NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Hyundai Accent Safety Ratings
The 2021 Hyundai Accent scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 16 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Hyundai Accent achieved a 5-star side-impact rating from NHTSA, a noteworthy result that contributes to its overall 4-star federal safety assessment. This performance, combined with a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, places the vehicle in our "Strong" safety band. However, potential buyers should note the four recall campaigns issued for this model year and the limited suite of standard crash-avoidance technology.
The 2021 Hyundai Accent received a 4-star overall crash-test rating and a 5-star side rating from NHTSA, supporting a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, sourced entirely from NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Hyundai Accent ranks 74 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.3% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 16 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 74 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Hyundai Accent?
The 2021 model year marks a meaningful step for the Accent in MotorCaliber's tracking: the Safety Index moved from 79/100 in 2020, which sat in the Average band, to 80/100 in 2021, crossing into the Strong band. That one-point gain reflects the same crash hardware performing consistently while the defect record component contributed 14.75 out of a possible 20 points, a score pulled down by four recall campaigns concentrated in safety-critical systems. Crash protection is the Index's backbone here at 61 out of 70, anchored by that 5-star side result and a solid 4-star overall. Where the 2021 year specifically loses ground is the avoidance-tech sub-score of only 4.5 out of 10: forward collision warning is optional rather than standard, and lane departure warning is absent entirely, a configuration that was common for this segment and trim level in this model year. The four recalls, all initiated in late 2021 or 2022, are specific to this generation and include two separate seat belt campaigns, a steering column bolt concern, and a brake master cylinder manufacturing defect unique to 2021 Accent units. Taken together, the 2021 year presents a vehicle with strong passive crash performance but a defect record that demands attention before purchase or continued use.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Hyundai Accent perform in crash tests?
Side-impact protection for the 2021 Accent is a high point, earning 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. The overall rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, matching the 4-star result from frontal crash tests. Rollover risk is assessed at 11 percent, with dynamic testing confirming a No Tip result, contributing to a 4-star rollover rating. All federal crash-test categories for this configuration are complete.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15125
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Hyundai Accent have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2021 Accent. Two address front seat belt anchor or pretensioner defects, one flags a steering column bolt that may not be properly secured, and one involves a brake master cylinder manufactured with sharp edges that could cause fluid leakage. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but the steering and brake campaigns warrant prompt VIN verification.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Hyundai Accent?
Sixteen owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, all unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem components are Seat Belts with 6 reports, Wheels with 5, and Engine with 4. Reported allegations also include 1 fire and 1 injury claim among the 16 total filings.
16 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Hyundai Accent?
Shoppers considering a used 2021 Accent should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. All four recall campaigns, covering seat belts, steering, and brakes, must be confirmed as remedied. An unresolved recall on a safety-critical system is a non-negotiable item to resolve with the seller.
- The 2021 Accent's Safety Index of 80/100 crossed from the Average band into the Strong band compared to the 2020 model year's score of 79/100, a band upgrade driven by consistent crash-test results.
- Four recall campaigns were issued specifically covering 2021 Accent units, targeting front seat belts in two separate campaigns, a steering column bolt, and a brake master cylinder with a manufacturing defect, all safety-critical systems.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 4.5 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning was only optional on the 2021 Accent and lane departure warning was not available, limiting active safety capability relative to the maximum possible score.
- Sixteen unverified owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with Seat Belts accounting for 6 of those allegations, a pattern that aligns with the two seat belt recall campaigns issued for this year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Hyundai Accent places
The 2021 Hyundai Accent qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Hyundai Accent safety questions
Was the 2021 Hyundai Accent crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Hyundai Accent, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Hyundai Accent crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Hyundai Accent have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Hyundai Accent. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Hyundai Accent?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 16 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Hyundai Accent. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Accent years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15125), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Accent 2021.
- 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 74 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.