2018 Hyundai Accent Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

The 2018 Hyundai Accent has been hailed as a cost-effective means of transportation, but the automaker also claims that the new models are a “compact that’s big on style.” However, style might be all this vehicle has going for it because the engine, structure and electrical system all appear to be faulty.

Problems with the Engine

No one expects that the 2018 Hyundai Accent engine is going to be a powerhouse, but it should be reliable enough to get from one place to another. However, that’s not the case.

One Edmunds review states, “At about 140 miles, the car started running rough and the Check Engine light came on. It felt like the car was running on two cylinders. I pushed in the clutch and revved the engine, and the problem seemed to clear up. But as I continued driving, there were occasional surges. Then, on an uphill, the car felt like it was missing. We managed to get home, and had the car towed to the dealer. They replaced the spark plugs. I’m not sure what kind of spark plugs last only 140 miles, but I hope the replacements are of higher quality.”

Aside from spark plug problems, this 2018 Hyundai Accent also suffers from bigger issues. Service Bulletin #5NP-P4Y7D-08 states that the Check Engine Light might come on, requiring a replacement speed sensor or oil pressure harness to correct the problem. As with the spark plugs, everyone hopes that the replacement parts are of higher quality than the originals. With Hyundai only focusing on style, it’s not likely.

Problems with the Structure

The style of a car is only as good as the structure underneath it. With the 2018 Hyundai Accent, it’s clear that this design wasn’t well thought out.

Another Edmunds user says, “In 2019 my husband and I bought a 2018 Hyundai Accent used with 32,000 miles on it. We’ve had it for almost a year and 1/2 and we just hit 77,000 miles. Within the first 2 weeks we got the car the front left bumper popped out of place. We’ve had the clip replaced 3 times now and it pops right back out after 2 or 3 days.”

Additionally, Hyundai knows that there are serious problems with the lighting of the 2018 Hyundai Accent. Service Bulletin #20-BD-014H points out that the headlamps, daytime running lamp, fog lamp and rear combination lamp can all suffer from excessive condensation. Hyundai does do one thing right – it uniformly installs bad or defective parts on vehicles. At least there is continuity.

Problems with the Electrical System

The 2018 Hyundai Accent might not have all of the bells and whistles of a luxury car, but the electrical system still has a big job to perform. If this system doesn’t run right, the drive can be downright unbearable.

That’s what is shown with this Edmunds review. “For the past 2 months the A/C has been flickering off and on while we are riding down the road or just sitting with the car [cranked] up and the air on.”

When it comes to electrical system problems, Hyundai has chosen not to release any significant bulletins. It seems that the automaker feels it might be best to simply ignore the situations and hope that customers don’t notice. The company seems to underestimate those driving its cars, assuming that all they care about is the “style.”

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work aid your lemon at no cost to you. The law makes Hyundai pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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