1996 Hyundai Accent: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 101 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (22% of complaints); the 1997 and 1998 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2002
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 hyundai accent. The contact stated that while the driver was traveling 65 mph, the lower control arm failed, the tire turned sideways into the fender and the vehicle dropped to the ground. The vehicle was towed his residence. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and referenced recall 02v341000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm) but was informed that the vehicle was not included. The current and failure mileages were approximately 120,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 hyundai accent. While driving 15 mph, the contact lost control of the vehicle and it stopped suddenly. The suspension split in half due to corrosion and the lower control arm collapsed. He was able to place the vehicle in reverse and drove back into his driveway. The manufacturer stated that they were unaware of NHTSA campaign id number 02v341000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower arm). The contact stated that he would replace some of the parts and would take the vehicle to the dealer for additional repairs. The current and failure mileages were 109,477. Updated 03/06/08. *lj”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated, the service dealer refused to honor recall # 02v341000 for the front lower control arm. The vehicle was inspected in august of 2003. The front lower control arm on the right side was replaced in 2005 and the left side front lower control arm was replaced in august 8, 2006, at the owners expense. The manufacturer and service dealer determined there was no recall in the company database. The contact showed the service dealer a copy of the recall letter.”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was being repaired for other recalls, upon inspection it was discovered the front coil springs and upper mounting brackets were cracked. There is NHTSA recall # 98v245000, regarding the front coil springs. The front coil springs were replaced under recall in 1999 however the recall did not correct the problem. The vehicle is having the same problems again. The manufacturer has been alerted and no repairs have been made.”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2006
“Manual transmission fails to shift into 2nd gear, 4th gear, or reverse. (into any of the down shifting positions) there seems to be no pattern to predict when this problem will appear. I've experienced problems on surface streets, freeways, and when just starting the car or mid trip. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2005
“Consumer received recall notice 98v245000 concerning front coil spring. The driver took vehicle to the dealership, and mechanic told consumer that he could not fix it due to the struts being corroded.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2003
“My car with VIN: [xxx] has the problems specified in recall #02v341000 lower control arm. The lower control arm has broken when turning the steering wheel. I checked with the manufacturer at 1 800 633 5151 and they said that the recall does not apply to this vehicle. However, the car meets all the conditions as described on the recall description:the car was made in the period stated in recall and is owned in the applicable regions.*ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2003
“I have a 1996 hyundia accent ,I have had to replace the drivers side door handle 3 times. The first time the dealer said he would have to order one ,but this last time he had plenty in stock ,he said he keeps a good stock because so many break.this would be a safety hazard if you were in a wreck and could not get out. In louisiana you can not get an inspection sticker with out this handle in working order.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Apr 2003
“The vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in recall #02v341000 lower control arm, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. *jb the vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in recall #02v341000 lower control arm, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. Consumer included receipt from previous repairs. *mr”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2003
“The lower control arm on the passenger side completely rusted out causing me to lose control. This was probably caused by the salt used on roads during winter.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 17 of these complaints and injuries in 14 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. DURING WINTER MONTHS, THE ROAD SALT USED TO DE-ICE ROADS CAN RESULT IN CORROSION THAT CAUSES PITS TO FORM ON THE LOWER COIL OF THE FRONT SPRINGS ALLOWING CRACKS TO DEVELOP. THIS CAN RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF THE LOWER SPRING COIL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING GUIDE TO PREVENT A BROKEN COIL SPRING FROM CONTACTING AND DAMAGING A TIRE.
THROUGH CONTACT WITH ROAD HAZARDS AND CURBS, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN SHIFT FROM ITS ORIGINAL POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MEMBER ASSEMBLY ATTACHMENT TO THE UNDERBODY.
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WERE CONTAMINATED DURING ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CONTAMINANTS FROM THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER CONTACTS.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. DURING WINTER MONTHS, LARGE QUANTITIES OF SALT ARE USED TO DE-ICE ROADS. THIS ROAD SALT COULD RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ONE OR BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS IF STRUCTURAL DAMAGE HAS OCCURRED. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN ON JUNE 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT HYUNDAI AT 1-800-633-5151.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1996 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Accent by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Hyundai Accent reliable?
NHTSA has 101 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Hyundai Accent. The most complained-about area is suspension (22% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Hyundai Accent problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 86,250 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Hyundai Accent have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front:springs:coil springs. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.