Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Hyundai Accent owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated she noticed a knocking sound in the engine. She checked the oil level and noticed that the oil level was low. The contact was able to top off the oil. Several years later the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that fuel was mixing with the engine oil. The upstream sensor was replaced. The mechanic also stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light and oil warning light illuminated, and the vehicle would shake, vibrate, and drive rough. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the engine oil was very low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test and changed the spark plugs; however, the failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 92,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Accent. The contact's son stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the engine started knocking. The contact pulled over and refilled the engine with oil and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,348.
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud knocking sound coming from underneath the hood. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
The engine failed and requires a full engine replacement. The vehicle is currently at ALM Hyundai West, 1990 Thornton Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, and is available for inspection upon request. Hyundai Motor America has already approved the engine replacement under a goodwill authorization, implicitly confirming the failure is manufacturer-related. The engine failure left the vehicle undrivable, forcing me to operate rental vehicles and arrange multiple tows across three dealerships over nearly two years. An engine failure at under 100,000 miles on a well-maintained vehicle poses a direct safety risk a sudden engine failure while driving at highway or city speeds could result in loss of vehicle control, creating a serious risk of collision for the driver and other road users.Yes. …
In 2019, the car started losing oil. Not realizing it was still under warranty, twice I took it to my mechanic and they replaced the valve cover gasket, December 2019 and August 2020. It never resolved and then realized it was still under warranty. Took it to the dealership November 2020 and they found the oil was leaking from a timing cover and claimed it was fixed. It appeared so at first, but then the trouble continued but we just dealt with it. Saturday, October 28, 2023, my husband was driving up a hill and the engine almost seized. He luckily got home ok and we checked the oil and it was empty! He had just put a quart in two days earlier. sometimes the oil light goes on but not always so we always have to stay on top of it. …
2016 Hyundai Accent only has approximately 132,000 miles and needs a new engine. Three different mechanic shops (one being a Hyundai dealership) looked at the vehicle and determined that it needed a new engine due to engine knock in lower end of engine. Car was well maintained and serviced regularly. Engine light came on intermittently but never stayed on to get a code. In early January 2022, engine started to have a loud knock and then codes were P0011, P0014, and P0420. Bank 1 problem, Bank 2 problem, and possible exhaust leak. Decided to change VVT (or oil control valve) and the old one had silver shavings on it (probably aluminum). Shavings possibly from piston slapping and causing wear or camshaft bearing wearing. After reading online I have seen that this has been a common problem with the Hyundai vehicles between years 2015-2017 but the Accent is not on the recall list yet.
I Dont no why but my Engine will randomly stall out even in the middle of making a.left or a right-hand turn and it's scary when I a.m. at an intersection intersection and I doll out then I have to shut my car off completely turn it back on and pump the gas. Till it starts . few days later my warning lights came on the meters and lights shot up quick and. Then the car shut down I was so freaked out my husband took it to the dealer ship they stated it was. A tire valve sensor they claimed to have checked all the fluids which i no was not the oil was burnt when i got out and checked old oil they want me to pay before they can repair but tire valve is not the #1 because i had another shop change. Out the stem these random occurrences happen today and warning lights still on. I read these sensor re covered upto 100,000 miles.
2016 Hyundai Accent SE 86,000 Miles. My car has no acceleration I don't get on the highway due to This issue. It feels like the car is Going to stop but it doesn't. I have To put the drive pedal to floor. To get desired speed. Also I have to put oil in the care Weekly. Even after a oil change No oil is leaking to the eye. I ride around with oil in my Car. Hyundai has been ineffective With any help the service manager Say alot Hyundai McDonough Ga The service manager said he Would do a diagnostic test When i get to the dealership At appointment time. That when He change everything around So Hyundai absolutely suck. No check engine light come on Due to my financial situation Im unable to pay the high fees For a diagnostic test. So i keep Oil in the car and don't get on The highway.....
Engine complaints in other Accent years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2016 Hyundai Accent?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2016 Hyundai Accent, 32% of the model year's 102 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Hyundai Accent engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2016 Hyundai Accent. 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 2016 Hyundai Accent engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.