Most common 2005 Hyundai Accent problems
Share of the 49 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 →
2005 Hyundai Accent recalls (1)
Exterior lighting
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch free of charge. The recall began on September 2, 2009. Owners May contact Hyundai of puerto rico customer service at 1-787-999-4310.
What 2005 Hyundai Accent owners say
Lights
The contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a vehicle nearby informed the contact that the rear driver's and passenger's side brake lights were inoperable. The contact continued driving to the residence. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle and replaced the rear light bulbs however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Takata recall.. For some reason my brake lights turn on without me pressing the brakes everytime that happens my steering wheel locks on me ive had to change my disk and caliber on my car in only a week 3 times because for some reason its been scratching my brakes and rotors and it messed up a brand new rotors and caliber my car has been sitting for a week now because im not able to drive it because not even the mecanic knows whats wrong with it (this is the link to images (https://photos.app.goo.gl/3xcwpxp4t7qrvplq8)
Transmission & drivetrain
Vehicle would not shift from park to drive. Brake lights didn't illuminate. Vehicle towed to local garage, where it was determined the brake light switch was defective. 30 minutes and $80.00 later the problem was remedied. Hyundai has had multiple recalls of their brake light switches, but each time the apply the recall to a very narrow selection of models, of which this aforementioned vehicle is not included. Stranding a 19 y/o girl in a dark parking lot at 9:30 at night could have resulted in a less favorable outcome. How many other unfortunates suffer because of a failure on the part of Hyundai to step up and fix an inexpensive part.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Accent. While driving at an unknown speed, the engine rpms surged, the vehicle shook, and the transmission failed to shift into the correct gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,000.
Brakes
I was traveling (and likely slightly braking) on a highway off-ramp when I suddenly lost control of my vehicle. It felt like the right front wheel seized up, and then the steering column and dash started violently shaking and the car fish-tailed around. I crashed into a concrete barricade and ending up facing oncoming traffic -- which could have killed me and the driver of the oncoming vehicle, who also ended up crashing. Weather / visibility and road conditions were clear and dry, and there were no apparent o structions in the roadway. After the crash, the wheels moved normally again and looked unaffected.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while traveling at various speeds, the brakes seized and smoke emitted from the wheels. The contact also mentioned that the brake lights failed to illuminate when the brake pedal was depressed. In addition, the vehicle intermittently failed to shift out of park. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the master cylinder and stop lamp switch was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number 09V280000 (exterior lighting). The failure mileage was 20,680.
2005 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 | 25 / 30 / 27 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 32 / 26 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 32 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Hyundai Accent a good car?
Based on 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Accent rates better than average: 56% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Accent at the same age. 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 2005 Hyundai Accent?
The lights — 15 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about brake lights. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (13) and brakes (11).
How many recalls does the 2005 Hyundai Accent have?
There is 1 recall for the 2005 Hyundai Accent, the most recent from July 21, 2009 (exterior lighting). 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 2005 Hyundai Accent problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 44% 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.