Used Hyundai Accent RB (2011–2019): Problems and Which Years to Buy
What's reported on the Hyundai Accent RB, including oil use on the 1.6 GDI, CVT shudder and automatic bulletins, and what to check at the car.
Engines
- 1.6 GDI petrol Gamma II
- 1.4 petrol From later in the run
- 1.6 turbo-diesel CRDi
Gearboxes
- Manual, automatic or CVT by year and engine
Last updated
Common Problems on a Used RB Accent
The main report on an RB Accent is oil use and engine knock on the 1.6 GDI petrol, mainly from 2013 to 2018. CVT cars have reports of shudder and slipping from 2014. Hyundai also has bulletins for sensor and solenoid codes on the six-speed automatic.
Is a Hyundai Accent RB reliable?
It depends on the engine and gearbox. A 1.6 GDI that's been kept topped up with oil can be fine, but one that's run low is a risk. Ask how often it needs oil.
Hyundai Accent RB Problems by Engine and Gearbox
What's reported on cars built mid-2011 to 2019. It's what has been reported, not what every car has, and the number of items isn't a measure of reliability. Tap a problem to see which cars it covers and how to check it.
Source
- Manufacturer bulletin
- Automotive community
- Shufti vehicle database, owner feedback
Problem type
- Safety critical
- Negotiate
1.6 GDI petrol
Oil use, piston slap and engine knock
Automotive communityReported by owners, mechanics and motoring reviewers.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- 2013–18 cars. A class action was started over these engines.
- What it means
- An engine that runs low on oil can be damaged badly, so this can be a reason to walk away.
- What to check
- Check the dipstick, then start it cold and listen for knocking.
- Ask the seller
- How often do you top up the oil, and has the engine had any work?
Worn connecting rod bearings
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- Reported on 2013–16 cars.
- What it means
- A knock from low in the engine usually means a major repair.
- What to check
- Listen for a deep knock that rises with engine speed.
Crankshaft position sensor failure
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceSafety criticalAffects how safely it drives or protects you in a crash. Best to have a mechanic check it before you buy.
- Covers
- Reported on 2013–18 cars.
- What it means
- It can stall the engine or stop it starting. The sensor itself is a small repair.
- What to check
- Restart it hot after the test drive, and watch for a long crank.
Gearboxes
CVT grinding, shudder or slipping
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- CVT cars, reported on 2014–19 models.
- What it means
- CVTs are costly to repair, so have any shudder diagnosed before you buy.
- What to check
- Take off gently and on a slope, and feel for shudder or a grinding noise.
Automatic sensor and solenoid fault codes
Manufacturer bulletinThe maker has written to its workshops about this fault, sometimes for the same car sold overseas.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- Six-speed automatics. Hyundai's bulletins list US 2012–17 Accents.
- What it means
- An engine light can come from an oil temperature sensor or a solenoid. The bulletins say not to replace the gearbox for the solenoid codes, but to repair the related part.
- What to check
- Check no engine light is on, and have a scan tool look for stored codes.
- Ask the seller
- Has the gearbox had any work?
Noise from the shift-lock solenoid
Automotive communityReported by owners, mechanics and motoring reviewers.Click to see the source
- Covers
- Reported on 2014–17 automatics.
- What it means
- More an annoyance than a fault, but note it.
- What to check
- Press the brake with the car parked and listen for a buzz or tick.
All cars
Brake lights that stop working
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceSafety criticalAffects how safely it drives or protects you in a crash. Best to have a mechanic check it before you buy.
- Covers
- Reported across the range, from a faulty brake light switch.
- What it means
- It's a cheap part, but following drivers won't see you braking, and it can affect starting and shifting.
- What to check
- Have someone watch the brake lights as you press the pedal.
Steering clicks from the coupler
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the source
- Covers
- Reported on 2015 cars.
- What it means
- Have any noise in the steering checked before you buy.
- What to check
- Turn the wheel slowly at walking pace and listen for clicking.
Air conditioning compressor failure
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the sourceNegotiateCosts money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Use it as negotiation leverage.
- Covers
- Reported on 2015–18 cars.
- What it means
- A new compressor is a real cost on a car at this price.
- What to check
- Run the air conditioning on full cold from the start of the test drive.
Steering wheel cover peeling
Shufti vehicle database, owner feedbackFrom Shufti's own fault records, built from research, owner complaints and feedback.Click to see the source
- Covers
- Cars built before June 2012.
- What it means
- Cosmetic, and a small amount to take off your offer.
- What to check
- Look at the wheel's coating where your hands sit.
Found one of these? How to use it in your offer
Which Hyundai Accent RB Years to Avoid?
Take the most care with 2013–18 1.6 GDI cars, because of the oil use reports, and with CVT cars from 2014. No year is one to avoid outright.
Our shortlist
A car with service records that show regular oil changes. Check the dipstick yourself, and take a long test drive.
What changed, by build date
- Good better for a buyer
- Mixed upsides and downsides
- Bad a problem to check
- Unknown effect not clear
RB replaces the MC, with stability control standard and ANCAP 5 out of 5.
Oil use and piston slap reports start on the 1.6 GDI.
CVT reports start.
End of the Accent in Australia.
Fire risk recall lists Accents up to 2014.
Age, typical kilometres and warranty
Use these to judge whether a car's odometer looks normal for its age, and whether any new-car warranty is left.
- 7–15 yrsAge
- 90,000–190,000 kmTypical
- EndedNew-car warranty
Kilometres are at the Australian average of about 12,600 km a year. Well above that means harder use; well below, ask why.
Safety ratings
Crash ratings can differ by body style and build date, so match the rating to the car you're looking at.
- ANCAP 5 out of 5 (2011) Stability control is standard; AEB wasn't available
RB Accent Recalls to Confirm
Enter the VIN on vehiclerecalls.gov.au and ask for proof the work was done. The car in front of you may not be in every group. Also see our vehicle checks and PPSR guides.
| Issued | Covers | Problem | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2024 | Listed as Accent (RM), 2007–2014, with other Hyundais. Check by VIN | Brake fluid can leak into the ABS module and cause an engine bay fire | REC-006041 |
Check any car by its VIN with a Hyundai dealer. This recall warns of a fire risk, so don't skip it.
RB Accent Questions
Which Hyundai Accent RB engine uses oil?
Reports centre on the 1.6-litre GDI petrol, mainly 2013–18 cars. Check the dipstick, and ask how often it's been topped up.
Is the CVT in an Accent RB a problem?
There are reports of grinding, shudder and slipping on 2014–19 models. Feel for it taking off gently and on a slope.
How many recalls does an Accent RB have?
We found one on the Australian register, a fire risk recall listing Accents to 2014. Check by VIN whether it applies.
Inspecting an RB Accent?
We know that's a lot of information to keep track of at an inspection. That's why there's Shufti.
All you have to do is run a Tailored check. It builds the checks for the exact car, looks up its recalls and PPSR, analyses your photos, estimates repair costs, and gives you a negotiation coach that makes the most of your leverage. Or start with the free Hyundai Accent General inspection guide: work through it on your phone at the car, capturing images and audio and noting what you find.
Scan to get the app
Own a Hyundai Accent? Tell Us What You've Found
Had a fault, a repair or a good run with yours? Your report helps other buyers know what to check. We use what you tell us as facts in our own words, and never publish your name or email.
Own a Hyundai Accent? Tell Us What You've Found
Had a fault, a repair or a good run with yours? Your report helps other buyers know what to check. We use what you tell us as facts in our own words, and never publish your name or email.
Sources
Each icon shows how a fault is supported: a manufacturer bulletin, the automotive community, or Shufti's vehicle database and owner feedback. Facts come from Shufti's own database, and we cite known external sources. Hyundai's bulletins are written for US cars, so treat them as a guide to what can go wrong on ours.
- Shufti. (2026). Shufti vehicle database: Hyundai Accent, 2006–2019.
- Shufti. (2026). Shufti analysis of owner complaints lodged with vehicle safety regulators.
- ProductReview. Hyundai Accent RB owner reviews. https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/hyundai-accent-rb-2011-present
- Hyundai Motor America. (2020). 20-AT-014H: Automatic transaxle oil temperature sensor P0711, P0712 & P0713.
- Hyundai Motor America. (2014). 14-AT-012: Automatic transaxle solenoid fault codes.
- Australian Government. Vehicle Recalls. The recall number in the table above.
Disclaimer. Shufti is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hyundai; Hyundai and Accent are trademarks of Hyundai Motor Company. Figures are counts from Shufti's analysis of official records and published reports, not a statement that any particular vehicle is affected. This checklist is general information only and is not professional, mechanical, legal or financial advice. It covers common checks, not every possible fault, and a car can pass every item here and still have problems. It is not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, which is worth considering before you buy, especially if anything tagged Safety critical turns up. Repair costs vary widely; get your own quotes. Roadworthy, registration and transfer rules differ by state, so check with your state road authority. Private sales generally don't come with the consumer guarantees that apply when you buy from a dealer. You use this checklist at your own risk and, to the extent permitted by law, Shufti accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from its use.