Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6 | 35% | 0 miles |
| 2021 | 2 | 13% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2019 | 2 | 6% | 54,000 miles |
| 2018 | 3 | 16% | 48,000 miles |
| 2017 | 9 | 13% | 58,000 miles |
| 2016 | 26 | 25% | 48,000 miles |
| 2015 | 10 | 14% | 25,000 miles |
| 2014 | 5 | 6% | 87,000 miles |
| 2013 | 18 | 13% | 70,000 miles |
| 2012 | 24 | 16% | 60,000 miles |
| 2011 | 10 | 26% | 64,000 miles |
| 2010 | 12 | 14% | 52,000 miles |
| 2009 | 9 | 9% | 75,000 miles |
| 2008 | 8 | 8% | 55,000 miles |
| 2007 | 8 | 9% | 72,000 miles |
| 2006 | 2 | 5% | 86,000 miles |
| 2005 | 7 | 14% | 97,000 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 6% | 85,000 miles |
| 2003 | 3 | 8% | 15,000 miles |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% | 18,000 miles |
| 2001 | 6 | 5% | 125,000 miles |
| 2000 | 8 | 9% | 76,000 miles |
| 1999 | 3 | 5% | 15,000 miles |
| 1998 | 8 | 17% | 50,000 miles |
| 1997 | 6 | 11% | — |
| 1996 | 4 | 4% | — |
| 1995 | 11 | 8% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I was driving my 2022 Hyundai Accent (VIN [redacted] ) when the brakes suddenly failed without warning. When I pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not slow down properly resultina in a crash Immediately after the crash, the vehicle caught fire According to the fire department report, the fire originated in the engine compartment and was classified as unintentional/ accidental There were no prior warning lights or known brake issues before this incident. The failure was sudden and unexpected. This incident raises serious safetv concerns regarding a potential defect involving the braking system and/or electrical components. The vehicle is currently preserved and available for inspection
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving, the odometer was registering more miles than she had traveled. While driving, the rear-view camera erroneously activated. The instrument cluster light was bright during the daytime but was extremely dim at night. Additionally, there was static detected from the radio. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was test driven. The contact was that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred her to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 400.
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.
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. …
I have already submitted a report here and never had any follow up and I don't see it in the reported complaints section of this website with newer incidents already showing so I know it isn't that there is a back log. my car caught on fire while I was in the car, asleep. I have reports from the fire department, I have struggled with Hyundai for months and ultimately was denied any assistance due to I was missing one of two service records. the fire report clearly stated that fire started in the cabin of the car not the engine so a lack of an oil change shouldn't have been the reason this happened. this event has traumatized me and continues to be an enormous burden on me and my family and their lack of caring is beyond disheartening. I easily could have died that day, by all accounts I should have. …
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Hyundai Accent. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 115,000. It was later discovered upon checking the Carfax Report, that the mileage was 176,504.
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. …
The instrumental panel suddenly malfunctioned the abs, airbag, and check engine lights illuminated, and the speedometer dropped to zero. The instrumental panel returned to normal, but the mileage range reset to 0. This was while I was traveling on a highway going 70mph. While it did not cause an accident this time, it was very upsetting. Further it is concerning that there was a recall on the 2014 Hyundai Accent for wiring issues that could cause a fire in the engine also referred to as an intermittent. We had the car inspected and nothing was found to be wrong with the battery/alternator or starter and nothing we could do in regular maintenance to ensure the safety of this vehicle. Note the mileage of this vehicle is 108k which is interesting considering the powertrain warranty was for 100k miles.
Related recalls (1)
Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
The engine control module wiring harness under the instrument panel can be contacted by the clutch pedal assembly when the clutch is engaged.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine control wiring harness to determine if it has been damaged and reposition the harness so that contact with the clutch pedal lever will not occur.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Accent years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (26), 2012 (24), 2013 (18), 2010 (12) and 1995 (11) model years. Electrical complaints make up 25% of all complaints for the 2016.
Is there a recall for Hyundai Accent electrical problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 95V-043 (interior/under dash, Mar 3, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Hyundai Accent electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles; 42% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition (12 mentions), followed by the alternator/generator/regulator (8).
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.