1996 Hyundai Accent
KMHVF31NPTU255027
Vehicle record for the 1996 Hyundai Accent (VIN KMHVF31NPTU255027). Gray, sedan, gasoline. Registered in Donetsk. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.
No photo of this model yet1996 Hyundai Accent · Gray on the registration record
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 4 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report power train trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN KMHVF31NPTU255027, 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 4 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 1996 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 1996 Hyundai Accent.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 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 1996 Hyundai Accent.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 1996 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 1996 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 1996 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
FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM Closed
ON DECEMBER 18TH, 2002 HYUNDAI AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER, INC. (HYUNDAI) SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT REGARDING APPROXIMATELY 47,000 1995 AND 1996 HYUNDAI ACCENT VEHICLES REGISTERED IN SALT BELT STATES. ACCORDING TO HYUNDAI, THESE VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARMS WITH AN INTERIOR PARTITION WALL. THE PARTITION WALL RESTRICTS THE COVERAGE OF PAINT TO THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF T…
NHTSA #PE02055 · Suspension · opened Jul 2002 · closed Dec 2002PASSENGER 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 56
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 56.
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 2023This 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 2020This bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: ⢠A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. ⢠A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.
Bulletin 20-EE-003H · Equipment, Electrical System · Apr 2020The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
Bulletin 20-AT-016H · Power Train, Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Apr 2020This bulletin describes the general guidelines to disinfect and protect vehicle interior surfaces using certain safe chemical products.
Bulletin 20-BD-007H · Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Mar 2020Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the ACCENT. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 4
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1996 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 1997Suspension
NOTE: ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE REPAIRED PRIOR TO DELIVERY. THE LEFT HAND AND/OR RIGHT HAND REAR AXLE CARRIER (SPINDLE) MAY HAVE BEEN MACHINED INCORRECTLY. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE HUB BEARING INNER RACE NOT SEATING CORRECTLY ON THE AXLE CARRIER. AFFECTED VEHICLES COULD EXPERIENCE ONE OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: (1) EXCESSIVE BEARING NOISE; (2) ABNORMAL WHEEL VIBRATION;…
Transport Canada #1995209 · Nov 1995Source: 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 4
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. DURING WINTER MONTHS, LARGE QUANTITIES OF SALT ARE USED TO DE-I…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND, IF NECESSARY, WILL REPLACE ONE OR BOTH FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS IF STRUCTURAL DAMAGE HAS OCCURRED. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN ON JUNE 10, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R
NHTSA Campaign #02V341000 · manufacturer #058 · 20/12/2002SUSPENSION: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 · 26/02/1997SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
THROUGH CONTACT WITH ROAD HAZARDS AND CURBS, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY CAN SHIFT FROM ITS ORIGINAL POSITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM MEMBER ASSEMBLY ATTACHMENT TO THE UNDERBODY.
NHTSA Campaign #96V113000 · 01/07/1996Note: 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 121 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Hyundai Accent, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 17 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire 🚑 14 reported injuries
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 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.
🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
🔍 Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
🔍 Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
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 121
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1996 Hyundai Accent.
SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED, THE TIRE TURNED SIDEWAYS INTO THE FENDER AND THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND REFERENCED RECALL 02V341…
NHTSA ODI #10398467EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHTS BLINK FOR NO APPARENT REASON SINCE NEW IN JULY 2006 ON MY AZERA LIMITED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10231470SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT STOPPED SUDDENLY. THE SUSPENSION SPLIT IN HALF DUE TO CORROSION AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM COLLAPSED. HE WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND DROVE BACK INTO HIS DRIVEWAY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNAWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN …
NHTSA ODI #10204199SUSPENSION
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, THE SERVICE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR RECALL # 02V341000 FOR THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED IN AUGUST OF 2003. THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE RIGHT SIDE WAS REPLACED IN 2005 AND THE LEFT SIDE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACED IN AUGUST 8, 2006, AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER AND SERVICE DEALER DE…
NHTSA ODI #10164898SUSPENSION
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED FOR OTHER RECALLS, UPON INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND UPPER MOUNTING BRACKETS WERE CRACKED. THERE IS NHTSA RECALL # 98V245000, REGARDING THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE REPLACED UNDER RECALL IN 1999 HOWEVER THE RECALL DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. TH…
NHTSA ODI #10151482SUSPENSION
THERE WAS A RECALL ON A 96 HYUNDAI ACCENT, RECEIVED LETTER IN MAIL ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO, TOOK CAR TO REPAIR CENTER AT THAT TIME TECH SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE. ON JAN 30,2006 WAS DRIVING CAR AND FRONT CONTROL ARM SNAPPED PERTAINING TO THE RECALL THAT WAS DONE. CALLED HYUNDAI CORP WAS JUST TOLD TO WAIT FOR PAPER WORK AND INVESTIGATION EVEN THOUGH IF I WERE GOI…
NHTSA ODI #10149125POWER TRAIN
MANUAL TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHIFT INTO 2ND GEAR, 4TH GEAR, OR REVERSE. (INTO ANY OF THE DOWN SHIFTING POSITIONS) THERE SEEMS TO BE NO PATTERN TO PREDICT WHEN THIS PROBLEM WILL APPEAR. I'VE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS ON SURFACE STREETS, FREEWAYS, AND WHEN JUST STARTING THE CAR OR MID TRIP. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10112226STEERING
THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL. THIS WAS PROBABLY CAUSED BY THE SALT USED ON ROADS DURING WINTER.
NHTSA ODI #10068980+ 113 more complaints on record.
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