1997 Hyundai Accent
KMHVA31LPVU202335
Vehicle record for the 1997 Hyundai Accent (VIN KMHVA31LPVU202335). Blue, hatchback, gasoline. Registered in Kyiv. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.
No photo of this model yet1997 Hyundai Accent · Blue on the registration record
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 2 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report engine and engine cooling trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN KMHVA31LPVU202335, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 2 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page cost nothing.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1997 Hyundai Accent data →
📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1997 Hyundai Accent.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Hyundai Accent.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 1997 Hyundai Accent 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1997 Hyundai Accent costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1997 Hyundai Accent — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 3
FUEL TANK CRACKING Closed
NHTSA #RQ00017 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Sep 2000 · closed Oct 2000PASSENGER AIR BAG RELATED Closed
NHTSA #EA00001 · Air Bags · opened Jan 2000 · closed Mar 2001PASSENGER AIR BAG RELATED FATALITIES Closed
ODI IS AWARE OF SEVEN FATALITIES OF CHILDREN (EXCLUDING CHILDREN IN REAR FACING CHILD SAFETY SEATS) THAT WERE CAUSED BY THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS IN MINOR OR MODERATE SEVERITY CRASHES INVOLVING MODEL YEAR 1995 THROUGH 1997 HYUNDAI ACCENT VEHICLES. TWO OF THE SEVEN FATALITIES OCCURRED IN PUERTO RICO. THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS FORFURTHER INVESTIGATION.
NHTSA #PE99046 · Air Bags · opened Jul 1999 · closed Jan 2000An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 67
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 67.
This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lam…
Bulletin 23-BD-002H · Visibility · Jan 2023Hyundai approves only the ATF, DCT gear oil and IVT gear oil specified in the vehicleâÂÂs ownerâÂÂs manual. ï· Use of other ATF may result in improper shift quality or other drivability conditions. ï· Use of other DCT and IVT gear oil may result…
Bulletin 21-AT-006H · Power Train · May 2021This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next required steps.
Bulletin 21-EM-004H · Engine And Engine Cooling, Equipment · Mar 2021This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
Bulletin 21-BR-002H · Service Brakes, Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Mar 2021This bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
Bulletin 21-EM-003H · Engine And Engine Cooling, Equipment · Mar 2021This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
Bulletin 20-BR-002H · Service Brakes · Nov 2020This bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the âTire Balance Data Sheetâ must be fully completed including imbalance and Road Force Variation (RFV) d…
Bulletin 20-SS-004H · Wheels, Tires · Nov 2020This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp as…
Bulletin 20-BD-014H · Exterior Lighting, Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Jul 2020This bulletin provides information on tire maintenance best practices and procedures for dealers and customers to maximize tire life and performance.
Bulletin 20-SS-002H(1) · Tires, Wheels · May 2020This bulletin describes the general guidelines to help disinfect and protect vehicle exterior/interior surfaces using recommended safe chemical products.
Bulletin 20-BD-007H-1 · Equipment · May 2020Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the ACCENT. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 3
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1997 Hyundai Accent. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Suspension
On certain vehicles, road de-icing salt used during winter months may result in corrosion of the lower plate or the front lower control arm. Corrosion may proceed to the point where the lower plate becomes perforated and the front lower control arm fractures between its forward and rearward pivot attachments to the chassis. If the front lower control arm fractures, the wheel as…
Transport Canada #2003140 · May 2003Suspension
On certain vehicles, corrosion from winter road salt may cause pits to form on the lower coil of the front springs. These pits may allow cracks to develop, which can result in the breakage of the lower spring coil. If the front coil spring breaks, it may become displaced from its seated position and cause damage to a tire which in turn could result in loss of vehicle control. C…
Transport Canada #1998210 · Oct 1998Visual System
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY BE CONTAMINATED WITH SOLDERING FLUX. THIS CONTAMINATION COULD INTERFERE WITH THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CONTINUITY AND PREVENT THE WIPER MOTOR FROM OPERATING. INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO REDUCED VISIBILITY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER WHICH MAY IN TURN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. CORRECTION: CONTAMINA…
Transport Canada #1997045 · Mar 1997Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent, or Hyundai Verna is a subcompact car produced by Hyundai. In Australia, the first generation models carried over the Hyundai Excel name used by the Accent's predecessor. The Accent was replaced in 2000 by the Hyundai Verna in South Korea, although most international markets, including the US, retained the "Accent" name. The "Accent" name is an acronym of Advanced Compact Car of Epoch-making New Technology.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 2
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING "SALT BELT" STATES: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN. DURING WINTER MONTHS, THE ROAD SALT USED TO DE-ICE ROADS CAN R…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING GUIDE TO PREVENT A BROKEN COIL SPRING FROM CONTACTING AND DAMAGING A TIRE.
NHTSA Campaign #98V245000 · 06/10/1998VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WERE CONTAMINATED DURING ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CONTAMINANTS FROM THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER CONTACTS.
NHTSA Campaign #97V026000 · 26/02/1997Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 14 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 65 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Hyundai Accent, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 8 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire 🚑 6 reported injuries
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 65
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1997 Hyundai Accent.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LATCHES ON ALL FOUR DOORS OF THE VEHICLE WERE DETACHING. THE DRIVER SIDE DOORS AND LATCHES WERE COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO ENTER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE PASSENGER DOOR. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPA…
NHTSA ODI #10406193AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
DEAR SIR I WOULD LIKE TO BRING THE SURPRISING ISSUE IN FRONT OF YOU RELATED TO HYUNDAI ACCENT I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR MORE THAN A YEAR NOW. I WAS DRIVING THIS CAR ON THE 401 EAST HIGHWAY, ONTARIO, CANADA ON 16TH DECEMBER 2007 AT 2.35 P.M. MY WIFE AND MY LITTLE ONE AND A HALF YEAR DAUGHTER WERE ALSO ACCOMPANYING ME. I WAS COMING FROM WINDSOR AND HEADING TO…
NHTSA ODI #10212307FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT THIS WEEK FOR WHICH THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME $99 TO INSPECT A CRACKED FUEL TANK PER RECALL IN WHICH POSSIBLY 66,086 VEHICLES OF MY TYPE ARE INVOLVED. I HAVE THE FEELING THAT THE DEALER WILL TRY NOT TO COVER THIS REPAIR. SEE MY DETAILS BELOW. RECALL CAMPAIGN: 00V314001. SHOULD THE DEALER BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR? THIS CAR IS …
NHTSA ODI #10200198SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
RIGHT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE HITTING ROTOR CRACKING THE ROTOR REPLACED ALL AFFECTED PARTS AT OUR OWN EXPENSE REPLACED COIL SPRING,ROTOR,BRAKE PADS. HYUNDAI SAYS THIS VEHICLE NOT IN THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT IS REGISTERED IN THE EFFECTED AREA OF THE RECALL THIS COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY LED TO CATASTROPHIC FAILURE IF IT HAD NOT BEEN DETECTED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10199394LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH ON MY '97 HYUNDAI SONATA BROKE AND ITS REALLY BIG SAFETY CONCERN. I'VE BEEN LOOKING ON THE INTERNET AND ITS NOT JUST ME WHO HAS THAT PROBLEM THE DOOR LATCH BREAKS EASILY AND IT COSTS A LOT OF MONEY TO GET IT FIXED SINCE THE PART COSTS $93 +. AND SINCE THE DOOR CAN'T OPEN ITS GOING TO COST A LOST OF MONEY FOR LABOR BECAUSE THEY HAVE…
NHTSA ODI #10131444FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE SMELL OF FUEL PROMPTED THE CONSUMER TO MAKE CONTACT WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER SINCE THERE WAS A FUEL TANK RECALL. CONSUMER LOCATED A CRACK ON THE FUEL TANK. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA RECALL 00V314000. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10103241STEERING,AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER WAS INJURED. ALSO, CONSUMER STATED THAT THE GUIDING ARM WAS VERY WEAK. THIS CAUSED PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING.*AK
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #10101835SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CONSUMER STATED WITHOUT ANY INDICATION REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10048246+ 57 more complaints on record.
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