Accent (3rd)
Engine Reliability Ratings
Hyundai Accent Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
DOHC GDI GAMMA
1.6LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Hyundai Accent regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (5)
HYUNDAI IS RECALLING 3,011 MODEL YEAR 2005-2007 ELANTRA, TUCSON, SONATA, AZERA AND ACCENT VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTIONING STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FAIL TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED OR MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. A DEFECTIVE STOP LAMP SWITCH MAY ALSO AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE-TRANSMISSION SHIFT INTERLOCK FEATURE SO THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE SHIFT OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION. IT MAY ALSO CAUSE THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) MALFUNCTION LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, AND IT MAY NOT DEACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING TESTING, THE 3-DOOR HATCHBACK EXCEEDED THE PERFORMANCE CRITERION IN THE STANDARD MIDWAY ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE WINDSHIELD SUPPORT PILLAR (A-PILLAR).
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.5 LITER OR 1.6 LITER ENGINES THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. WHILE DRIVING AT A STEADY THROTTLE OPENING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME DURING EXTREMELY COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES (BELOW APPROXIMATELY -5 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT WITH HIGH HUMIDITY), MOISTURE IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER BLOWBY GASES CAN FREEZE AND BLOCK THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE AND HOSE. IF THE PCV HOSE FREEZES, COMBUSTION CHAMBER GASES ARE FORCED THROUGH THE BREATHER HOSE INTO THE AIR INTAKE HOSE AND THEN INTO THE THROTTLE BODY.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE PROTECTIVE RUBBER BOOT WHICH COVERS THE BALL JOINT CONNECTION BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR DRIVE ARM AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPER DRAG LINK CAN STICK TO THE SURFACE OF THE DRIVE ARM. IF THE RUBBER BOOT STICKS AND THE WIPER MOTOR IS TURNED ON, BINDING OF THE INTERFACE BETWEEN THE DRIVE ARM AND DRAG LINK RESULTS, CAUSING THE BALL JOINT CONNECTION TO DISENGAGE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE PROTECTIVE RUBBER BOOT WHICH COVERS THE BALL JOINT CONNECTION BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR DRIVE ARM AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPER DRAG LINK CAN STICK TO THE SURFACE OF THE DRIVE ARM. IF THE RUBBER BOOT STICKS AND THE WIPER MOTOR IS TURNED ON, BINDING OF THE INTERFACE BETWEEN THE DRIVE ARM AND DRAG LINK RESULTS, CAUSING THE BALL JOINT CONNECTION TO DISENGAGE.
All Generations
Alternatives in Subcompact
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2000-2005 Hyundai Accent problems?
The 2000-2005 Hyundai Accent has accumulated 457 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Safety Systems, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Hyundai Accent engine is most reliable?
The 2000-2005 Hyundai Accent was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.6L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2000-2005 Hyundai Accent a good used car?
The 2000-2005 Hyundai Accent can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 457 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2005 Hyundai Accent have?
The 2000-2005 Hyundai Accent has 457 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2000-2005 Hyundai Accent?
There are 5 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2000-2005 Hyundai Accent vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Hyundai Accent?
Before buying a used Hyundai Accent, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Safety Systems, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Accent have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2005 Hyundai Accent. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 457 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.