DecodedCars2021 Hyundai Accent
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 120 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 36 combined · 33 city / 41 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 31% better than the average 2021 compact car (27.5 MPG).
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 120 hp, versus about 228 hp for similar 2021 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Hyundai Accent is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 36 MPG combined (33 city / 41 highway), 31% better than the 2021 compact car average of 27.5 MPG, for an estimated $1,850 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 16 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the seat belts.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Accent — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Accent →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2021 Accent configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accent | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 33 / 41 / 36 | +31% | $1,850 | 248 |
| Accent | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 39 / 33 | +20% | $2,050 | 273 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Accent 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.3% |
Similar 2021 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Accent (this car) | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Mazda 3 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Subaru WRX | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Volkswagen Jetta | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (4)
Seat Belts › Front · May 19, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V354000 · 230,233 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Accent, 2021-2022 Elantra, and 2021-2022 Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
- Risk
- An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioner(s) with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 28, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 229. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall numbers 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-218, and 22V-123 for Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles. All Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles already repaired under the previous recalls will need to have the new remedy completed.
Steering › Column · May 6, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V311000 · 2 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Accent vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
- Risk
- Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 226.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Feb 9, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V069000 · 354 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Accent vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
- Risk
- An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 219. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-796. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-354. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Dec 2, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V937000 · 76 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Accent vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
- Risk
- Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 213.
Not every 2021 Hyundai Accent is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Hyundai Accent buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Seat Belts — 6 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Wheels — 5 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Accent. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Accent years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Accent | 36 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 17 |
| 2020 Accent | 36 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 12 |
| 2019 Accent | 32 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 31 |
| 2018 Accent | 32 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 19 |
| 2017 Accent | 31 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 68 |
| 2016 Accent | 31 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 102 |
| 2015 Accent | 31 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 70 |
| 2014 Accent | 31 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 79 |
| 2013 Accent | 32 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 117 |
| 2012 Accent | 32 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 121 |
| 2011 Accent | 30 | 159.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 23 |
| 2010 Accent | 31 | 159.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 41 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →