2017 Hyundai Accent Safety Report

The 2017 Hyundai Accent presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved respectable 4-star ratings across all NHTSA crash tests (Overall, Frontal, Side, and Rollover), indicating solid performance in controlled crash scenarios, the vehicle's complaint data reveals significant underlying issues. With 66 total complaints, including 8 crashes, 3 fires, and 7 injuries, there are clear concerns beyond its crash test scores. A notable absence of recalls for this model year is concerning, as it suggests that widespread issues identified by consumers have not been addressed through manufacturer-initiated safety campaigns. The most common complaint patterns revolve around the engine and airbags. The engine, with 13 direct complaints and several others linked to 'ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM' or 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE', frequently experiences issues such as sudden loss of power, stalling, misfires, excessive oil consumption, and catalytic converter failures, often leading to engine replacement. Several complaints describe dangerous situations where the vehicle lost power at highway speeds. Airbag system failures are also prominent, with 14 complaints, often citing the passenger side airbag not deploying or the airbag warning light illuminating due to a 'PODS MAT DEFECT', indicating a potential failure to detect occupants or deploy in a crash. Despite its 4-star crash test ratings, the high volume of critical component failures, particularly concerning the engine and airbag systems, raises questions about the vehicle's long-term operational safety and reliability. The lack of recalls to address these recurring and potentially dangerous issues is a significant red flag. Buyers should be aware that while the vehicle performs adequately in crash tests, its propensity for sudden engine failure and airbag system malfunctions could compromise safety in real-world driving conditions.

Our recommendation: Given the high number of critical engine and airbag complaints despite good crash test ratings and no recalls, potential buyers should proceed with caution and ensure a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the engine and airbag systems.