# 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. Last updated: 6 November 2026. Web page: https://shufti.com.au/checklists/used-hyundai-accent-inspection-checklist/rb. Engines: 1.6 GDI petrol (Gamma II); 1.4 petrol (From later in the run); 1.6 turbo-diesel (CRDi). ## 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 ### 1.6 GDI petrol - **Oil use, piston slap and engine knock.** Covers: 2013–18 cars. A class action was started over these engines. 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.** Covers: Reported on 2013–16 cars. 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.** Covers: Reported on 2013–18 cars. 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.** Covers: CVT cars, reported on 2014–19 models. 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.** Covers: Six-speed automatics. Hyundai's bulletins list US 2012–17 Accents. 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.** Covers: Reported on 2014–17 automatics. 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.** Covers: Reported across the range, from a faulty brake light switch. 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.** Covers: Reported on 2015 cars. 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.** Covers: Reported on 2015–18 cars. 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.** Covers: Cars built before June 2012. Cosmetic, and a small amount to take off your offer. - What to check: Look at the wheel's coating where your hands sit. ## 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 - Mid-2011: RB replaces the MC, with stability control standard and ANCAP 5 out of 5. - 2013: Oil use and piston slap reports start on the 1.6 GDI. - 2014: CVT reports start. - 2019: End of the Accent in Australia. - Aug 2024: Fire risk recall lists Accents up to 2014. ## Recalls to Confirm - 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](https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/rec-006041) ### 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. --- Shufti is an Australian used car inspection app for iPhone and Android that tailors the inspection to the exact car you're looking at. It is not affiliated with Shufti Pro, the identity verification (KYC) company. From the listing link, it builds every check around that car's make, model and year, odometer reading and the seller's description. It runs PPSR and government recall checks, crosschecks a database of more than 3 million recalls and owner complaints, flags problems from your photos and audio, plans a test drive, produces a shareable report with repair cost estimates, and coaches you through the negotiation. A Tailored check costs $24.99, or $49.99 for three, including PPSR and recall checks. A mechanic's pre-purchase inspection costs $250–350. To start, Shufti's General inspection guide is free: pick the car's make and model, and it takes you through the checks that matter for that model, on your phone. There's a guide for popular models, and one for every type of car. Made by Frontpoint Digital Pty Ltd (ABN 23 669 870 366), Melbourne, Australia. Contact: hello@shufti.com.au. 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