NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Hyundai Accent Safety Ratings
The 2022 Hyundai Accent scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 16 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Hyundai Accent achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, placing it in the Strong band. This score marks a one-point increase from the 2021 model. The improvement reflects the vehicle's consistent crash-test performance and a limited record of defects. These factors combine to present the 2022 Accent as a reasonably strong safety option.
The 2022 Hyundai Accent received a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 90 Sedans from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Hyundai Accent ranks 80 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.3% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 16 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 80 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Hyundai Accent?
The 2022 Hyundai Accent represents a one-point improvement over the 2021 model year, moving from an Index of 80 to 81 within the same Strong band. That incremental gain is modest but meaningful in context: the crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 anchors the index, supported by a 5-star side-crash result that is the clearest bright spot in the NHTSA data. Where this model year loses ground is in crash-avoidance technology, scoring only 4.5 out of a possible 10. Forward collision warning is optional rather than standard, and lane departure warning is absent entirely, a notable gap that limits the avoidance-tech sub-score and keeps the overall index from climbing higher. The defect record sub-score of 15.5 out of 20 reflects two recall campaigns, both issued in May of the same model year. The seat-belt recall spans multiple Hyundai models, while the steering-column bolt recall is specific to the 2021-2022 Accent and carries direct implications for vehicle control. Together, those two campaigns define much of the safety story for this particular year and distinguish it from surrounding model years.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Hyundai Accent perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Accent secured a 4-out-of-5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Side-crash protection proved exceptional, earning a perfect 5-star rating. Both frontal impact and rollover resistance were assessed at 4 stars. The vehicle demonstrated an 11 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic tip test returning a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16593
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Hyundai Accent have any recalls?
Two recalls were issued for the 2022 Accent. The first targets the front seat belts across 2020-2022 Accent and related Elantra models. The second addresses the steering column, where a bolt may not be properly secured, a condition that directly affects steering control. Neither has been characterized as a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign in the data, but the steering column issue warrants prompt attention.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Hyundai Accent?
Sixteen owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA, including alleged involvement in 2 crashes and 2 injuries. These are unverified allegations. The most frequently reported components are the Electrical System with 6 reports, Seat Belts and Unknown or Other each with 4, and Steering with 3.
16 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Hyundai Accent?
Two recalls issued for the 2022 Accent bear directly on occupant safety and vehicle control. Shoppers considering this model year should verify that both the steering column and seatbelt pre-tensioner recalls have been remedied. These safety campaigns remain with the vehicle, not the original owner, and an unaddressed steering column issue presents an immediate risk to vehicle control.
- The 2022 Accent earned a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, the highest result in its crash-test profile and a meaningful distinction from the otherwise 4-star overall score.
- Two recalls were issued in May of the model year: one for a potentially unsecured steering-column bolt specific to 2021-2022 Accent vehicles, and one for front seat belts shared with other Hyundai models.
- The avoidance-technology sub-score of 4.5 out of 10 reflects the absence of standard lane departure warning and the optional rather than standard status of forward collision warning on this model year.
- Sixteen unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA, with the Electrical System accounting for the largest share at 6 reports, followed by Seat Belts and Steering as notable categories given the active recall history.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Hyundai Accent places
The 2022 Hyundai Accent qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Hyundai Accent safety questions
Was the 2022 Hyundai Accent crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Hyundai Accent, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 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 2022 Hyundai Accent crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 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 2022 Hyundai Accent have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Hyundai Accent. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Hyundai Accent?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 16 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Q50 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16593), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Accent 2022.
- 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 80 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2022.
- 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.