5 To-Be-Expected Transmission Problems Of The Hyundai Accent

The Hyundai Accent spent years in the shadow of Japanese economy cars. Perceived as less reliable, Accent’s rise to the ranks of its competition was astonishing. In this blog, we are taking a closer look at the transmission reliability of the past 3 generations of Accent. Here is a short summary of our findings.

Both the manual and the automatic transmission on the Accent are considered reliable. There are cases of transmission slipping, delayed engagement, and oil pressure harness failures with both the 4 and the 6-speed automatic transmissions. CVT transmissions are reliable.

By going through 100s of NHTSA owners’ complaints, exploring and reading all Hyundai’s technical service bulletins (TSBs), and keeping our eyes locked onto any recalls affecting the Accents transmissions. We then gathered our findings and condensed them into this blog. Stay with us!

Common Hyundai Accent Transmission Problems

To clarify things, we’re going to split this section into different generations of the Hyundai Accents. We will then list all the transmissions used in each generation and report their problems one by one. 

Fifth Generation – HC/YC (2018-2022)

The latest, 5th generation Accent is on its way out of production. At the time of its production, it featured the following transmissions:

• 6-Speed Manual Transmission
• 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
• C0GF1 CVT Automatic Transmission (From the 2020 model year onwards)

To keep up with the times, in 2020, Hyundai decided to replace the old and heavy 6-speed standard automatic transmission with a lighter, modern CVT unit. The 7-speed DCT, direct shift transmission never made it into the US market spec Accents. 

6-Speed Manual Transmission

After reviewing all the NHTSA complaints, all technical service bulletins, and potential recalls, we haven’t found a single report of issues with this transmission. Nothing to worry about here; good job, Hyundai!

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

We were surprised to find almost no NHTSA complaints in connection to this automatic transmission. There were also no recalls that would address this transmission. However, we did find a handful of TSBs that shine some light on some problems with this transmission.

Starting with the TSB number 20-AT-001H, Hyundai addressed the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that accompany symptoms of transmission slipping. This TSB provides instructions for service technicians to know which transmission solenoid to replace to repair this problem.

Similarly enough, the TSB number 19-AT-021H-1 provides instructions for a “stall test,” which tests the state of the transmission clutch in case of slipping concerns. If the clutch/vehicle fails the test, service technicians install a new transmission.

Not being able to shift from Park is annoying, to say the least. TSB number 18-AT-006 addresses this exact issue and provides diagnostic instructions for service staff. Depending on the cause, service technicians install a new brake light switch, shift lever assembly, body control module, or the IPM unit.

And lastly, Hyundai also addressed the concerns about the harsh and/or delayed gear shifting. TSB number 18-AT-004 provides instructions for analyzing harsh or delayed shifts with Hyundai’s GDS diagnostic tools. With the help of this TSB, technicians were much more accurate and fast with their diagnostics and repairs.

To recap, these transmissions are far from unreliable. Despite all the problems described in the TSBs above, we have to take into account that there are almost no transmissions in the world that don’t experience such issues. Hyundai is attentive enough to release TSBs to improve the handling of these concerns. 

C0GF1 CVT Automatic Transmission

In 2020, Hyundai decided to ditch the 6-speed standard automatic transmission and fit in a modern, lighter IVT CVT unit. And despite the CVT problems we are generally used to, this time, there is not much to report on. 

There are also no NHTSA complaints that would address major issues with this unit. There is, however, 1 TSB we need to mention.

First, TSB addressed the illumination of warning lights due to the presence of the following DTCs: P0730, P0731, P0741, P0867, and P1603. To resolve these transmission trouble codes, Hyundai updated the transmission control unit (TCU), performed the TCU pressure learning procedures, or even replaced the transmission entirely.

We are not sure about the symptoms that accompanied these DTCs, nor are they described by Hyundai. However, it is good to be aware of these trouble codes.

Fourth Generation – RB/RC (2011-2017)

Offered in both a hatchback and a sedan variant, the 4th generation Accent offered the following transmission (6-speed variants were released with the 2015 facelift):

• 5-Speed Manual Transmission
• 6-Speed M6CF1 Manual Transmission
• 6-Speed A6GF1 Automatic Transmission

5-Speed & 6-Speed M6CF1 Manual Transmission

We have joined these two transmissions together because we have good news. There are absolutely no complaints, recalls or TSBs addressing issues with these two transmissions.

6-Speed A6GF1 Automatic Transmission

Let’s kick things off with the positives. There are almost no NHTSA complaints that involve problems with this transmission. However, despite the good reputation of this transmission, there are still some Hyundai TSBs you need to be aware of.

TSB 20-AT-014H announces the availability of a new internal harness with an oil temperature sensor, which was previously known to cause flashing of the check engine light and various DTCs. 

TSB 19-AT-015H addressed the numerous DTCs, which were resolved by replacing the oil pressure harness and related transmission solenoids.

To tackle transmission slipping issues, Hyundai issued the 20-AT-001H, 19-AT-021H-1, and 18-AT-004 TSBs, which provided instructions for service technicians on how to test the vehicles for slipping and which solenoids or parts need replacing to resolve the issue.

Hyundai also addressed the harsh and delayed shifting occurrences with the TSB 13-AT-009. In cases where the only solution was a new torque converter, Hyundai also released the 17-AT-007 and 13-AT-004  to ensure those torque converters were installed properly (to prevent oil pump failures). 

To help resolve the several cases of owners being unable to shift out of park, Hyundai released the TSB number 18-AT-006. Staying on the topic of shift levers, the issues with being unable to start the engine in park or neutral were addressed in the TSB 13-AT-013.

Don’t let the many TSBs scare you, take this as responsible customer support from Hyundai. There are not a lot of companies that put in such efforts. This transmission should have no problem reaching high mileage if maintained regularly.

Third Generation – MC (2006-2011)

The third-generation Accent offered greatly improved looks, but weirdly enough, it kept the same transmission options as the 2nd generation Accents. Here are your choices:

• 5-Speed Manual Transmission
• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Hyundai has a good track record when it comes to manual transmissions, there are simply no problems! After checking all the model years of the 3rd generation Accents, we only found 1 isolated NHTSA complaint about a premature failure of this transmission. 

Aside from that report, there are absolutely no concerns being reported, and there are no TSBs or recalls regarding this transmission.

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

We’re glad we have more good news to share. Generally speaking, these transmissions are considered to be bullet-proof. There is only one TSB that addresses actual transmission issues and one recall we need to mention.

The TSB at hand was released under reference TSB-09-AT-013. We have failed to find the actual TSB posted online, however, we do know what it is all about. The transmission range switch is an important sensor that tells your car’s powertrain or engine module in which gear your car is in.

As the transmission range switch fails, the car fails to recognize when you shift to park, neutral, or drive. Therefore, it might prevent you from turning on the engine. It may also trigger warning lights and various DTCs, as described in this TSB.

There’s also a recall that is not strictly affecting this transmission, but rather its operation. Accents made between March 1, 2009, to February 11, 2011, are prone to brake light switch malfunctions. This seemingly unimportant switch is responsible for letting your transmission know that you have your foot on the brake.

This prevents you from shifting out of park, or shifting into Park. Both of these issues may prevent you from using your vehicle, and Hyundai made sure to recall the impacted vehicles.

Hyundai also released a number of TSBs that mainly provide service instructions to their service technicians, and no other reports include information on common problems, etc.

Other Problems Related To The Powertrain

There are no other major powertrain issues that we have detected through our research process. The Accent has really been an underdog through all these years, and it never got the love it deserves. It was reliable both engine and transmission-wise.

How Long Does A Hyundai Accent Transmission Last?

There are not a lot of cars where we can put up a general estimate of transmission life spans across three generations. Generally, we list transmission lifespan estimates for each generation of a car or even each transmission. However, we’re in luck today.

Hyundai Accents transmission should last at least 180,000 miles with regular maintenance. 

Based on our research, we can conclude that there is no reason why any of the transmissions listed in this article would not make it to that mileage.

You might be surprised to see this based on the number of TSBs we have quoted. But as we have said before, these TSBs do not mean there are a number of Accents with prematurely failed transmissions. They help to address issues as they pop up to prevent complete failures and large Hyundai dealers will make sure you’re well aware of what they’ve done to preempt these issues.

How Much Does A Hyundai Accent Transmission Cost?

• Transmission rebuild kits, All generations, all automatics: $200 – $300 (eBay)
• Refurbished valve bodies, All generations, all automatics: $160 – $350 (eBay)
• New valve bodies, All generations, all automatics: $500 – $800 (eBay & Hyundai)
• Pre-owned transmission, All generations, all automatics: $400 – $800 (eBay)
• Transmission oil pans, All generations, all automatics: $80 – $130 (eBay)
• Pre-owned manual transmission, All generations: $200 – $500 (eBay)