1998 Hyundai Accent
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 2 |
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1995 | 142 |
| 1996 | 101 |
| 1997 | 55 |
| 1998 | 47 |
| 1999 | 61 |
| 2000 | 92 |
| 2001 | 112 |
| 2002 | 134 |
| 2003 | 37 |
| 2004 | 33 |
| 2005 | 49 |
| 2006 | 43 |
| 2007 | 88 |
| 2008 | 101 |
| 2009 | 101 |
| 2010 | 87 |
| 2011 | 37 |
| 2012 | 152 |
| 2013 | 140 |
| 2014 | 78 |
| 2015 | 69 |
| 2016 | 99 |
| 2017 | 67 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2019 | 29 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 16 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
21% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 10 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
NHTSA RECALL 00V314001 FUEL TANK; EASTRIDGE AUTO PLEX IN CASPER WY., THE CONSUMER WAS ASKED TO MAKE 2 TRIPS, ONE TRIP FOR INSPECTING THE FUEL TANK AND IF IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT WHICH TIME IT WOULD BE ORDERED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020925
WHILE DRIVING WAS SMELLING GAS COMING FROM VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE CHECKED BY MECHANIC, WHO COULD NOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. CONSUMER VERY UPSET BECAUSE RECEIVED A FOLLOW-UP RECALL LETTER 00V314001 REGARDING LEAK IN FUEL TANK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020910
17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETER STATING IF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES IF A CRACK DEVELOPES IN FUEL TANK. CONSUMER STATES LIGHT WAS ON PRIOR TO RECEIVING LETTER. DEALER STATED THEY WERE CHARGING FOR HER FOR CHECKING THE ENGINE LIGHT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021002
13% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WAS DRIVING VEHICLE & LOST CONTROL. HIT A DITCH HEAD-N. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. VEHICLE ROLLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE STOPPING. VEHICLE WAS DECLARED TOTALED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000718
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FUSE BOX DID NOT HAVE THE AIRBAG FUSE IN PLACE. MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990805
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
FUEL TANK CRACKING
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ACCENT GT MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DOHC ENGINES MANUFACTURED FROM DECEMBER 19, 1996 THROUGH JUNE 30, 1997; 1998 ACCENT MODEL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 6, 1997 THROUGH JU
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PRESSURE CHECK THE VEHICLE'S FUEL TANK TO DETERMINE IF IT HAS CRACKED. IF IT IS CRACKED, A NEW FUEL TANK WILL BE INSTALLED. A NEW FUEL FILLER CAP THAT DECREASES THE AMOUNT OF VACUUM INSI
Campaign 00V314001 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Hyundai Accent — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V314001 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Hyundai Accent reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Hyundai Accent is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Hyundai Accent?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Hyundai Accent have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.