Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Hyundai Accent owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: contact states his car was lunging forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who said they couldn't do anything with the vehicle until the transmission failed. The dealer refused to replace transmission due to warranty coverage. They had the car with 29,000 miles the point where they were saying the oil should have been changed, and did not change the oil, even though contact had records indicating it has been changed every 3,000 miles. Contact felt dealer was negligent by not acknowledging there was a problem at the beginning. The consumer explained that the dealer didn't recommend or suggest transmission fluid changes even when it was time for one. The dealer refused to provided any assistance until the manufacturer was supplied with transmission service records of fluid changes.
Since we bought the car, it has been to the dealership repair shop 5 times, for the same problem. The car begins to have problems shifting gears, it loses power, as not going higher than 20-30 miles. When the gas pedal is applied, the car gets stuck for several seconds before it jerks and begins to run again. Everytime we take it in they repair the pulse generator. The pulse generator has been changes two time in the last three months alone (June, August), and now its ready to go back into the shop again. It is getting worse, it is becoming a safety issue because it gets stuck anywhere, and can get hit from behind, or get into an accident when it stops in the middle of a cross section.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that the rear window defroster was engaged and when he shut off the defroster, there was a loud explosion sound. The contact then noticed that there was a large hole in the rear window with small web0like fractures surrounding the hole. The window then disintegrated and fell in the rear seat of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that when attempting to accelerate, the vehicle was hesitant to engage. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted in regards to the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000 and the current mileage was 15,955.
Problems with vehicle shifting properly. The consumer heard a ticking noise. The vehicle was taken tot he dealer where they found a bent baffle in the valve cover. When the vehicle was shifted from reverse to drive it slammed into gear. This occurred although the vehicle was warm. The dealer replaced the pulse generator. The consumer stated that when the vehicle was parked on a slight grade the gear shifter was difficult to move from park. The dealer suggested that he consumer apply the emergency brake prior to putting the shifter into park.
Car would not reverse, and jerks when shifting from 2-3rd gear. Contacted dealer and was told transmission is completely shot, and must be replaced, at a cost of $2500. Found that when shifting from reverse to drive prior car would jolt.
2001 Hyundai/4dr sdn/Accent/26777miles,demo from the dealership in phx az.,the transmission went out. Dealership, in nashville tn, fixed but it still slips. And I was out of transportation for 3 days.
Brakes--this vehicle was in the dealer's shop 5 times for brake repairs, starting at 4,100 miles. Calipers and master cylinder replaced, but still experiencing braking problems. Dealer claims there is nothing more wrong w/brakes. One time when taking it in for service, front brakes measured at 5/32. Six days later still experiencing problems, took it to dealer and front brakes measured 1/32!!!!! Dealer also "adjusted" the rear brakes, which was never fully explained to me. Transmission: experienced problems w/engine light coming on.....dealer replaced pulse generator. Five days later, engine light on again--vehicle very low on transmission fluid, makes loud clunking noise when shifting gears (ESP to drive or reverse). Does not shift up from either 2 to 3 gear, or 3 to 4 gear. Reported problem to dealer, who can't get the car in for 2 days to look at it. Will have vehicle towed to dealer.
I have a 2001 Hyundai Accent gl 1.6l engine the pulse generator switch has broken 4 times already each time I take it to the dealership they tell me that they don't know why it keeps breaking and that there isn't anything wrong one time the transmission switch broke, the engine light comes on and goes out, the car has been poorly accelerating and slowing down while I am on the high way, accelerating crazily and using up more gas than normal, it has made sudden jerks when I accelerate at traffic lights or has stalled for a few seconds when I press the accelerator pedal the car doesn't seem to have enough power and the problem is solved for about 24 hours after I take it into the dealer then its back to the same routine. Lately I have been hearing a ticking coming from the engine.
I bought a 2001 Hyundai in 2001 and since I had it. It has 1 new brake I new transmission molding has fallen off of it couldn't really tell what else has gone wrong with it. It has been in the shop numerous of times and the transmission problem still persist. I have to pay for rental cars take off work and other time wasting things. I am really discouraged about owning such a piece of junk. What do I do?
Dealer fixed wheel bearings at no charge in 1 day. Dealer replacing transmission by end of the week - no loaner or rental car available; I have to rent a car. Service rep. Complained about car being our of warranty; I reminded her car was bought May 11. Do I have a lemon? Are my kids safe in it? I'm very displeased with dealer about this.
Transmission complaints in other Accent years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Hyundai Accent?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Hyundai Accent, 19% of the model year's 112 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Hyundai Accent transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 Hyundai Accent, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Hyundai Accent transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.