1997 Hyundai Accent: common problems and reliability
65 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about engine and engine cooling. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 1997 Accent?The 1997 Hyundai Accent has 65 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and power train.
Safety record for the 1997 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Hyundai Accent vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1997 a good year for the Accent?
Across the 26 Accent model years we track, complaint volume runs from 12 (2020) to 276 (2013). With 65 complaints, the 1997 Accent sits below the model's median of 88.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1997 Accent
visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor
Campaign 97V026000THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WERE CONTAMINATED DURING ASSEMBLY.
suspension:front:springs:coil springs
Campaign 98V245000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. DURING WINTER MONTHS, THE ROAD SALT USED TO DE-ICE ROADS CAN RESULT IN CORROSION THAT CAUSES PITS TO FORM ON THE LOWER COIL OF THE FRONT SPRINGS ALLOWING CRACKS TO DEVELOP. THIS CAN RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF THE LOWER SPRING COIL.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year, maintenance history, and purchase price.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Accent. See the full Accent owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Accent listings typically run $7,298–$11,438 across 2012 to 2022 model years.
Other Accent model years
Compare every Accent year side by side to see how 1997 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Accent against its rivals
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