1997 Hyundai Accent: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Hyundai Accent: 2 recalls, 55 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #97V026000 · 1997 · 74,965 vehicles
What's wrong: The windshield wiper motor circuit breaker electrical contacts were contaminated during assembly.
Why it matters: This contamination interferes with the electrical circuit continuity and prevents the windshield wiper motor from operating. Inoperative windshield wipers can contribute to reduced visibility during inclement weather increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will remove the contaminants from the windshield wiper motor circuit breaker contacts.
Suspension Vehicle recall #98V245000 · 1998 · 64,967 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the front coil spring breaks, it can become displaced from its seated position, and can contact a tire. Tire damage can result.
The fix: Dealers will install a spring guide to prevent a broken coil spring from contacting and damaging a tire.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (15): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (13): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (5).
- Airbags (11): the most common themes are fails to deploy (4), warning light on (2).
- Suspension (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1997 Hyundai Accent has 55 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 30 Accent model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 68). Complaints peaked in 2001 (12 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 69,450 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (101 complaints, 4 recalls), 1998 (47 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 28 | Regular |
| 1.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 33 | 27 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Hyundai Accent.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1997 Hyundai Accent have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Hyundai Accent. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Hyundai Accent problems?
Owners have filed 55 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (15), transmission & drivetrain (13), airbags (11).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Hyundai Accent get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (1.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Hyundai Accent repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.