21st Nov 2003, 19:20

I have a 2002 Hyundai accent. I have also had problems with the automatic transmission. It jerks and knocks when I am slowing down or speeding up at speeds below about 35 mph. I have had the speed sensor replaced once already, as well as two other repairs. I wouldn't recommend buying a Hyundai to anyone! There is a reason for that nice warranty!

29th Feb 2004, 00:39

I got confused by the overdrive comment too. Overdrive is the highest gear in a transmission, thus the gear WORST for passing (overdrive usually has the engine rpms at 1000-2000 rpm, most engines begin having some sort of power at 3000 and above)

You must downshift for passing (flooring the pedal in an automatic, or shifting to a lower gear for standard)

I thought most drivers would have known this?

20th Mar 2004, 19:35

I leave mine in overdrive all the time and its fine. When its not in overdrive the revs are too high and it wastes too much gas. Leave it in overdrive and you will not have a problem, even at low speeds.

20th May 2004, 06:34

I bought my automatic Hyundai Accent GL in Sept. 2002. I was surprised as to how much get up and go it had. In less than two months the transmission needed to be replaced. It is now May of 2004 and it is in the shop where I bought it having another transmission replaced. I make good money, but bought this vehicle out of wanting to save money for my dream vehicle. I would also like to add that the inside of my Hyundai is very loud with rattles from the door. I really wish I had made a better choice in vehicles! I just can't trust this vehicle any longer, so at the end of this month I am going to trade this in for hopefully a more reliable vehicle. Good luck to everyone that bought a lemon Hyundai. And congrats to those who bought a good Hyundai!

30th Jul 2004, 13:17

I also have had many problems with the transmission, among other things with my car. They even replaced the transmission and it still does not shift properly to this day. I'll never purchase another one again and discourage anyone who thinks about on from buying.

2nd Aug 2004, 08:09

I too have had tremendous problems with the transmission in my 2002 Accent. In fact it has been in to have the transmission replaced already. This was after only having it for 3 months or so. It is still jerky and shifts late. I am leasing my accent and really wish I could get out of the lease. This car for me has been nothing, but a lemon. Also it is gutless when you really need to get out of a jam and it is very cheaply made. Reminds me of Fisher price snap together products.

This car has been one mistake after another.

Stacey.

17th Oct 2004, 11:36

We have had nothing but problems from our 2002 Hyundai Accent, everything from the transmission to the brakes and the catalytic converter. I agree that the car is a lemon, however that particular law is difficult to pursue, trust me, anyone with problems could contact me at csbsapvp@aol.com, I'll share our story, and would like to hear yours.

29th Dec 2004, 11:33

Lol! I am constantly amazed by complaints of how cheap a cheap basic car is. What did you people think you were buying? A Mercedes? It's not going to drive as nicely as cars that cost 2 times as much (a Civic) or 10 times as much (A Mercedes). Expeciting it to come even close is unrealistic on your part.

Of course it's cheap, loud, buzzy, and has the occasional problem. It's the cheapest of the cheap economy cars. I recently bought a 2002 Accent GS with the automatic. Dirt cheap as a used car with 31k miles on it. It's not perfect, but it's a cheap transportation car. It's considerably better than tiny imports and domestics USED to be.

And heck, ANY car can break. Hondas are having problems being recalled for transmission issues, even Ferraris are being recalled for lug nuts that can break off letting the wheels fall off.

Suck it up and remember you bought a cheap car for a reason.

8th Feb 2005, 13:33

I got my 2002 Hyundai Accent 1.5 with manual trans. in Dec. 2001. In over 3 years / 60,000 km., I have had to put on a new exhaust flex pipe, tires, and replace the front pads once. It went in for a warranty repair on a leaking power steering line, and that's it. The mileage is excellent. It is roomy inside, and for a 4 cyl. is quiet. When the lease is up in Dec. 05, I will be signing up for another 4 years for a 2006 Accent.

16th Feb 2005, 11:21

I have a 2002 Hyundai Accent GL I purchased new in Nov 2002... It’s a little comforting to see I'm not the only one with an Accent that doesn't shift too well.

Doesn't matter if its cold, hot, wet or dry... some days it seems to do OK and other days not so good.

Things I've noticed... usually jerks the worst when under 30mph, doing stop and go travel jerks the most. And of course don't rely on a sudden/quick acceleration because usually when I try this its just like I shifted into neutral... the RPMs go flying up, but you're not moving any faster... when this happens only thing to do is let off the gas, wait for the RPMs to come down until you feel the tranny re-engage and then accelerate more smoothly/gradually.

I understand I bought a cheap car, but that doesn't mean the transmission should shift this poorly. Before this car I had a 93 Ford Festiva (also an economy Korean made car) and it never had these kinds of shift problems.

I don't think changing transmissions is ever going to fix this issue... I'm guessing it’s more of a design problem than a mechanical one. Of course my local Hyundai shop tried to blame it on low trans fluid and wanted to pour more in... I had to pull the stick to show them "ITS FULL"… sticking more in would only cause leaks and who wants that?!?!

Over all I like the car, but the automatic transmission DOES SUCK! Best thing that has worked for me is "baby" the transmission... smooth/even acceleration seems to work the best... if it feels like its time for the transmission to shift and it hasn't, let off the gas just a bit so it shifts. This will reduce the amount of jerk you feel... And lastly, try to avoid the need for sudden/quick accelerations cuz usually your gonna get a lot of RPM and no power.

Anyway, there's my two cents worth... spend it as you wish. :)

Tim H.

TimH32@Yahoo.COM.

20th Feb 2005, 13:35

I've had my 2002 gsi 16v std. tranny accent (48,000km) for almost a year and it hasn't given me any trouble. Regular oil changes, new brake pads and a scheduled general tune-up is all I have done to it. For all the automatic owners maybe try putting it in overdrive and LEAVE IT THERE. Especially at highways speeds, no wonder it jerks. I love the manual transmission. I got it it up to 185 kph coming back from Windsor! And still had 500 rpm before red-line. It has more power than expected. Plus side: Gas mileage, Roomy, Big Trunk. Down side: Long-term reliability, Under-steer, No grip in winter. Overall, for the price, it's a good car.