NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Hyundai Accent Safety Ratings
The 2020 Hyundai Accent scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 12 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Hyundai Accent's strongest safety asset is its 5-star NHTSA side-impact rating. However, four recall campaigns, three of which address the front seat belts, are a significant safety consideration. This vehicle earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, placing it in the Average band.
The 2020 Hyundai Accent received a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Hyundai Accent ranks 86 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.3% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 12 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 86 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Hyundai Accent?
The 2020 Hyundai Accent's safety profile is most significantly marked by a series of three recalls issued in early 2022, all addressing front seat belt integrity. This concentration of recalls for a primary restraint system is a notable concern for the model year. Overall, the Accent earned an Average Safety Index of 79 out of 100, with no prior year data available for comparison. Crash protection scores well, contributing 61 out of a possible 70 points. This is largely due to a 5 out of 5-star rating from NHTSA for side impact protection. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each received 4 out of 5 stars. However, the vehicle's avoidance technology score is considerably lower, at 4.5 out of 10. This reflects that forward collision warning is an optional feature and lane departure warning is not available. While electronic stability control is standard, it does not fully compensate for these omissions. The defect record sub-score of 13.5 out of 20 directly reflects the impact of four recall campaigns, with the aforementioned cluster of seat belt issues being central to this assessment.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Hyundai Accent perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Hyundai Accent earned a 4 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While its frontal and rollover protection each rated 4 stars, the vehicle achieved a 5-star side impact result. Rollover risk for the Accent stands at 11 percent, with dynamic tip testing concluding with a No Tip designation. All crash test categories were rated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14119
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Hyundai Accent have any recalls?
Yes, four recall campaigns cover this model year. Three separate campaigns address front seat belt defects that could compromise restraint performance in a crash, issued between February and May 2022. A fourth, issued in August 2021, involves a trunk lid latch. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory appears in the data for this vehicle.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT22V354000
Risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioner(s) with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 28, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 229. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall numbers 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-218, and 22V-123 for Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles. All Accent, Elantra, a
Reported 2022-05-19
SEAT BELTS:FRONT22V218000
Risk: Exploding seat belt pretensioners can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 31, 2022. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 223. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-354. Vehicles alre
Reported 2022-04-01
SEAT BELTS:FRONT22V069000
Risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 24, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 219. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-796. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-354. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to
Reported 2022-02-09
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH21V619000
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 208.
Reported 2021-08-06
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Hyundai Accent?
Twelve owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, including alleged involvement in 2 crashes and 2 injuries. The most frequently cited components, all unverified allegations, are Engine with 4 reports, followed by Air Bags, Structure, Fuel/Propulsion System, and Vehicle Speed Control each with 2 reports.
12 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Hyundai Accent?
Three open seat belt recall campaigns may remain unresolved on individual 2020 Hyundai Accent vehicles. Any shopper considering a used model should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool and confirm remedy completion on all four campaigns directly with a Hyundai dealer before purchase.
- Three of the four recall campaigns on the 2020 Accent target front seat belts, all issued in 2022, making recall remedy verification the single most important safety step for this specific model year.
- The 5-star NHTSA side crash result is the highest individual score this vehicle achieved and stands above the 4-star frontal and rollover ratings.
- The avoidance technology sub-score of 4.5 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning was only an optional feature on this model year, not standard equipment, and lane departure warning was not available.
- Twelve unverified complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with Engine the most frequently cited component at 4 reports, and the most recent alleged incident reported in 2025.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Hyundai Accent places
The 2020 Hyundai Accent qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Hyundai Accent safety questions
Was the 2020 Hyundai Accent crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Hyundai Accent, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Hyundai Accent crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Hyundai Accent earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 11.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Accent have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Hyundai Accent. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Hyundai Accent?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 12 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Hyundai Accent. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Accent years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14119), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Accent 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 86 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.