2016 Hyundai Accent engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. Filed Jun 5, 2025180,000 miTXTowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be…

   NHTSA complaint #11665173 · source
7. Filed Feb 1, 2025VAFireElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   The report does not specify the exact component that failed, but the fire originated under the hood of the 2016 Hyundai Accent. The vehicle and related documentation, including the fire department report, insurance claim, and incident photos, are available for review​. The fire under the hood posed a serious safety risk as it occurred while the vehicle was in motion on a busy highway. Fortunately, the driver evacuated safely, but the incident could have resulted in injury or…

   NHTSA complaint #11640127 · source
8. Filed Oct 23, 2024GAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   My 2016 Hyundai accent engine has all of sudden stop working and i have explained to multiple shops and my insurance that i was deployed for a whole year and the car was driving fine and once I came back it just wouldn’t crank. Two Hyundai shops informed me that the engine is locked up but neither shop provided a thorough investigation as to why this has happened. There were two-three major hurricanes in Texas where it was stored while I was deployed in Kuwait and Iraq from…

   NHTSA complaint #11621511 · source
9. Filed Aug 20, 2024GAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Component/System Failure: The component that has malfunctioned is the engine. This issue is critical and affects the vehicle's overall performance. The malfunctioning engine is available for inspection upon request, and I am willing to facilitate this inspection to substantiate my claim. Safety Risk: The engine's failure poses a significant safety risk, including potential engine stalling or loss of power while driving, which could lead to accidents or collisions. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11609672 · source
10. Filed Nov 2, 2023CTEngine

    In 2019, the car started losing oil. Not realizing it was still under warranty, twice I took it to my mechanic and they replaced the valve cover gasket, December 2019 and August 2020. It never resolved and then realized it was still under warranty. Took it to the dealership November 2020 and they found the oil was leaking from a timing cover and claimed it was fixed. It appeared so at first, but then the trouble continued but we just dealt with it. Saturday, October 28,…

    NHTSA complaint #11553186 · source
11. Filed Aug 23, 2023116,000 miNCEngine

    The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud knocking sound coming from underneath the hood. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11540380 · source
12. Filed Aug 4, 2023WAEngine

    At 100,000mi the piston rod bearings failed. We have kept up with oil changes, etc. so this is very strange. It seems to be a common problem with Hyundai GDi engines, but our engine (1.6L Non-turbo) is not part of the massive recall/lawsuit for this exact issue on 2.0L cars. Clearly the same design flaw exists for the 1.6L.

    NHTSA complaint #11536522 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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