2018 Hyundai Accent Problems & Complaints

Better than average67% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Accent at the same age

Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 2018 Hyundai Accent with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 67% fewer than a typical Accent model year at the same age, making the 2018 one of the better Accent years. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (8 complaints, typically around 0 miles). One recall covers this model year.

19complaints
1recalls
0crashes
4fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2018 Hyundai Accent problems

  • Engine & cooling~0 miles
    842%
  • Electrical system~48,000 miles
    316%
  • Other / not specified
    316%
  • Body & structure~0 miles
    211%
  • Brakes
    211%
  • Air bags~1,000 miles
    15%
  • Locks & latches~3,000 miles
    15%
  • Fuel & propulsion system
    15%
  • Lights
    15%
  • Suspension
    15%

Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Hyundai Accent complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’2214210156476192112134373349438810110187381531417970102681931121617
Owner complaints per model year, Hyundai Accent. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Accent years: 2020, 2018, 2021. Years to avoid: 2012, 1995, 2002, 1996. Compare all years →

2018 Hyundai Accent recalls (1)

Latches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › Latch

NHTSA recall 21V-619 · Aug 6, 2021 · 348,158 vehicles

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Sonata, 2016-2018 Sonata Hybrid, 2018-2020 Accent, and 2016-2017 Azera vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 208.

What 2018 Hyundai Accent owners say

Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, with the check engine and the low oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,801. The VIN was not available.

145,000 miles · May 2025

My 2018 Hyundai Accent had to recalls when purchased with a auto loan January 2021, In June 2021 the vehicle caught fire and exploded in the motion. Vehicle had been serviced for brake rear drums, 2 diagnostics before June. Fire department ruled fire as electrical.

Jun 2021 · fire · 1 injury

Electrical system

My 2018 Hyundai Accent caught fire in motion on the way to get gas on June 21, 2021. The car had no recalls and no electrical issues prior to the explosion. Fire department ruled the accident as electrical, I had the vehicle for 6 months. A loud explosion sound came from the hood, it started smoking and we pulled the car off the road, moments later it caught fire and created an explosion spreading from the hood to the back of the car. Because i dont have a car, I had temporarily close my small online business, this has been a nightmare.

Jun 2021 · fire

The system that malfunctioned was the brake light(s) and/or electrical components which started a fire in the trunk of my car on 2 separate occasions. On one of the occasions, the top break light in my trunk apparently blew out without my knowledge, it wasn't until my two kids in the backseat started to smell smoke that I pulled over and tried to figure out where the smoke was coming from. When I opened my trunk, I noticed the top break light had burned through the encasement and the wiring was dangling in my trunk which caught a plastic bag on fire. On another occasion, it burned part of a brand-new rug before I caught it in time. I was told by two separate auto mechanics that for some reason the electrical current running through the wiring to the light bulbs is what caused it. When I brought it into Hyundai, they acted like it was no big deal. …

Oct 2020 · fire

2018 Hyundai Accent engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
1.6L 4-cyl6-speed automaticFWD28 / 38 / 32
1.6L 4-cyl6-speed manualFWD28 / 37 / 31

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Hyundai Accent a good car?

Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Accent rates better than average: 67% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Accent at the same age. It is one of the best Accent years by this measure. 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 2018 Hyundai Accent?

The engine & cooling — 8 complaints, 42% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (3) and body & structure (2).

How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Accent have?

There is 1 recall for the 2018 Hyundai Accent, the most recent from August 6, 2021 (latch). 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 2018 Hyundai Accent problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 1,000 miles; 86% 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.