HyundaiAccent2013Overview/hyundai/accent/2013/base/

2013 Hyundai Accent

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2013 Accent.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic 6-spd

The 2013 Hyundai Accent is a passenger car paired with an automatic 6-speed transmission and an engine requiring 3.5 quarts of 5W-20 or 5W-30 API oil, carrying EPA fuel-economy estimates of 28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. It has accumulated 140 owner complaints and one recall, with the Service Brakes, Hydraulic category accounting for the top reported concern. In the full 1991–2022 model history, that places the 2013 Accent near the upper end of the complaint spectrum—below the 1995 high of 167 yet well above the 1993 low of one—meaning it represents one of the more frequently reported model years in the nameplate’s record.

Model year202220212020201920182017201620152013

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity3.5 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque65-80 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy28/37/31 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 121R · 500 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 121R · 500 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnLAMPOEM · verified
Tire sizeP175-70R14OEM · verified
Wheel / rimN/A inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 6-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length162.2 in
Overall width66.9 in
Overall height57.1 in
Wheelbase101.2 in
Curb weight2575 lb
Track (front / rear)58.7 / 58.7 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)62/38

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined28 / 37 / 31 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume90 cu ft
Cargo volume14 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Accent of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.8–10.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.80 sec — 2012 SE 5-door Hatchback
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2012SE 5-door Hatchback 1.6L I-47.80 sec16.30 sec138 hpFWD
2012SE 5-door Hatchback 1.6L I-48.00 sec16.40 sec138 hpFWD
2012SE 5-door Hatchback 1.6L I-49.20 sec16.90 sec138 hpFWD
2012GLS Sedan 1.6L I-49.60 sec17.40 sec138 hpFWD
2012SE 5-door Hatchback 1.6L I-49.90 sec17.40 sec138 hpFWD
2012GLS Sedan 1.6L I-410.30 sec17.90 sec138 hpFWD
2014SE 5-door Hatchback 1.6L I-49.00 sec16.80 sec138 hpFWD
2016Sport 5-door Hatchback 1.6L I-48.60 sec16.90 sec137 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 3.5 qt of 5W-20 / 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 65-80 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 28.5-32.5 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine Oil5W-20 · 5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity3.5 qt

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts53-56 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts14-17 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22-26 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug28.5-32.5 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts65-80 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub147-202 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)630 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load)100 rpm
Ignition Timing3 degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance10 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPMIdle rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.16-1.27 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity3.04-3.75 oz
Standard BCI Group Number121R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance500 cca

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)62.3-68.1 psi

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket16-23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle36-43 ft-lbs / 58-72 ft-lbs
Brake ApplicationWITH FN3 (16 inch) CALIPER PR NOS. 1LH/1ZG
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.039 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0002 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0016 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.394 in / 0.866 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
113-16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9013–16 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Apply a 2.00-3.00 mm bead of Hyundai sealant or equivalent RTV to the front cylinder head corners of the upper and lower head gasket. Assembly of the cylinder head must be completed within five minutes of applying the liquid gasket compound.

122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
114.5 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9014.5 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miBattery (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Fuel Tank (add fluid conditioner) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Vacuum Line (inspect)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect)
Every 37,500 miTransmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 60,000 miEngine Valves (inspect valve lash)
At 105,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 120,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2013 Hyundai Accent marks the second year of its fourth generation, following a notable spike in complaints in 2012 (152) and preceding a decline in 2014 (80). While complaints remained elevated in 2013 (140), recalls dropped to just one—consistent with the single recall in 2012 but lower than the two in 2015—suggesting Hyundai addressed some early-generation issues without triggering widespread corrective campaigns. The data shows the 2013 model sits near the peak of this generation’s complaint arc, with top concerns concentrated in hydraulic brakes (21 complaints) and engine systems (19), alongside 16 crash-related reports and 9 fire complaints, though the root causes aren’t specified. Compared to the prior generation’s mid-cycle stability, this period reflects typical first-year carryover challenges rather than a systemic flaw. The presence of one investigation in 2013, mirroring 2012 and 2014–2015, indicates regulatory scrutiny but no escalation beyond routine monitoring. **Takeaway:** While not the cleanest year in the generation, the 2013 Accent’s issues appear manageable with thorough pre-purchase inspection—particularly of brakes and engine components—making it a viable buy if service records confirm resolved recalls and no recurring complaints.

1
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
75
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
140
Owner complaints
16 involved a crash · 9 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 140 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic21
Engine19
Unknown Or Other9
Air Bags9
Service Brakes7
Seat Belts3
Tires3
Vehicle Speed Control3

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

23V651000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/ModuleReported 22/09/2023

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013… Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 75 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
Z01 Letter2026-05-22Electrical SystemCertain 2012 – 2017 model year Accent, 2012 – 2017 model year Azera, 2013 – 2018 model…
26-BE-011H DN2026-04-25Electrical SystemSome vehicles listed below may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and DTC(s)…
26-BE-011H TSB2026-04-25Electrical SystemSome vehicles listed below may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and DTC(s)…
DTN DL2026-04-10Air BagsThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of…
DTN DCS2026-04-10Air BagsThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Accent. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2013 Accent take?

3.5 qt of 5W-20 OR 5W-30 API SM, per the factory manual.

Does the 2013 Accent have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Accent get?

EPA figures are 28 city / 37 highway / 31 combined mpg.