2018 Hyundai Accent

The 1.6L Gamma engine in the 2016 Accent is prone to premature failure due to excessive oil consumption and connecting rod bearing wear. Owners report engine knocking, loss of power, and catastrophic engine seizure, sometimes at mileage as low as 60,000 miles. This issue has generated hundreds of NHTSA complaints.

Hyundai extended the powertrain warranty on certain Gamma engines to 15 years/200,000 miles under a lifetime warranty campaign. Dealers will perform an engine inspection and, if bearing damage is found, replace the engine short block free of charge. Reference Hyundai campaign 953.

The 2016 Accent is prone to various electrical problems including random warning light illumination, intermittent power window failure, and dashboard gauge malfunctions. Some owners report the car failing to start due to a faulty ignition relay or corroded ground connections.

Have the dealer perform a full electrical system diagnostic. Common fixes include replacing the ignition relay, cleaning and resealing ground connections, and updating the Body Control Module (BCM) software. Check the battery terminals and ground straps for corrosion.

The Motor Driven Power Steering system may fail intermittently or completely, causing a sudden increase in steering effort. The EPS warning light illuminates on the dashboard, and the steering becomes extremely heavy, particularly dangerous at low speeds or during parking maneuvers.

Hyundai issued TSBs addressing the MDPS column motor and worm shaft bearing. Dealers will inspect the EPS system and replace the MDPS unit or steering column assembly as needed. The repair is covered under the powertrain warranty.

The 2016 Accent uses a traditional key ignition without an engine immobilizer, making it one of the vehicles vulnerable to the widely publicized USB cable theft technique. Theft rates for this model increased dramatically, with some insurance companies refusing coverage or significantly raising premiums.

Hyundai provides a free anti-theft software update that extends alarm duration to 60 seconds and requires the key in the ignition to start. A free steering wheel lock is also available. Visit hyundaiantitheft.com or call 1-855-371-9460 to check eligibility.

Owners of the 2016 Accent frequently report premature front brake rotor warping, causing pulsation and vibration when braking. The issue can appear as early as 20,000 miles. Rear drum brakes may also develop squealing and reduced effectiveness due to improper shoe adjustment.

Replace the front brake rotors with upgraded aftermarket rotors and pads. For rear drum issues, have the dealer adjust the brake shoes and inspect the wheel cylinders. Consider upgrading to slotted or drilled rotors for better heat dissipation.

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 208.