DecodedCars2009 Hyundai Accent
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Hatchback L/Gl/Sport/Sr, 4dr Sedan FWD Gls, 4dr Sedan FWD L/Gl
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 27 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 159.4–168.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,333–2,571 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 31% better than the average 2009 compact car (22.2 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 10 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Hyundai Accent is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 159 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,366 lb (2dr Hatchback L/Gl/Sport/Sr).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (27 city / 35 highway), 31% better than the 2009 compact car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Accent — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Accent →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Hatchback L/Gl/Sport/Sr | 159.4 in | 66.9 in | 66.9 in | 98.4 in | 57.9 / 57.1 in | 2,366 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD Gls | 168.5 in | 66.9 in | 57.9 in | 98.4 in | 57.1 / 57.5 in | 2,571 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD L/Gl | 168.5 in | 66.9 in | 57.9 in | 98.4 in | 57.1 / 57.5 in | 2,333 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accent | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 33 / 29 | +31% | $2,300 | 306 |
| Accent | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 29 | +31% | $2,300 | 306 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Hyundai Accent under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Hyundai Accent (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Toyota Yaris | 32 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2009 Kia Rio | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Volkswagen CC | 25 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Sep 8, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V566000 · 99,500 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Hyundai Accent vehicles manufactured March 1, 2009, to February 11, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning brake light switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning brake light switch may also prevent the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position.
- Risk
- Failure to illuminate the brake lights during braking or the inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake switch, free of charge. The recall began on October 21, 2015. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign131. Hyundai's number for this recall is 131. This recall is an expansion of 13V-113.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Apr 1, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V113000 · 1,712,336 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Accent, model year 2007-2011 Azera, Sonata and Sante Fe,2006-2011 Tucson, 2009-2011 Elantra Touring, 2007-2010 Elantra, 2008-2011 Veracruz, 2009-2011 Genesis, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2008 Entourage, and 2006-2008 Tiburon vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Hyundai recalled 1,059,824 model year 2007-2009 Accent and Tucson, model year 2007-2010 Elantra, model year 2007-2011 Santa Fe, model year 2008-2009 Veracruz, model year 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, and model year 2011 Sonata vehicles. In September 2013, Hyundai informed the agency that it was adding more vehicles to this campaign, representing an additional 652,512 units. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 1,712,336. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
- Risk
- Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of Park without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 110.
Not every 2009 Hyundai Accent is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Hyundai Accent buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 18 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Service Brakes — 6 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 82,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Hyundai Accent. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Accent years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Accent | 36 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 17 |
| 2021 Accent | 36 | – | ★★★★★ | 4 | 16 |
| 2020 Accent | 36 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 12 |
| 2019 Accent | 32 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 31 |
| 2018 Accent | 32 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 19 |
| 2017 Accent | 31 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 68 |
| 2016 Accent | 31 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 102 |
| 2015 Accent | 31 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 70 |
| 2014 Accent | 31 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 79 |
| 2013 Accent | 32 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 117 |
| 2012 Accent | 32 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 121 |
| 2011 Accent | 30 | 159.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 23 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →