2001 Hyundai Accent GS 1.5
Summary:
This is a lemon
Faults:
Shifting problems: The shifter grinds into first and second gear ever since I bought the car. I've been to the dealership 5 times about this. They "can't re-create the problem"
Front brakes: Very soft. After several trips to the dealership to convince them of the problem, they replaced the front brakes after only 11 000Km.
Engine light on: Intermittently goes on for no apparent reason. Several trips to the dealership, they have found nothing wrong and just reset the light.
Spark plug ping: Every single time I shift. I've been driving cars with manual transmissions for 20 years and the dealer insists that I don't know how to shift properly.
General Comments:
This is my second Accent. The 1997 model was a fantastic car, I never had a problem with it. It appears that they have improved the looks of the car, but failed in keeping the mechanics intact. I wrote a complaint letter to Hyundai Canada in hopes that they would replace the car - I was willing to take another Accent. Their reply was extremely defensive and offered no solutions. I used to be a loyal Hyundai customer, but I will never buy another Hyundai again.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 10th June, 2003
10th Feb 2004, 09:38
I have same accent that had same problems. Dealer has pathetic service practices, but I was able to resolve. Brakes were bled and have been working fine. Transmission fluid topped off (Seems they don't actually fill it up at factory) and even though 87 octane is recommended started using 91+ octane and spark plug ping stopped. The engine light in my case was the mass airflow sensor harness was a little loose. Tightened up and running OK up to now.
17th Sep 2004, 09:15
Re the gearbox "problems" with the Accent.
The gear linkage is very particular about the timing of gear changes. It becomes second-nature among many drivers to shift out slightly before the clutch is fully disengaged. With the Accent this will, if done repeatedly, put the cable-operated linkage out of adjustment, with the result that you get intermittent "crashing" effects on the gearchanges (in reality a crash of the linkage system and not the gearbox itself). This is related to the mechanism preventing clutchless gearchanges.
If you make absolutely sure you fully depress the clutch every single time before even beginning to change gear, the noise will subside. It's an irritant, but a "feature" of this particular car and not one that will affect the reliability of the transmission.
11th Mar 2005, 22:13
I too have written Hyundai Canada a letter in regards to my absolutely horrible service at two of their dealerships. They pretty much told me there is nothing they were willing to do and that I should contact the service manager. The problem was it was the service manager I was having a problem with. I will never own another Hyundai based on the inadequate service I have received in Manitoba.
27th Sep 2006, 19:54
I can solve your grinding problem. I had a similar problem. Can be one of two problems.
1- the carpet mat cannot go under the clutch, because the cluth pedal won't go down all the way with the mats underneath. Your clutch needs be to be repositioned. I did this and the clutch won't grind anymore!
13th Feb 2007, 13:29
Check the clutch fluid level. It is a hydraulic clutch and if the level is low, the clutch won't disengage properly. That could cause your problem. Cleveland dealerships have been good to me, but I do everything not covered by warranty myself. good luck.
25th Jan 2004, 15:26
Shifting problems that other drivers can't re-create. You've been shifting improperly for 20 years and have just been luck not to have problems.