2010 Hyundai Accent
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Hatchback L/Gl/Sport, 4dr Sedan FWD L/Gl/Gls
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 28 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 159.4–168.5 in
- Curb weight
- 2,333–2,381 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 31% better than the average 2010 compact car (23.6 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 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 2,333 lb (2dr Hatchback L/Gl/Sport).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (28 city / 36 highway), 31% better than the 2010 compact car average of 23.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2010
- Best combined MPG up from 29 to 31
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Accent →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Hatchback L/Gl/Sport | 159.4 in | 66.9 in | 66.9 in | 98.4 in | 57.9 / 57.1 in | 2,333 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD L/Gl/Gls | 168.5 in | 66.9 in | 57.9 in | 98.4 in | 57.1 / 57.5 in | 2,381 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 Blue | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 31 | +31% | $2,150 | 287 |
| Accent | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +27% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Accent | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 34 / 30 | +27% | $2,250 | 296 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Hyundai Accent under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Hyundai Accent (this car) | 31 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2010 Mazda 3 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2010 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2010 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2010 Toyota Yaris | 32 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2010 Kia Rio | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2010 Volkswagen CC | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (1)
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.
Not every 2010 Hyundai Accent is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Hyundai Accent buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Exterior Lighting — 7 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Service Brakes — 7 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 83,000 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 2010 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 →