1996 Hyundai Accent

101 federal complaints (142 component records) · 4 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 51 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 30 model years of the Hyundai Accent →
Engine
1.5L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
23 city / 33 hwy
Federal complaints
101
Recall campaigns
4
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Suspension
27
Power train
25
Air bags
22
Glass & wipers
12
Tires
7
Body & structure
7
Brakes
7
Seat belts
5
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 20 complaints01 years old: 12 complaints2 years old: 12 complaints3 years old: 8 complaints4 years old: 4 complaints5 years old: 4 complaints56 years old: 3 complaints7 years old: 10 complaints8 years old: 0 complaints9 years old: 1 complaints10 years old: 3 complaints1011 years old: 1 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 79 of 101 complaints with a usable failure date.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Suspension

27 complaint records1 crash report
"VEHICLE CONSTANTLY PULLS TO THE RIGHT MAKING IT HARD TO STEER.TIRES AND STRUTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, AND PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →

Power train

25 complaint records
"THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS INTO THE WRONG GEAR WHILE BEING DRIVEN, AND VEHICLE HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIME BECAUSE OF IT. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Air bags

22 complaint records2 fire reports15 crash reports
"VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 55MPH AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE02055
opened Jul 2002
closed Dec 2002SuspensionFRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM - led to recall 02V341000
ON DECEMBER 18TH, 2002 HYUNDAI AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER, INC. (HYUNDAI) SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT REGARDING APPROXIMATELY 47,000 1995 AND 1996 HYUNDAI ACCENT VEHICLES REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES.ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI, THESE VEHICLES WERE...
EA00001
opened Jan 2000
closed Mar 2001Air BagsPASSENGER AIR BAG RELATED
There is no summary currently available
PE99046
opened Jul 1999
closed Jan 2000Air BagsPASSENGER AIR BAG RELATED FATALITIES
ODI IS AWARE OF SEVEN FATALITIES OF CHILDREN (EXCLUDING CHILDREN IN REAR FACING CHILD SAFETY SEATS)THAT WERE CAUSED BY THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS IN MINOR OR MODERATE SEVERITY CRASHES INVOLVING MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 1997 HYUNDAI ACCENT...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
02V341000SuspensionON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW...Normally free
98V245000SuspensionVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA,...Normally free
97V026000VisibilityTHE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WERE CONTAMINATED DURING ASSEMBLY.Normally free
96V113000SuspensionTHROUGH CONTACT WITH ROAD HAZARDS AND CURBS, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN SHIFT FROM ITS ORIGINAL POSITION.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2003140
2003-05-23
Suspension24,211On certain vehicles, road de-icing salt used during winter months may result in corrosion of the lower plate or the front lower control arm.
1998210
1998-10-22
Suspension25,575On certain vehicles, corrosion from winter road salt may cause pits to form on the lower coil of the front springs. These pits may allow cracks to develop, which can result in the breakage of the lower spring coil.
1997045
1997-03-10
Visual System14,087THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY BE CONTAMINATED WITH SOLDERING FLUX. THIS CONTAMINATION COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CONTINUITY AND PREVENT THE WIPER MOTOR FROM OPERATING.
1995209
1995-11-21
Suspension368NOTE: ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE REPAIRED PRIOR TO DELIVERY. THE LEFT HAND AND/OR RIGHT HAND REAR AXLE CARRIER (SPINDLE) MAY HAVE BEEN MACHINED INCORRECTLY.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
23-BD-002H
Jan 2023
VisibilityThis bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly.
21-EM-003H
Mar 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
20-BR-002H
Nov 2020
Service BrakesThis bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
20-SS-004H
Nov 2020
WheelsThis bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the “Tire Balance Data Sheet” must be fully completed including imbalance and Road Force Variation (RFV) data.
20-BD-014H
Jul 2020
Exterior LightingThis bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly.
Show 46 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
20-SS-002H(1)
May 2020
WheelsThis bulletin provides information on tire maintenance best practices and procedures for dealers and customers to maximize tire life and performance.
20-BD-007H-1
May 2020
EquipmentThis bulletin describes the general guidelines to help disinfect and protect vehicle exterior/interior surfaces using recommended safe chemical products.
20-EE-003H
Apr 2020
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: • A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. • A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.
20-AT-016H
Apr 2020
EquipmentThe automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
20-BD-007H
Mar 2020
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis bulletin describes the general guidelines to disinfect and protect vehicle interior surfaces using certain safe chemical products.
20-SS-001H
Feb 2020
SuspensionThis bulletin describes the requirements for all wheel alignment and/or vehicle tracking claims and best practices when diagnosing and conducting alignment-related repairs for all models and model years.
20-BE-001H
Jan 2020
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides guidelines to inspect the USB, head unit, and multi-box for common connection conditions. 2. This bulletin presents guidelines to inspect for common Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection conditions. 3.
19-BE-011H-1
Nov 2019
Lane DepartureThe Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) is a system that measures the speed of and distance from the following vehicles by using two magnetic wave radar sensors attached in the rear bumper.
19-GI-006H
Oct 2019
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis bulletin provides instruction detailing the proper methodology for scanning and uploading captured GDS data files to the Techline Repository. Compliance with this bulletin ensures that the GDS data files are correctly transferred and matched with a Techline Case number.
0640019
Dec 2006
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) LIST. *KB
151
Feb 2005
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES LIST. *TT
0804
Aug 2004
Electrical SystemREPLACEMENT CIGARETTE LIGHTER. *NM
0436007
Jun 2004
Electrical SystemDATA LINK CONNECTOR (DLC) WIRE REPAIR FOR COMMUNICATION WITH GENERIC SCAN TOOLS (GST).*MR
0340007
Mar 2004
Power TrainATA SOLENOID DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0740, P0741, P0742, P0743, P0745, P0747, P0748, P0750, P0752, P0753, P0755, P0757, P0758, P0760, P0765. *TT *MJ
0340022
Dec 2003
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PULSE GENERATOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0717 & P0722. 2004 ACCENT INCLUDED. *TT
135
Sep 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingOXYGEN SENSORS. *SC
058
Jul 2003
SuspensionCAMPAIGN 058 . CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION. LOWER CONTROL ARM INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT. *TT
062403
Jun 2003
SuspensionLOWER CONTROL ARM INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT. ROAD SALT MAY RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS. SEVERE CORROSION MAY RESULT IN PERFORATION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM. *TT
0236029
Dec 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingOBD-II READINESS TEST DRIVE CYCLE. *TT
0290009
Jun 2002
Unknown Or OtherSUBJECT REGARDING DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE FOR CLIFFORD AND DEI SECURITY SYSTEM. *JG
0240010
Mar 2002
Power TrainSUBJECT ON AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE HARSH OR DELAYED PARK REVERSE OR PARK DRIVE ENGAGEMENT. *YH
0240012
Mar 2002
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES LIST. *YH
01400061
Dec 2001
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE PULSE GENERATOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0717 AND P0722 - REVISED. *JG
010101
Jan 2001
Power TrainINFORMATION ON PERFORMING A TEST DRIVE FOR TRANSAXLE SHIFT QUALITY. *TT
9936010
Jul 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT
9940004
Apr 1999
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1613/1614. *TT
9940002
Mar 1999
Power TrainVEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SLIGHT SHIFT FLARE DURING THE UPSHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. *TT
071298
Dec 1998
StructureSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT SHIFTING OR CRACKING IN THE UNDERBODY LEFT AND / OR RIGHT LOWER ARM MOUNTING MEMBERS. *TT
9809006
Jun 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingINFORMATION ON THE OXYGEN SENSOR OFFSET VOLTAGE CHANGE. *YC
9820002
Feb 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingEXPERIENCING A TICKING/COLLAPSED LASH ADJUSTER CONDITION. *YC
97100180001
Oct 1997
VisibilitySERVICE PROCEDURES AND INFORMATION ON WINDOW ADJUSTMENT. *YC
970901400131
Sep 1997
Power TrainMODIFIED TRANSAXLE CONTROL MODULES. *YC
96400022
Jul 1997
Power TrainCONCERNS WITH SHIFT SHOCK AND DELAY UNDER VARIOUS CONDITIONS. *TT
9740013
May 1997
Power TrainMODIFIED TRANSAXLE CONTROL MODULES. *TW
9740011
May 1997
Power TrainIMPROVED SHIFT ENGAGEMENT LOGIC IN TRANSAXLE CONTROL MODULE. *TW
9750002
May 1997
SteeringPOWER STEERING RESERVOIR MOUNTING BRACKET DESIGN CHANGE. *TW
9701998
Mar 1997
VisibilityRECALL 97V-026 - THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR THERMAL SWITCH CIRCUIT CONTACT POINTS MUST BE CLEANED ON CERTAIN HYUNDAI VEHICLES WHICH FALL INTO THE FOLLOWING PRODUTION RANGES TO CORRECT A POSSIBLE INTERMITTENT INTERRUPTION OF WIPER OPERATION- A WIPER MOTOR SERVICE KIT (PART...
9740006
Mar 1997
Power TrainMANUAL TRANSAXLE AIR BREATHER MODIFICATION. *JD
9750001
Feb 1997
Service BrakesACCENT BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE (SHOP MANUAL CORRECTION). *TW
9760003
Feb 1997
StructureTIBURON/ACCENT REAR SPOILER CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP. *TW
9709001
Feb 1997
Electrical SystemHDS ADAPTER CABLE HY02 INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. *TW
9720002
Jan 1997
Unknown Or OtherTHE CYLINDER HEAD TORQUE SEQUENCE FOR IN-LINE 4 CYLINDER ENGINES NOTED IN THE LISTED SHOP MANUALS IS INCORRECT. *JD
9720001
Jan 1997
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE MOUNT BRACKET TORQUE SPECIFICATION (SHOP MANUAL CORRECTION). *TW
9740002
Jan 1997
Power TrainSHIFT CONDITION CAUSED BY SHORT CIRCUIT IN INHIBITOR SWITCH. *TW
9790001
Jan 1997
EquipmentRADIO REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION FOR ACCENT. *TW
9640024
Oct 1996
Power TrainIMPROVED REVERSE GEAR SHIFT QUALITY. *TW

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 4 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Hyundai Accent →