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.
Hyundai Accent loss of power problems
32 of the 2,036 owner complaints about the Hyundai Accent describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2019 model year.
- owner complaints
- 32
- worst model year
- 2019
- typical mileage
- 61,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 11Stalling 9Engine failure 8Oil consumption 4Hesitation 3Fire or smoke 3Knocking 3Overheating 2
Trouble codes mentioned
P0741 1
What owners say
Transmission began exhibiting hesitation, RPM surge/drop, and a stuck gear at approximately 26,000 miles. Diagnostic trouble code P0741 was confirmed by the dealer, and the transmission assembly was replaced under warranty. This matches a documented defect pattern currently under federal class action litigation involving this manufacturer's IVT/CVT transmissions in this and related models (2020+ model years), specifically sudden loss of power and acceleration failure. Prior to the repair, the issue was reported verbally to a service advisor but not logged on the invoice. Separately, at the same service location, a coolant reservoir was found completely empty within hours of a repair visit where the dealer stated it could not reproduce a related stuttering complaint during a road test, and no diagnostic codes were stored. A rear brake light has also remained inoperative across two dealer visits without being flagged, and was later found by a third party to require dealer-specific tooling to access — confirming it was not a simple user fix. The vehicle remains drivable but the transmission defect poses an ongoing safety risk given its documented tendency toward sudden power loss in this defect pattern.
cylinder 3 failure while driving, while merging onto highway traffic vehicle was suddenly unable to to accelerate as there was a sudden loss of power and improper shifting of gears. Engine light came on as well. Car was taken to dealer for excessive burning of oil while under warranty before this event. The vehicle has been inspected by Hyundai dealership and by a private auto mechanic. Both parties indicated independentlya cylinder 3 failure.
Driver: My [XXX] daughter (I was not in the vehicle), I am the owner. Mileage at incident: Approximately 89,000 miles (see Tire Discounters record, page 13). 2019 Hyundai Docs What happened: While driving on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled, requiring my daughter to pull over to the shoulder for safety. After the stall, the vehicle could not accelerate or operate normally. Earlier documented warning: On 9/23/24—only two days after purchase—Firestone documented “metallic glitter in the engine oil – possible internal engine wear,” indicating a possible internal defect (page 2). Hyundai service recommended and provided contact on 2 separate occasions to request Goodwill coverage. First attempt (no claim filed 10/2024), second attempt (claim mishandled by (2) Hyundai Motor America 2019 Hyundai Docs Post-stall findings: After the highway stall on 10/23/25, Tire Discounters documented misfire symptoms and recommended further evaluation (page 13). 2019 Hyundai Docs The vehicle was then towed to Columbia Hyundai, where a diagnostic on 11/12/25 confirmed: 0 PSI compression in Cylinder #3 100% leak-down Piston and cylinder-wall damage Valve/head involvement Recommendation for complete long-block engine replacement (See Columbia Hyundai diagnostic report, page 1.) 2019 Hyundai Docs Safety concern: The vehicle experienced a complete loss of power at highway speed, which created a potentially dangerous situation for the driver. Manufacturer response: Hyundai Motor America denied goodwill assistance and termed as warranty assistance and has not addressed the early-documented internal defect or the safety risk created by the highway stall. Can provide any other documentation needed for your review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My 2015 Hyundai accent started having problems with oil consumption around 65000 miles. I got it checked regularly and the mechanic noticed it after it was having issues accelerating and losing power then cutting off completely. I had to constantly check oil each week or sooner. A couple months later it started losing power on high way and there was a clicking/ticking coming from engine. I pulled over and cut it off. Then drove it slowly (under 30 mph) to car store down the road to add oil but it was fine. Was able to get back home on back roads going slowly. Mechanic told me there oil consumption was a problem with these types of cars and likely causing engine problems. The whole time I had problems the check engine, battery, and oil light would constantly come on and go off. When they hooked it up to see why check engine light was on there were about 15 different codes. One of them being the Variable Valve Solenoid which I ended up replacing both first but still had problems. It would accelerate but there was still a ticking noise upon accelerating. I didn’t drive it for a few weeks then the day I was going to take it back to shop, My husband, his friend, and I were on highway a couple minutes from home and hit a bump and heard a loud thud when the ticking stopped but the car beside us was waving to get our attention that the car was on fire. There was smoke coming through a.c. And you could see it in the rear. My husband quickly pulled over and when I went to get out of passengers side, flames shot up my side of the door so I quickly jumped across out his side. We were able to all get out ok. Luckily there was a firetruck coming down the highway before I could even get ahold of dispatch on 911. The cars front end was engulfed in flames which they were able to put out quickly. The hood was roasted. I’m not sure if they determined the cause and my car is still sitting in the lot where they towed it. Unfortunately I had a lapse in insurance because I was out of work
I am reporting a severe and hazardous failure involving my 2019 Hyundai Accent. On August 8, 2025, between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., while driving on Mopac (Loop 1), a heavily traveled highway in Austin, Texas, the vehicle abruptly experienced an overheating issue without any prior warning. The engine rapidly lost power, causing the vehicle to become unstable in traffic. I managed to maneuver the vehicle to the far-right shoulder, but when I attempted to accelerate and further distance the car from the road, the engine failed completely, emitting a severe sound resembling an explosion followed by an immediate shutdown, rendering the vehicle inoperable. This failure posed an immediate safety hazard. The vehicle was disabled in a dark and high-speed traffic environment, significantly increasing the likelihood of being struck by other vehicles. During the incident, I encountered difficulty releasing my seatbelt, briefly confining myself inside. The sudden breakdown caused me severe distress, leading to a panic and an asthma attack. Although I did not seek medical attention, the physical and emotional consequences were substantial. Since the breakdown, the vehicle has remained completely undrivable and incapable of restarting. The issue has not been replicated due to the vehicle’s inoperability. Prior to this occurrence, I had maintained regular oil changes and performed necessary maintenance, and no warning lamps, error messages, or symptoms manifested before the failure occurred. The manufacturer has been notified, and I am awaiting review by a case manager. The vehicle hasn’t been inspected by a dealership yet. Following the towing of the vehicle to my residence, a mechanic was dispatched to conduct an inspection. The mechanic indicated that the engine may require replacement. However, insurance representatives subsequently arrived and were unable to provide assistance. They asserted that the issue was of a technical and electrical nature and deemed the vehicle a tot
About 8 months to a year ago my car started losing power and started using a lot of oil without an oil leak. Now it has a loud knocking noise in the engine. I have taken it to a mechanic and they said they some vehicles have recalls.
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.
I am writing to bring to your attention a critical safety concern regarding the 2019 Hyundai Accent, specifically regarding the persistent issue of oil burning in the engine. This problem has affected my vehicle, as well as numerous other owners of the same model year. Despite being well within the warranty period, when I brought my 2019 Hyundai Accent with approximately 50,000 miles to the dealership for repairs due to excessive oil consumption, I was met with refusal to address the issue under warranty. Upon further inquiry, it has come to my attention that this problem is widespread among Hyundai engines, with many owners experiencing similar issues. The consequences of this oil burning problem are not only financially burdensome for owners who are forced to continuously add oil between changes, but also pose a significant safety risk. Engine failure due to oil deprivation can result in sudden loss of power, leading to potentially hazardous situations, including accidents and injury. Despite numerous complaints and reports from Hyundai Accent owners, it appears that Hyundai has failed to take appropriate action to rectify this issue and ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicles. Therefore, I urge the federal safety agency to investigate this matter thoroughly and take necessary actions to hold Hyundai accountable for their failure to address this widespread and potentially dangerous defect in their vehicles. Owners like myself deserve a prompt and effective resolution to this issue to ensure the safety and integrity of our vehicles. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
My car slowly started losing power and was not able to accelerate. My car would not go over 5 miles an hour as I pushed on the peddle. The engine was making noises every time I pushed on the peddle. My check engine light was also on. I got my car towed to AAA where they informed me that there was no oil in my engine and my engine was severely damaged. My last oil change was October 24, 2023 at 102,132 miles. I was advised my next oil change would be around 106,000. My car was reported with no oil on December 30, 2023 at 104,349 miles. My car is deemed ineligible for an extended warranty for my engine despite the recent engine recalls for Hyundais and having my car experience similar symptoms as other Hyundais with the same engine problem.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Hyundai Accent loss of power
Which Hyundai Accent years have sudden loss of power problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2019 (6 complaints), 2017 (5 complaints) and 2000 (3 complaints).
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