2021 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 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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.