hear it trying to start but it never catches to actually start. It’s under warranty but the dealer says if they can’t see it when it’s happening then they can’t fix anything. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 5, 2023

“My 2021 Hyundai accent has randomly not started a in more than 10 different times. The lights go on and you can hear it trying to start but it never catches to actually start. It’s under warranty but the dealer says if they can’t see it when it’s happening then they can’t fix anything. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 5, 2023

2021 Hyundai Accent — common questions

Is the 2021 Hyundai Accent reliable?

The record is thin — 22 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2021 Accent problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (8 complaints), seat belts (6 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 2021 Hyundai Accent have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Hyundai Accent. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Accent under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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 2021 Hyundai Accent?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.