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 2002 Hyundai Accent owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Random idle acceleration (2000=4000rpms when should be idling) leading to surging of car. Started a few months ago with a check engine light. Dealer replaced transmission sensor, problem has not been solved. I have had car checked out at dealership, but the problem is random, and they have not duplicated it. Has been happeining randomly for last few months, at least a couple times every time the car is driven to work--23 miles one way. Must push the break as hard as possible to keep car from lunging when the problem occurs.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Hyundai Accent. Whenever making turns the vehicle will slightly loose power. Also whenever the vehicle was shifted into reverse it would still move forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealership , and the technician concluded that the transmission needed to be replaced. The current mileage is 94000, failure mileage was at 98000. Updated 12/07/09 the consumer stated this is the second transmission that has been installed in the vehicle. Updated 12/09/09.
April of 2008 our used 2002 Hyundai accents transmission failed. The car was out of warranty. We went to a local dealer to get a replacement and a "refurbished" one was put in. The replacement has now failed 4 months after the 1 -year warranty deadline. How is it possible that this company can make such bad transmissions ? No recalls to my knowledge have been awarded. As a safety issue the transmission would stall and drop into 80 km safe mode this is a canadian bought vehicle.
Dt*: the consumer stated on November 21, 2003 at 46,856 miles the original transmission was replaced; now the second transmission is failing. The failure caused the vehicle to shift hard from low gear to the high gear. While driving at speeds of 10 to 20 MPH, it takes longer to shift from first to second gear. There is a vibration when shifting occurs. The manufacturer and dealership have been contacted and determined the transmission needs to be replaced again.
Pulled into the parking lot. I went to put it in park, but the car would only go in reverse. I was going forward in drive at the time. It started going in reverse. No matter what gear I tried, it would only go in reverse. I couldn't turn off the car. I kept trying to put it in park and eventually it worked. This car is not safe to drive. There are thousands of complaints about this same problem on line. I don't understand why this has not been recalled.
While driving 55 MPH, suddenly there was a popping noise from the front end of the vehicle. When this occurred the vehicle jerk forward and the motor locked up. This almost resulted in the vehicle flipping over. The clutch had blown up, which caused the motor to lock up. The cause of the clutch blowing up is undetermined.
While attempting to merge with traffic at 50 MPH consumer depressed the accelerator which became stuck, and the vehicle did not respond. Engine revved, but there was no acceleration. Vehicle was nearly rear ended on three occasions. This vehicle had three transmissions replaced since 7-2-2003.
Horn has broken 3 times in the last 7 months. Clutch went at 11,000 miles. Windshield wipers broke at 11,000 miles. Rear brakes need to be taken apart and cleaned because of excessive dirt/road material getting into brakes. Gas mileage poor since 9,000 miles.
Transmission complaints in other Accent years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Hyundai Accent?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Hyundai Accent, 18% of the model year's 134 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Hyundai Accent transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2002 Hyundai Accent, though it has 1 recall 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 2002 Hyundai Accent transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.