2018 Hyundai Accent Safety Report
2018 Hyundai Accent: Low Complaint Volume, But Significant Engine Issues and Fire Reports Raise Safety Concerns
AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Hyundai Accent
Reliability Score
The 2018 Hyundai Accent receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2018 Hyundai Accent
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Hyundai Accent:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excessive Oil Consumption/Engine Failure Multiple complaints detail the engine consuming excessive amounts of oil, leading to low oil warnings, stalling, and eventual engine failure. Owners report needing to add oil frequently. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Vehicle Fires (Electrical/Unknown Origin) Four separate complaints report vehicle fires, with at least two attributed to electrical components (e.g., brake lights in the trunk) and others to unknown causes originating from the hood. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Trunk Latch Malfunction The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing it from opening or closing properly, as addressed by a recall. Owners report the trunk failing to close or opening unexpectedly. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Alignment Issues/Vehicle Pulling Owners report the vehicle pulling to one side, particularly at highway speeds, despite multiple alignment attempts and tire rotations. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Hyundai Accent:
Excessive oil consumption, stalling, engine failure, and rough idling/jerking are frequently reported.
Issues include battery draining, backup camera malfunction, and electrical components leading to vehicle fires.
Trunk latch malfunction, preventing proper closing or opening, as per recall.
Water intrusion into car doors during/after rain.
Passenger airbag not enabled light illuminating with seat pillow use.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Hyundai Accent
Is the 2018 Hyundai Accent safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Hyundai Accent has a low overall complaint count (17 total), but a concerning pattern of engine failures due to excessive oil consumption (6 complaints) and multiple vehicle fires (4 complaints), some attributed to electrical issues. There is also one recall for a trunk latch defect. NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for this model year, making it difficult to assess crashworthiness. The presence of significant engine issues and fire risks suggests notable safety concerns despite the low complaint volume.
What are common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Accent?
The most reported issues for the 2018 Hyundai Accent are related to the ENGINE (35% of complaints), specifically excessive oil consumption leading to engine failure and stalling. Other common problems include vehicle fires (4 reports), trunk latch malfunctions (covered by a recall), alignment issues causing the vehicle to pull, and electrical system problems like battery drain and backup camera malfunctions.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Accent?
Yes, the 2018 Hyundai Accent has one recall (NHTSA ID: 20V746000) concerning the LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing it from opening, which could trap a person inside and increase the risk of injury.
How reliable is the 2018 Hyundai Accent's engine?
The reliability of the 2018 Hyundai Accent's engine appears to be a significant concern. Six out of 17 total complaints to NHTSA are related to the engine, with multiple reports of excessive oil consumption, stalling, and engine failure, even at relatively low mileages. This suggests a potential widespread issue with engine durability.
What should I look out for when buying a used 2018 Hyundai Accent?
When considering a used 2018 Hyundai Accent, pay close attention to the engine. Ask for service records related to oil consumption, engine repairs, or any stalling issues. Check for any signs of electrical problems or past fire damage. Ensure the trunk latch recall has been addressed, and test the trunk's functionality. Also, be aware of potential alignment issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the significant reports of engine issues, including excessive oil consumption and fires, proceed with caution. Thoroughly inspect the engine's condition, review maintenance records, and ensure all recalls, especially the trunk latch, have been completed before purchase.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Hyundai Accent
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Hyundai Accent. The data includes 17 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.