Engine failure on a vehicle under 100,000 miles creates a risk of sudden loss of power while driving. A failing catalytic converter & coil packs can cause overheating and potential fire risk. These components were either pre-existing manufacturer defects or were damaged during the engine replacement process at Auto Nation Columbus (Columbus, GA), neither of which was disclosed to me as the owner.
2016 Hyundai Accent: engine failure
8 of the 103 complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Accent describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 8%
- recalls
- 0
Engine failure by model year
What owners say
The engine failed and requires a full engine replacement. The vehicle is currently at ALM Hyundai West, 1990 Thornton Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, and is available for inspection upon request. Hyundai Motor America has already approved the engine replacement under a goodwill authorization, implicitly confirming the failure is manufacturer-related. The engine failure left the vehicle undrivable, forcing me to operate rental vehicles and arrange multiple tows across three dealerships over nearly two years. An engine failure at under 100,000 miles on a well-maintained vehicle poses a direct safety risk a sudden engine failure while driving at highway or city speeds could result in loss of vehicle control, creating a serious risk of collision for the driver and other road users.Yes. The engine failure has been confirmed by three separate authorized Hyundai dealerships: Ed Voyles Hyundai (Marietta, GA), AutoNation Hyundai (Columbus, GA), and ALM Hyundai West (Lithia Springs, GA). Hyundai Motor America's own goodwill approval of a full engine replacement on July 18, 2025 further confirms the failure.Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by three authorized Hyundai dealerships acting on behalf of the manufacturer. Hyundai Motor America's corporate team reviewed and approved the engine replacement as a goodwill repair. All inspection and repair documentation is on file and available upon request.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
Service bulletins that may apply
- Higher-than-expected engine oil consumption
- Higher-than-expected engine oil consumption
- This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- Follow the guidelines outlined in
- This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing
- This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
- If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a ?Check Engine? light on and one or more of the DTC...
- Check engine warning light with the following DTC(s) found stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM): ?...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2016 Hyundai Accent engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 2016 Hyundai Accent?
8 of 103 owner complaints about the 2016 Hyundai Accent (8%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2013.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2016 Hyundai Accent?
There are 0 recalls and 10 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2016 Hyundai Accent
Airbag light 18ABS 14Check engine light 13Knocking 8No deployment 5Fire or smoke 5
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