2008 Hyundai Accent
This year had 30% to 100% more 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 | 38 |
| 2012 | 153 |
| 2013 | 141 |
| 2014 | 79 |
| 2015 | 69 |
| 2016 | 100 |
| 2017 | 68 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 16 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
36% of complaints: air bags — 36 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DAUGHTER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, TOTALED THE FRONT END OF THE CAR AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. AM HIRING AN ATTORNEY. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20150430
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH THE VEHICLE CRASHED IN TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120927
I GOT INTO A COLLISION IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA. I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 HYUNDAI ACCENT, I GOT HIT HEAD ON AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. I WAS TURNING AND GOING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THE PERSON WHO HIT ME WAS GOING 35 TO 40 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090107
17% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR SUDDENLY CAME DOWN AND OBSTRUCTED THE CONTACT'S VIEW.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180111
Also filed under STRUCTURE
DRIVERS SIDE SUN VISOR ASSEMBLY DESIGN ALLOWS IT TO FALL DOWN AND FLAP THEREBY CAUSING MYSELF THE DRIVER AND OWNER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. HYUNDAI REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS DEFECT AS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED!!!!!
NHTSA ODI report, 20180110
12% of complaints: service brakes — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASH11% of complaints: exterior lighting — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and turn signal.
8% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing key/sender.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall
Campaign 13V113000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Hyundai Accent — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (36 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V113000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Hyundai Accent reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Hyundai Accent is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Hyundai Accent?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Hyundai Accent have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.