2016 HYUNDAI ACCENT Engine Problems

31 complaints about Engine

31
Complaints
1
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Deaths

High Severity Issue

This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.

This Problem Across All Years

All Engine Complaints (31)

Dec 15, 2025 Fire

I was driving up a hill on interstate 8 in California and all of a sudden i heard a bang under the hood and see sparks and flames and my hyundai was on fire right there on the freeway. No clue why.

Dec 2, 2025

Engine is failing, oil leaking in the engine that messed up my catalytic converter and O2 sensors now it’s just sluggish , doesn’t accelerate properly, doesn’t idle nearly .

Oct 2, 2025

The vehicle made a loud catastrophic noises stopped running and couldn’t be restarted. Towed car to dealership where it was inspected and denied coverage based on owner not original owner. This 1.6L Gamma GDI Engine is part of the larger Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II (Case No. 8:18-cv-02223). The settlement provides a 15-year/150,000-mile extended warranty for said engine.

Jun 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Mileage: 180,000

Feb 1, 2025 Fire

The report does not specify the exact component that failed, but the fire originated under the hood of the 2016 Hyundai Accent. The vehicle and related documentation, including the fire department report, insurance claim, and incident photos, are available for review​. The fire under the hood posed a serious safety risk as it occurred while the vehicle was in motion on a busy highway. Fortunately, the driver evacuated safely, but the incident could have resulted in injury or more severe consequences​ of both driver and other drivers traveling. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Due to the extent of the damage caused by the fire, it is unlikely that the issue can be reproduced or thoroughly examined. The vehicle has not been inspected by a mechanic since the incident. The incident was inspected by Chesterfield Fire & EMS (Report No. [XXX]), Chesterfield Police Department arrived on the scene, and an insurance claim is in process. About a week prior to the fire, oil indicator light would flash on and off periodically, unusual noise began, and the engine light came on. At the earliest convenience, the car was taken to a shop for inspection and consultation - with no life threatening concerns or mechanical damages reported. The day of and right before the fire, there was a loud noise and immediate smoke. The exact timing of the believed ignition of the fire started around [XXX] with the fire in full flames by [XXX] on [XXX]​.

Oct 23, 2024

My 2016 Hyundai accent engine has all of sudden stop working and i have explained to multiple shops and my insurance that i was deployed for a whole year and the car was driving fine and once I came back it just wouldn’t crank. Two Hyundai shops informed me that the engine is locked up but neither shop provided a thorough investigation as to why this has happened. There were two-three major hurricanes in Texas where it was stored while I was deployed in Kuwait and Iraq from march 2023- march 2024 as well as another hurricane in Georgia where i am currently located now which happened September 2024. The engine is locked with no explanation as to how and a Hyundai representative by the name of don who provided the goodwill repair on July 09 2024 and i had it towed to Hyundai in Marietta and they looked and provided the same explanation that the engine is locked and to get it replaced with no detailed reasoning why. My safety has been at risk due to driving across states and town to get this vehicle serviced properly and causing mental anguish and depression as I am not able to get to where I need to go everyday which is causing friction in relationship and I am missing important events. I emailed the CEO Randy Parker and his executive assistant Amanda has done nothing but further deny the goodwill with no explanation on how, why, what, when. No, the problem was not confirmed as again it was no detail reasoning behind how the engine locked when it was working fine before returning from overseas. The vehicle was inspected by the local Hyundai dealerships in Killeen Texas and another in Marietta, GA and only inspected by one adjuster recently on October 10, 2024. There was no check engine illuminated in the car once I returned from overseas as it has not been driven much. There is still no check engine light illuminated even after all the shops checking. To make this right, I would like for Hyundai (HMUSA) to honor the goodwill REPAIR and or REPLACEMENT of the engine.

Aug 20, 2024

Component/System Failure: The component that has malfunctioned is the engine. This issue is critical and affects the vehicle's overall performance. The malfunctioning engine is available for inspection upon request, and I am willing to facilitate this inspection to substantiate my claim. Safety Risk: The engine's failure poses a significant safety risk, including potential engine stalling or loss of power while driving, which could lead to accidents or collisions. The ongoing issue has compromised my safety and that of other road users. Confirmation of the Problem: The problem has been confirmed by [Dealership Name/Independent Service Center]. They have verified the engine issue and noted it in their service records. I can provide documentation from this service center upon request. Inspection by Manufacturer or Others: The vehicle has been inspected by [Dealership Name] and Hyundai Motor America (HMA) corporate. The problem was also discussed with Hyundai representatives, including Amanda, who is aware of the issue and the relevant maintenance records. There has been no inspection by police or insurance representatives related to this specific issue. Warning Lamps, Messages, or Symptoms: Prior to the engine failure, there were several warning lamps and messages indicating engine problems. These symptoms first appeared on [Date of First Warning], giving preliminary notice of the impending failure. Despite these warnings, the necessary repairs or goodwill intervention were not provided. Given the seriousness of the situation and the impact on my daily life, including the necessity to use rental cars, take time off work, and travel extensively, I request the following: Immediate Approval of Goodwill Repair: Reassess and approve the goodwill repair for the engine issue based on the accurate maintenance records provided. Compensation for Inconvenience: Compensation for time off work, rental car costs, travel expenses, and emotional distress caused by this situation.

Nov 2, 2023

In 2019, the car started losing oil. Not realizing it was still under warranty, twice I took it to my mechanic and they replaced the valve cover gasket, December 2019 and August 2020. It never resolved and then realized it was still under warranty. Took it to the dealership November 2020 and they found the oil was leaking from a timing cover and claimed it was fixed. It appeared so at first, but then the trouble continued but we just dealt with it. Saturday, October 28, 2023, my husband was driving up a hill and the engine almost seized. He luckily got home ok and we checked the oil and it was empty! He had just put a quart in two days earlier. sometimes the oil light goes on but not always so we always have to stay on top of it. I looked up to see if there were any recalls going on and saw there is a petition for one for quite a few models of Hyundais and Kias with the exact same problem as my Accent. I'm writing with the hopes that the 2016 Hyundai Accent will be included as so far we've been lucky that it hasn't seized while on the highway or on a side road.

Aug 23, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud knocking sound coming from underneath the hood. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

Mileage: 116,000

Aug 4, 2023

At 100,000mi the piston rod bearings failed. We have kept up with oil changes, etc. so this is very strange. It seems to be a common problem with Hyundai GDi engines, but our engine (1.6L Non-turbo) is not part of the massive recall/lawsuit for this exact issue on 2.0L cars. Clearly the same design flaw exists for the 1.6L.

Jul 5, 2023

Drinks oil like it's going out of business. car does not leak nor can of make it from one change to the other. i know my jeep had a recall for the same kind of issue and they offered to fix the problem free of charge. don't see why hyundai can't find the issue and do the same for there customers. a motor that Drinks that much oil is not a good nor safe thing when driving on the road.

Jun 20, 2023

My car has had serious oil consumption issues. I cannot make it to recommended oil change date/milage before i am completely out of oil. This has been a reoccurring issue with Hyundai vehicles. I've been informed by serval mechanics it is unsafe to drive as the engine could blow while i am driving. Hyundai engines are notorious for this issue

May 14, 2023

My name is [XXX]. I writing to your office for I feel though I'm riding in a ticking time bomb. I bought a used Hyundai. Every since I've had the car, I'm putting a quart of oil in the car per week. My mechanic said that Hyundai sold me a defective engine. My mechanic asked me, if the oil is not leaking on the ground then where is all that oil going? Also the check engine light constant on, I had it serviced once and do it again. I filed a complaint with Hyundai my claim number #[XXX]. I have talked [XXX] and his phone [XXX] extension [XXX] of Hyundai about the issue. He stated that they are not going to help me. Please investigate my case. All, I want is what I paid for: a dependable and reliable car. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Mar 24, 2023

2016 Hyundai Accent SE 86,000 Miles. My car has no acceleration I don't get on the highway due to This issue. It feels like the car is Going to stop but it doesn't. I have To put the drive pedal to floor. To get desired speed. Also I have to put oil in the care Weekly. Even after a oil change No oil is leaking to the eye. I ride around with oil in my Car. Hyundai has been ineffective With any help the service manager Say alot Hyundai McDonough Ga The service manager said he Would do a diagnostic test When i get to the dealership At appointment time. That when He change everything around So Hyundai absolutely suck. No check engine light come on Due to my financial situation Im unable to pay the high fees For a diagnostic test. So i keep Oil in the car and don't get on The highway.....

Dec 27, 2022

My car stopped accelerating while I was on the expressway. The report shows that my car was in good condition. They later told me that my engine gave out. They told me that several 2016 Hyundai Accents have been having this issue. This needs to be recalled.

Nov 30, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light and oil warning light illuminated, and the vehicle would shake, vibrate, and drive rough. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the engine oil was very low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test and changed the spark plugs; however, the failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 92,000.

Mileage: 92,000

Sep 29, 2022

2016 Accent, 78,000 miles. -Engine makes a loud knocking noise while running. Available to be inspected upon request. -Abrupt engine failure without a warning light could cause an accident depending on location, especially if one needs to pull over on a busy road. -Mechanic confirmed new engine needed, advised reaching out to Hyundai directly. -Not yet inspected by Hyundai directly, police, or insurance representatives. -Check engine light turned on when engine began smoking, no other indications prior.

Sep 19, 2022

The oil stopped flowing as listed in your recall. It caused serious enough damage that I had to purchase a new car. I had to take on $180 more per month due to the problems caused by the faulty oil system in the car. I seek monetary compensation for the purchase difference of a new vehicle.

Jul 5, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated she noticed a knocking sound in the engine. She checked the oil level and noticed that the oil level was low. The contact was able to top off the oil. Several years later the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that fuel was mixing with the engine oil. The upstream sensor was replaced. The mechanic also stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.

Mileage: 93,000

Feb 24, 2022

2016 Hyundai Accent only has approximately 132,000 miles and needs a new engine. Three different mechanic shops (one being a Hyundai dealership) looked at the vehicle and determined that it needed a new engine due to engine knock in lower end of engine. Car was well maintained and serviced regularly. Engine light came on intermittently but never stayed on to get a code. In early January 2022, engine started to have a loud knock and then codes were P0011, P0014, and P0420. Bank 1 problem, Bank 2 problem, and possible exhaust leak. Decided to change VVT (or oil control valve) and the old one had silver shavings on it (probably aluminum). Shavings possibly from piston slapping and causing wear or camshaft bearing wearing. After reading online I have seen that this has been a common problem with the Hyundai vehicles between years 2015-2017 but the Accent is not on the recall list yet.

Jan 16, 2022

I Dont no why but my Engine will randomly stall out even in the middle of making a.left or a right-hand turn and it's scary when I a.m. at an intersection intersection and I doll out then I have to shut my car off completely turn it back on and pump the gas. Till it starts . few days later my warning lights came on the meters and lights shot up quick and. Then the car shut down I was so freaked out my husband took it to the dealer ship they stated it was. A tire valve sensor they claimed to have checked all the fluids which i no was not the oil was burnt when i got out and checked old oil they want me to pay before they can repair but tire valve is not the #1 because i had another shop change. Out the stem these random occurrences happen today and warning lights still on. I read these sensor àre covered upto 100,000 miles.

Jan 5, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Accent. The contact’s son stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the engine started knocking. The contact pulled over and refilled the engine with oil and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,348.

Mileage: 133,348

Jan 21, 2021

ME AND MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY TOWARDS SAN ANTONIO FOR NEW YEAR'S. WE WERE ABOUT 130 MILES OUT WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTED BLANKING ON AND OFF. THE CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN SO WE PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. WE OPEN THE FRONT HOOD OF THE CAR AND THE ENGINE WAS REALLY HOT. SO WE TOOK IT TO A TECHNICIAN WE KNOW AND HAD HIM TO WORK ON THE CAR. AFTER HE RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE I FOUND OUT THAT WE EITHER NEED A NEW MOTOR OR WE WOULD HAVE TO GET A NEW CAR. FROM MY KNOWLEDGE ONE OF THE SPARRPLUGS WAS NOT CONNECTING SO IT WAS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVER HEAR. SO AT SOME POINT THE ENGINE WAS GOING TO BURN OUT. WE SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE. WHICH REMINDS ME OF WHEN WE FIRST GOT THE CAR. THE CAR CUT OFF BECAUSE THE ENGINE GOT TO HOT AND STARTED BURNING. *LN*JB

Mileage: 98,890

Oct 29, 2020

WAS DRIVING THE CAR 10-15 MILES FROM HOME. ENGINE STARTED SMOKING. PULLED OFF AND LET THE CAR COOL DOWN. I LIVE IN AZ; IT'S 80 DEGREES OR SO NOW. STARTED CAR AND DROVE HOME. CAR STARTED SMOKING AGAIN AND SHUT DOWN. CALLED LOCAL ROADSIDE MECHANIC FOR HYUNDAI'S. HE LOOKED AT IT AND SAID, IT WAS LEAKING, FAN FROZEN, BROKEN GASKET. HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME. IT'S A 2016. I BOUGHT IT IN JAN 2018 FROM A DEALER IN POCATELLO, IDAHO. IT'S ONLY 4 YEARS OLD, LESS THAN 62000 MILES. IT SHOULDN'T HAVE MOTOR PROBLEMS/ISSUES.

Mileage: 15

Jun 23, 2020

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & FOUND THE ENGINE CLOGGED UP WITH A LOT OF CRUD. OIL LOOKED LIKE IT HAD CAME OUT OF A 1960'S VEHICLE. *TR

Mileage: 91,379

Aug 21, 2019

THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED YOU ARE ALREADY RECALLING OVER 200,000 CARS UP TO 2015 FOR THE HYUNDAI/KIA ENGINE FAILURE ERROR- BUT THOSE AFFECTED WITH A 2016 AREN'T BEING HELPED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN DEEMED BY A MECHANIC TO HAVE A STOCK FAULTY ENGINE ERROR AND OIL INTAKE!!!

Mileage: 104,000

Aug 15, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A KNOCKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE RING WAS FAULTY, THE OIL DRAINED OUT, AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. CAROLINA HYUNDAI (2431 NORTH MAIN ST, HIGH POINT, NC) WAS NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

Mileage: 104,000

Mar 26, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MOMENTUM HYUNDAI OF FAIRFIELD (LOCATED AT 2775 AUTO MALL PKWY, FAIRFIELD, CA 94533, (707) 402-5700) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A NORMAL RANGE MARK WITH THE OIL CHANGE WITHIN 500 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

Nov 3, 2018 Crash

MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION YESTERDAY THAT BROKE BOTH HEADLIGHTS, BUCKLED HOOD, KNOCKED THE ENGINE IN TO THE TRANSMISSION, AND BUSTED THE FRONT FAN AND COOLANT. THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND NEITHER DID THE SEAT BELT LOCK. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED WITH HIS LIP, NOSE AND FOREHEAD BUSTED BECAUSE THE SAFETY FEATURES DIDN'T WORK ON THIS VEHICLE.

Oct 15, 2018

ENGINE OVERHEATED WHILE HIGHWAY DRIVING (SPEWING STEAM). WOULD NOT START AFTER COOLING DOWN. MOBILE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED A FAULTY COOLING FAN THAT HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH RESERVOIR (NON-OEM REPLACEMENTS WERE ONLY AVAILABLE AT THE TIME). CONTINUED THE TRIP WITH NO FURTHER ENGINE TEMPERATURE PROBLEMS.

Mileage: 45,000

Jun 21, 2016

I'VE HAD MY 2016 HYUNDAI ACCENT 5-DOOR SINCE NOVEMBER 2015. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, I E NOTICED TWO ISSUES. THE FIRST IS THAT COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE BRAKES MAKE A STRONG SOUND, WHICH I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. THE SECOND IS WHEN AT A STOP SIGN, ETC., AND YOU START TRYING TO INCREASE THE SPEED, THE ENGINE DOESN'T GAIN SPEED AS QUICKLY AS IT SHOULD. I KNOW THAT MY VEHICLE ISN'T ONE WITH A HUGE ENGINE BUT STILL IT SHOULDN'T STRUGGLE TO GAIN SPEED EVERY SINGLE TIME! I'M NOT VERY HAPPY ABOUT THIS AND WILL BE TAKING IT BACK TO CHECK BOTH THE BRAKES AND ENGINE.

Mileage: 15