2003 Hyundai Accent: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 37 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (41% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
37
owner complaints
1
fire reports
35,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Among the quietest Accent years (#27 of 28 by complaints, age-adjusted)No recall campaignsWeak spot: air bags (41%)1 fire reportProblems reported early (median 35,000 mi)
Common problems
Computed from 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)41% · 15 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)16% · 6 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)8% · 3 complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)5% · 2 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)5% · 2 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)5% · 2 complaints
“The passenger seatbelt airbag sensor wire was caught and cut in normal use of the car, while it was under warranty. When I brought it in, they said that it was not covered under warranty, and so we have taken it to a 3rd party mechanic to fix it. When he ordered the replacement part through hyundai, the replacement part has alterations which fix the problem that caused the issue. So they know about the problem but won't fix it. When it is broken the car doesn't know that there is a passenger in the car and so the airbag would never go off.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 hyundai accent. While driving 55 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower control arm fractured due to excessive corrosion. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the driver's side rear lower control arm fractured also, due to excessive corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. Updated 12/03/15*lj *cn”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 hyundai accent. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 167,763.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 hyundai accent gl (na). The contact stated that while fueling the vehicle, the fuel shot back out. She had to constantly stop and restart pumping gas to avoid the failure. The failure began december 2010 and occurred every time the vehicle was fueled. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 112,937.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 hyundai accent. The contact stated that while filling the fuel tank, the fuel spilled out onto the ground. The contact also stated that the it took 51 clicks to fill his tank and it was not eco-friendly. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer but not diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 18,250.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2010
“2003 hyundai accent, 85k miles oil pan leaks, rusted through hole (dealer confirmed), lost 3 qt oil within 2500 miles. Purchased new in 2003. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2008
“2003 hyundai accent. Right headlight doesn't work. I replaced the headlight two or three times, however it still doesn't work. Wiring harness is in a position that the wire is too tight and can't be adjusted or repaired. Not sufficient slack in wiring harness. *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2007
“I was taking my kids out of town for the holiday, we stopped at a rest area in indiana, left rest stop proceeded to proper speed hit a deer and airbags did not deploy. Car is a wreck and beyond repair, seeking a lawyer to see what possible actions can be taken. Could've lost my kids because of the airbags did not work properly. *jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20 mph on dry asphalt roads, the brake warning light illuminated constantly, followed closely by tightness in the steering. Shortly thereafter, the engine stalled and shut off. The vehicle was not seen by a dealer following the incident.”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2006
“In a frontal impact at approx. 35 mph our air bags did not deploy in our 2003 hyundai accent 2dr hatchback. The car was totaled, my husband and I both went to the hospital afterwards with severe bruising and swelling. We still have back pains and stomach pains from the impact. The insurance co. Is still investigating the fault, but don't seem concerned about the air bag failure. I contacted hyundai usa and they've sent me a package so they can learn about and investigate the issue. *nm”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 14 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
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Is the 2003 Hyundai Accent reliable?
NHTSA has 37 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Hyundai Accent. The most complained-about area is air bags (41% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Hyundai Accent problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 35,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.