2016 Hyundai Accent problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Hyundai Accent, most often about engine. There are 0 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
63
Recalls
0
Crashes
3
Fires
3
Injuries
3
Median mileage
69,650 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 27 of 63 complaints (43%).
  • Airbags (17) and electrical system (16) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 69,650 mi.
  • Owners reported 3 crashes, 3 fires and 3 injuries.
  • It ranks 5th of 18 Hyundai Accent model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 40% more complaints than the 2015 model year (45).

2016 Hyundai Accent problems by category

  • Engine
    27 complaints
  • Airbags · 2 crashes
    17 complaints
  • Electrical System
    16 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    10 complaints
  • Steering · 1 crash
    7 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    6 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    5 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    3 complaints
  • Body & Structure · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Brakes
    3 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    2 complaints
  • Lighting
    2 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    2 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine27
Air bags17
Electrical system16
Unknown or other10
Steering6
Vehicle speed control5
Seats4
Fuel/propulsion system3

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k110k–30k630k–60k760k–100k4100k–150k1150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2016 Hyundai Accent complaints that list mileage.

2016 Hyundai Accent recalls (0)

No recalls on file.

Recent 2016 Hyundai Accent complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 6, 2026CAAirbagsDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    I brought my vehicle to Victorville Hyundai to address the official manufacturer safety warranty extension, Campaign Z01, which covers a defective passenger side Occupant Classification System (OCS) airbag sensor. My vehicle currently has 129,000 miles. The dealership and the service manager refused to perform the necessary safety diagnostic or inspection unless I signed a pre-authorization contract agreeing to pay a out-of-pocket fee of $219. The manager explicitly stated…
    NHTSA complaint #11769398 · source
  2. Filed Sep 30, 2026ALEngineOther / UnknownSteering
    Engine failure on a vehicle under 100,000 miles creates a risk of sudden loss of power while driving. A failing catalytic converter & coil packs can cause overheating and potential fire risk. These components were either pre-existing manufacturer defects or were damaged during the engine replacement process at Auto Nation Columbus (Columbus, GA), neither of which was disclosed to me as the owner.
    NHTSA complaint #11768028 · source
  3. Filed Aug 27, 2026143,000 miCAAirbags
    The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that she recently purchased the vehicle from a private seller. When the contact drove the vehicle for the first time, there were no issues or warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. However, when the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an inspection, it was discovered that the airbag module warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…
    NHTSA complaint #11760117 · source
  4. Filed Apr 12, 2026ALElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    The engine failed and requires a full engine replacement. The vehicle is currently at ALM Hyundai West, 1990 Thornton Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, and is available for inspection upon request. Hyundai Motor America has already approved the engine replacement under a goodwill authorization, implicitly confirming the failure is manufacturer-related. The engine failure left the vehicle undrivable, forcing me to operate rental vehicles and arrange multiple tows across three…
    NHTSA complaint #11730695 · source
  5. Filed Apr 12, 2026TXCrashTowedAirbags
    I got into an accident and my airbags did not go off... my face hit the steering wheel and my hand is broken because the airbags didn't deploy
    NHTSA complaint #11730627 · source
  6. Filed Dec 15, 2025CAFireElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11705165 · source
  7. Filed Dec 2, 2025PAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Engine is failing, oil leaking in the engine that messed up my catalytic converter and O2 sensors now it’s just sluggish , doesn’t accelerate properly, doesn’t idle nearly .
    NHTSA complaint #11702589 · source
  8. Filed Oct 2, 2025OREngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The vehicle made a loud catastrophic noises stopped running and couldn’t be restarted. Towed car to dealership where it was inspected and denied coverage based on owner not original owner. This 1.6L Gamma GDI Engine is part of the larger Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II (Case No. 8:18-cv-02223). The settlement provides a 15-year/150,000-mile extended warranty for said engine.
    NHTSA complaint #11691000 · source

Compare the 2016 Hyundai Accent with another vehicle →

Other 2016 Hyundai models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology