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2013 Hyundai Accent Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Hyundai Accent carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering control unit/module. Owners report 4 recurring issue clusters, led by “Sidewall bubbling on original-equipment Kumho tires.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #23V651000 · Sep 22, 2023

Issue: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Hyundai Accent.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    Action #AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electron…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Sidewall bubbling on original-equipment Kumho tires

TIRES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2015-01

“I HAVE KUMHO SOLUS KH25 TIRES WITH SEVERAL BUBBLES IN (3) OF MY TIRES..MY CAR IS LESS THAN TWO YEARS OLD..WITH A LITTLE OVER 22,500 MILES.THE FIRST BUBBLE I NOTICE, WAS AT MY FIRST SCHEDULED SERVICE..THE DEALER KEEPS TELLING ME ..THAT BECAUSE I HAVE LOW PROFILE TIRES..I WILL BE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10597849
“MY CAR IS A 2013 HYUNDAI WHICH CAME WITH KUHMO SOLUS TIRES... THE TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER A YEAR AND A HALF, BECAUSE ALL FOUR TIRES HAD MULTIPLE BUBBLES ON EACH ONE.. COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER MORE THAN (4) TIMES, TO NO AVAIL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10650343
“I ALSO PURCHASED A 2013 HYUNDAI ACCENT BRAND NEW LESS THAN ONE YEAR LATER HAD 15000 MILES ON IT AND HAD TO REPLACE ALL 4 KUHMO TIRES BECAUSE THEY ALL HAD BUBBLES IN THEM CONTACTED HYUNDAI THEY DID NOT CARE AND DID NOTHING FOR ME!!!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10669490

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake fluid leak and hydraulic brake failure

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

43 NHTSA complaints · 2014-07 → 2026-08

“The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop as intended while the brake pedal was fully depressed. The brake warning light illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11757677
“The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a pedestrian informed her that the vehicle was on fire. The contact saw smoke coming from under the hood. The contact exited the vehicle and an individual with a tow truck approached her with his fire extinguisher”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11593470
“No brake fluid reaching front brake calipers. Technician said it was due to a faulty ABS. Dealership won’t further diagnose and see if it is related to NHTSA Recall Number 23V651000. Front brakes would lock up when moderate pressure applied to brakes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11562330

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine knocking, oil consumption, premature failure

ENGINE

25 NHTSA complaints · 2015-04 → 2025-10

“My 2013 Hyundai Accent with 130K miles is experiencing excessive oil consumption. I'm replacing 1.5+ quarts per month to keep it at the full mark on the dipstick. After some research, it appears that lawsuits and Technical Service Bulletins have been issued to address the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11694030
“The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a knocking sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the check oil light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11498060
“Engine consumes oil which if left unchecked could lead to engine failure. It is well documented that many Hyundai models are experiencing excessive oil consumption. My daughter's vehicle fortunately warned through the oil pressure light that there was an issue. Back in Dec 2021”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11484901

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags failed to deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

12 NHTSA complaints · 2013-07 → 2019-08

“WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN THE STOP LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SPUN AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD, NECK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11111223
“I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT ON OCTOBER 14, 2013 WHERE I STRUCK A DEER HEAD ON AT 50MPH AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WROTE TO HYUNDAI AND COMPLAINED, AND AFTER THEIR "INVESTIGATION", THEY DETERMINED THAT I WAS NOT ENTITLED TO ANY ASSISTANCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10556796
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10903354

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

103 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

16

complaints mentioning a crash

9

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Hyundai Accent reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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