MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Hyundai Accent

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Hyundai Accent

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

4Recalls
16Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE HYUNDAI ACCENT

The Hyundai Accent is a subcompact sedan competing in one of the most price-sensitive segments in the American market. Aimed squarely at budget-conscious first-time buyers and urban commuters, the Accent prioritizes affordability and maneuverability in a trim, four-door package. Covering model years 2019 through 2022, our safety review examines whether this entry-level Hyundai delivers adequate protection alongside its low sticker appeal.

VERDICT

The 2021 Hyundai Accent earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 4 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally find the Accent a straightforward, no-frills subcompact that delivers adequate refinement and a comfortable enough ride for everyday urban driving. Most acknowledge that interior materials and feature content reflect the entry-level price positioning. Driving dynamics are described as competent rather than engaging, and overall value is considered reasonable for buyers whose priorities center on low operating costs and ease of use.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 11.3%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15125

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech4.5/10
Defect record14.75/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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

STEERING:COLUMN22V311000

Risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 5, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 226.

Reported 2022-05-06

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

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER21V937000

Risk: Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 213.

Reported 2021-12-02

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

16 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
1reported fire
1reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsSeat Belts 6Wheels 5Engine 4Electrical System 2Service Brakes 1Steering 1

Other Accent years

Rivals in Sedan (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15125), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Hyundai Accent 2021. Class rank 74 of 94 in Sedan 2021. Methodology · Disclosure