Check a VIN

Hyundai Accent brake failure problems

22 of the 2,036 owner complaints about the Hyundai Accent describe brake failure, most of them for the 2014 model year.

owner complaints
22
worst model year
2014
typical mileage
75,400
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2017
    2
  • 2015
    1
  • 2014
    4
  • 2013
    2
  • 2012
    3
  • 2010
    1
  • 2009
    1
  • 2005
    1
  • 2004
    1
  • 2003
    1
  • 2002
    2
  • 2000
    2
  • 1996
    1

What owners say

Filed Feb 17, 2026 · Brakes · 92,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the clutch pedal traveled to the floorboard and the low oil warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the brakes failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed and determined that the slave cylinder had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was concerned that the failure was related to an engine failure recall, and that the dealer and manufacturer had failed to provide the proper repair during the repair, which caused the current clutch and braking system failures. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

Filed Sep 7, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · MA

Unknown. I think the ABS module light appeared instantly on the dashboard. It's the anti-lock brakes that aren't working. I immediately contacted my hyundai dealership when I saw a brake light come up on my dashboard when I went to brake but I had none and the brakes went all the way to the floor and I almost went over a cliff and died or badly hurt others or myself in a car accident. I'm willing to try and get it fixed at other independent service centers in plymouth massachusetts. The event had happened a week before but I didn't report this incident to the police, insurance representatives/others or any other manufacturer because there wasn't officially any automobile accidents. Finally, my hyundai accent 2012 was donated to me by "good news garage" over 2.5-3 yrs ago through a work-to-program/donation under the m.r.c. Or massachusetts rehabilitation center in plymouth massachusetts which is permanently closed and is now called mass options and that's the only thing I know about this situation with no brakes. Please help me. I need to know my next steps. Thank you! Owner and driver [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Dec 12, 2024 · Brakes · NY

When driving my 2014 Hyundai Accent, the brake system completely failed and I lost all ability to stop the vehicle. I was able to stop the car by downshifting to a lower gear and use the emergency handbrake. I was able to avoid other vehicles and no accident occurred. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealer and determined the brake lines corroded and fluid loss caused loss of braking. No warning lamps indicated an issue and no loss of brake fluid was seen prior to the incident.

Filed Sep 5, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · TX · fire

I was entering highway on entrance ramp there was a loud pop and I could see plumes of smoke coming from under the car, so I turned the ignition off on the car and pulled over to the shoulder, the brakes failed so I had to let it coast to a stop. Then I waited until I could safely exit the vehicle and did so quickly. I had the vehicle towed to a local shop, and they told me I should report it. There was no warning that it was about to happen and yes its available for inspection still sitting at the shop I had it towed to. They also said I should have it towed to the manufacturer service center but this is my first time dealing with anything like this so Im unsure what to do. I did do a cursory inspection under the hood with a mechanic from the shop and there was a burnt wire and a bunch of what looked like oil down at the bottom of the engine, but the oil was still full so I dont think it was oil.

Filed Aug 27, 2024 · Brakes · IL

There have been 2 recalls in which this vehicle was serviced for within the past year- 1 for undercoating 2 for leaking brake fluid fuse. Neither time were my brake lines inspected for any damage. One month after the fuse was replaced, my brakes went out with the dealership saying the lines were rusted through. Now, we are stuck without a vehicle because there are no brake lines available for this vehicle, everything is on back order with no eta. Had either time this car was serviced for these band aid recalls been looked at, we would not be in the situation we are now. No vehicle, no parts available, a dealership completely unwilling to work with us. Research was done and every vehicle in the 2014 Hyundai class except for the Accents were recalled in Canada for brake lines rusting out after undercoating in Canada. This needs to be looked into because as it stands, our estimate is $2600 to fix an issue that should had been better addressed with these recalls. We were driving back from an outing with our grandchildren when the brakes went completely out with no warning. The brake light did not come when the brakes failed. By the Grace of God we were able to get this car to a Hyundai dealership where it sits today due to poor communication on their part, no parts, and complete frustration on our end.

Filed Jan 3, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · OH

Loss of brake traction, there's no pressure applied to control spinning wheel when driving in the rain or sleet. The wheel kept spinning when traction was suppose to kick in to help prevent sliding. I had to pump the brake as I slide in the rain and recent snow in Ohio. Dec 26, 2022 Dennis Hyundai confirmed faulty HECU/ABS control module. The car is currently at Hyundai's dealership for further testing. The warning light came on, but went out a week before taking the 2015 Hyundai Accent to be serviced.

Filed May 17, 2022 · 81,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that the brake pedal would intermittently depress the floorboard without warning. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to the dealer where she purchased the vehicle; Future Ford Lincoln of Roseville (650 Automall Dr, Roseville, CA 95661) and was referred to an authorized Hyundai dealer for assistance. The contact then took the vehicle to the dealer where they informed her that the rotors needed to be resurfaced. The contact had the repair performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact then took the vehicle back to the Ford dealer where she was informed that the extended warranty would not cover the brake failure. Over time, the contact also experienced electrical system failures and was also informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

Filed Mar 6, 2020 · Brakes · 55,000 miles · FL

The braking system is defective in my 2017 hyundai accent. I have had it to the headquarter hyundai dealership on 3 separate occasions to have the dangerous problem fixed. After the 3rd time I experienced the problem, I took it again back to the dealership. The car is under factory warranty. The problem is the brake pedal goes all the way to the floor board as my brakes lock up causing the front tires to lock up thus causing my car to continue forward without any ABS system being used by the car braking system to keep the front tires from locking up. On the third time I brought the car into the service department the service manager was able to duplicate the problem 9 out of 10 times.) not at high speeds. In fact he said he could make the wheels lock up going less than 3 MPH.) however he stated because the computer analysis reported no issues, he could not replace the defective part. And I quote he said " because it would cause a national recall of all the hyundai elantra, accent, sonata and genesis yrs 2017 thru 2019. ". I hope to dear god someone takes some action on this issue. I am going to contact a large law firm to start a class action suit to protect all drivers of these cars and the innocent drivers on the road that could be injured or killed by this negligent response to a life and death braking system defect. I even looked up on a google search and found this braking problem on all of the above mentioned cars. Please take some action on this problem.!!!!!!!!

Filed Sep 16, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 84,600 miles · WA

Tamara recall my car keeps shutting off and won't get any rpms and it doesn't show anything on the code reader, one of those times I had kids in the car and I had no brakes at all when it shut off the engine but kept the radio on

Filed Oct 25, 2018 · 240,000 miles · NC · fire

On 12oct2018 while driving on a highway, I noticed a chemical smell coming from my car. Within seconds, all of the dash lights came on. When I attempted to brake to pull over to the side of the road, I realized that I had no brakes and that flames were coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle. Upon immediately exiting the vehicle, I noticed flames under the vehicle and coming out of the back of the vehicle. My car became totally engulfed and is a total loss. Firefighters were unable to determine the cause of the fire.

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/moduleReported September 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

Recall number 23V651000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinderReported December 2, 2021 · 76 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Accent vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
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.

Recall number 21V937000 · Recall details

Questions about the Hyundai Accent brake failure

Which Hyundai Accent years have brake failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2014 (4 complaints), 2012 (3 complaints) and 2000 (2 complaints).

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Hyundai Accent?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history