Most common 2002 Hyundai Accent problems
Share of the 134 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Hyundai Accent complaints by model year
Best Accent years: 2020, 2018, 2021. Years to avoid: 2012, 1995, 2002, 1996. Compare all years →
2002 Hyundai Accent recalls (1)
Structure › Frame and members
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).
Remedy: Dealers will install new energy management brackets to support the a-pillar covers and increase the energy absorbing performance of the a-pillar in the relevant area. Owner notification began October 28, 2002.
What 2002 Hyundai Accent owners say
Fuel & propulsion system all 25 →
Purchased car 2002 in Arizona. About 2009 when the check engine light came on and when filling the car with gas the pump would stop after less than .25 gallons pumped. It takes greater than 20 minutes to fill the tank and many times the auto shut off fails and I end up being sprayed gasoline. This is a personal safety issue as well as an enviromental hazard. There are many similar complaints about this issue, but it is repeatedly ignored. What will get this addressed, some one being seriously injured after being doused with gasoline?
I got this car in 2015 and it keep failing the state of ohio vechicle inspection e-check test and the same code keeps coming up..... P1401..... Why... It fail on jan 16,2019 and in 2017 jan.19.17 I spent $398.52 and had gas tank filler neck and canister ventvalve replace.....and again same code 2019 "p1401..help thks. ([redacted]) parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6)
Transmission & drivetrain all 24 →
Tl contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer replaced the transmission due to internal failure. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle would not move but the engine was still on. The vehicle would only drive in reverse. There were no warning indicator lights. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced again. The speed was unknown. The failure mileage was 96,000 and current mileage was 100,407. The consumer stated the dealer installed a remanufactured transmission the 2nd time. The consumer stated the vehicle was repaired and had to pay $439.62 for labor cost. The consumer wants to be reimbursed for repairs. Updated 09/18/07
Automatic transmission failing. Previously revved while in park. Took to mechanic, problem seemed to go away. While on highway trying to pass other cars, after stepping on gas - car would jump/clunk/jerk into gear. On back road home, was revving higher than normal but didn't seem to want to go anywhere. Sluggish and jittery response to increase in speed. Mechanic said it has a whinny noise while test driving. Exact mileage 54,854. Still paying on car. Purchased used. Will contact dealer, although not sure still under warranty.
Brakes
Brakes failed at 9000 miles causing an accident with another vehicle. Front brakes were in a metal to metal condition. Pads on front disc brakes have need replacement every 8000 miles since this incident. The rotots have been replaced twice.
A "clunking" noise was coming from the rear of the vehicle during application of brakes. Dealership examined vehicle and determined brake drums were not rounded and had to be replaced. Four days later, vehicle was involved in a crash when brake pedal went to the floor before brake system activated. Crash occurred on December 5, 2001 when vehicle rear-ended a stopped car while traveling approximately 15 to 20 MPH.
2002 Hyundai Accent engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 24 / 33 / 28 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 34 / 27 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 32 / 25 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 32 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Hyundai Accent a good car?
Based on 134 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Accent rates use caution: 1.6× as many complaints as a typical year of the Accent at the same age. It is one of the Accent years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Hyundai Accent?
The fuel & propulsion system — 25 complaints, 19% of all complaints for this model year, most often about delivery. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (24) and brakes (15).
How many recalls does the 2002 Hyundai Accent have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 Hyundai Accent, the most recent from June 25, 2002 (frame and members). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Hyundai Accent?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2018 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 1995, 2002 and 1996. See the full Hyundai Accent years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Hyundai Accent problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 43,000 miles; 53% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.