2012 Hyundai Accent Problems
Compared with other Hyundai Accent years
More complaints than typical for this model
87/100 2.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 2.3× that of a typical Hyundai Accent year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 32 of its 153 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: Engine stalling, oil burning and lower-end knock (41 complaints, median 90,000 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2011, 2014
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 153filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles, 89 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 32 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 28 city / 37 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Hyundai Accent (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2012 Accent most often write about brake problems, mostly premature pad and rotor wear, grinding noises and, in a few cases, a caliper that locked a wheel. A second cluster of complaints describes the engine stalling, burning oil or developing a knock, usually well past 70,000 miles. Unintended or sticking acceleration is also a recurring theme, reported on both automatic and manual cars.
- Engine
Engine stalling, oil burning and lower-end knock
- 41 complaints (27%)
- median 90,000 mi at 8.0 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2026
Owners describe the engine using more oil than expected between changes, the oil or check engine light coming on, and occasionally stalling while driving. Several complaints mention a knocking or metal-on-metal sound, sometimes tied to a knock sensor code (P0326), and a few report connecting rod or bearing damage found after the noise began. Complaint narratives say the dealer or an independent shop replaced sensors, the fuel pump or an oil control valve, and that in some cases the noise or stalling came back. Most often reported between roughly 75,000 and 130,000 miles.
What to check: Check the oil level and look for dark or low oil on the dipstick, listen for a knock at idle and on cold start, and ask about oil consumption between changes. Have any stored knock sensor or misfire codes read before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My vehicle has caught fire on 11/14/20 as it was parked at resident. We heard a pop sound and then fire started. June I had my battery replace. Feb I had issue with the )2 sensor that has been taken car of. After the fire I received a recal notice.”
NHTSA complaint #11375274, filed 2020-11, 102,000 miles“Check engine light for knock sensor keeps coming on and off. This is constance issue that I have been having. I have notify the dealership but they arr saying that therr is no recall regarding knock sensor on a 2012 Hyundai Accent gls.”
NHTSA complaint #11096927, filed 2018-05, 80,100 miles - Vehicle speed control
Engine surging or hanging revs after releasing the pedal
- 23 complaints (15%)
- median 60,500 mi at 5.8 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2012–2023
Complaints describe the engine revving on its own or holding revs after the accelerator is released, on both manual and automatic cars. Owners report the car continuing to accelerate briefly, lurching forward at a stop, or idling up to 5,000-6,000 rpm until the engine is shut off. Some say the repair shop cleaned the throttle body or replaced the accelerator pedal assembly, and a few say the problem returned afterward. Reported from as low as a few hundred miles up to about 100,000 miles, with several cases around 55,000-65,000 miles; a few owners note it is worse in warm weather.
What to check: During a test drive, lift off the pedal at low speed and watch whether the revs drop promptly, and check idle speed in park or neutral. Ask whether the throttle body was cleaned or the pedal assembly replaced, and when.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The gas pedal started sticking partway down, causing the car to accelerate precipitously and the engine to rev, even when in park. Once, when driving, I solved the revving noise by literally reaching down to the pedal and yanking it back up towards me once I stopped at a stoplight. The repair shop noted that this seems to be a common problem in Hyundai accents, with stories of it readily available online. …”
NHTSA complaint #11074393, filed 2018-02, 100,461 miles“My car is a manual transmission and when press the clutch the RPM go up to 4,000 RPM and I think that is the acceleration pedal may stay stock because doesn't do it all the time.I used my car everyday to go to work I really treat the car good only have a 25.000 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10795290, filed 2015-11, 24,500 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light and passenger seat sensor
- 17 complaints (11%)
- median 34,640 mi at 3.6 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2012–2020
Owners report the airbag warning light staying on and the passenger airbag indicator showing off even with someone in the seat, sometimes after a spill on the seat. A separate group of complaints describes airbags that did not deploy in a collision. According to the complaints, dealers attributed the light to the passenger seat sensor or occupant classification system and in some cases could not get the part promptly. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 130,000 miles, with many cases in the 20,000-60,000 mile range.
What to check: Turn the key to run and confirm the airbag light goes out after the bulb check, then sit in the passenger seat and confirm the passenger airbag indicator reads on. Ask whether the occupant classification sensor has been replaced or covered under an extended warranty.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I slid of the road during a rain storm and crashed into a concrete light pole.the car was totaled and I sustained serious bodily injuries.a broken right ankle,severe whiplash which caused herniated discs in my neck and back injuries.I had my seat belt on.the airbag did not deploy even though my vehicle was completely destroyed.. .. .updated 07/21/15 updated 9/22/2015”
NHTSA complaint #10725704, filed 2015-06, 21,000 miles“The red air bag light is always on, and the passenger sensor is always off even when there is a passenger. I am concerned that if I were to be in a serious accident, the air bags will not deploy. This started at about 115,000 miles. The car also recently started to eat up my gas for no valid reason. I drove 1.5 miles, yet used up 10 miles of gas, entirely abiding by traffic laws and signs.”
NHTSA complaint #11308105, filed 2020-02, 132,000 miles - Brakes
Premature brake wear, grinding and caliper lock-up
- 35 complaints (23%)
- median 71,000 mi at 6.3 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2026
Complaints describe grinding or rubbing noises from the brakes at low mileage, pads worn out far earlier than expected, and in some cases a brake pedal that felt soft or a wheel that locked up. A few owners say a caliper piston came out or the brakes grabbed unevenly; others report having to add brake fluid repeatedly. According to the complaints, dealers typically replaced pads and rotors and did not cover the work under warranty. Mostly reported between about 17,000 and 60,000 miles, with a few cases at higher mileage.
Recall 23V6510002 related service bulletins
What to check: Have the brakes inspected for pad and rotor thickness and ask for the brake fluid level and condition; a fluid level that keeps dropping points to a leak. Ask whether recall 23V651000 has been completed on the vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am a very cautious driver who is very easy on my brakes, to prevent wear. I could not stop in time when a vehicle in front of me suddenly stopped and had to turn, even though I had plenty of space to stop, I had to swerve in front of another vehicle because my brakes are worn down at 17k miles??? Something is obviously wrong with the brakes in a 2012 Hyundai Accent. There needs to be a recall. Even if I floor the brake pedal I don't stop and hear grinding noises.”
NHTSA complaint #10558041, filed 2013-12, 17,000 miles“We purchased a 2012 Hyundai Accent on october 19, 2011. From the very first day we started having issues where the brakes would not brake at times and would have bouts of unintended acceleration. From the first day of purchase we advised the Hyundai dealership and even brought in our vehicle to be looked at. They refused to do any kind of diagnostic and said that I was being a paranoid woman and new moms tend to worry too much. My husband and I have both driven this vehicle and experienced this issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10605008, filed 2014-06, 21,577 miles
Buying note. Check the brakes and steering carefully on a test drive, confirm the ABS recall has been completed, and have the engine checked for oil consumption and stored codes, since most of the reported engine trouble shows up well past 75,000 miles.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 153 consumer complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Accent. 89 of the complaints include a mileage, and 40% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 60,000 miles. Of all complaints, 13 involved a crash, 8 a fire, 13 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 104 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 10 Hyundai Accent model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 87 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes37 24%
- Engine36 24%
- Electrical system24 16%
- Other or unknown20 13%
- Vehicle speed control18 12%
- Air bags17 11%
- Fuel system12 7.8%
- Steering9 5.9%
- Body and structure9 5.9%
- Tires9 5.9%
Also reported: Suspension (7), Electronic stability control (5), Wheels (5), Engine cooling (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Seat belts (2), Exterior lighting (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Tamara recall my car keeps shutting off and won't get any rpms and it doesn't show anything on the code reader, one of those times I had kids in the car and I had no brakes at all when it shut off the engine but kept the radio on”
NHTSA complaint #11255760, filed 2019-09, 84,600 milesEngine: “Takata recall I am at 130,000 miles and there is no oil leaking, but every time I get an oil change it just disappears. Even if I'm not driving 1000 mi/month, it is completely dry within a few weeks of getting an oil change. I have to constantly put oil in my car in between oil changes every 3 months.”
NHTSA complaint #11179930, filed 2019-02, 130,000 milesElectrical system: “The switch for the windows in the back suddenly stopped working. There was a loud pop! And suddenly the windows couldn't be raised back up and instead stayed at half mast. It happened to one rear window, and then a couple months later, happened to the other. I have to manually push the windows up with my hands when the rear windows fall.”
NHTSA complaint #11308107, filed 2020-02, 105,000 milesOther or unknown: “my dealership, palmers hyundai on airport blvd in mobile, al said I can make an appointment to come in to have the abs fire hazard addressed, but there is no guarantee that they will have the part to fix the recall problem because they don't receive the item in bulk. I would have to make appt, come in and wait until my turn and then see if they would have the part to be able to fix it that day”
NHTSA complaint #11590917, filed 2024-05Mileage when problems were reported
40% of the 89 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 24,500 and 90,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Hyundai Accent. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accent · sedan FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 12.4% risk |
| Accent · hatchback FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 12.4% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2013: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Hyundai Accent version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accent FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 28 | 37 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Accent FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 28 | 37 | 31 | $2,150 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control…Covers: Hyundai Accent 2012–2015, Tucson 2010–2013, 2015, Elantra 2011–2015 +9 more
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 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013…
- 20V393000Jul 2, 2020Equipment › ElectricalCovers: Hyundai Accent 2012, Elantra 2011–2012, Sonata Hybrid 2011–2012 +1 more
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and…
Recall details for the 2012 Hyundai Accent → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 104 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Engine. Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Engine. Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles…
- 11033679May 23, 2026Air bags, Electrical system. Certain 2012 – 2017 model year Accent, 2012 – 2017 model year Azera, 2013 – 2018 model year Santa Fe Sport, 2013 – 2019 model year Santa Fe, and 2012 – 2017 model year Veloster vehicles may exhibit…
- 11032526Apr 25, 2026Air bags, Electrical system. Some vehicles listed below may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and DTC(s) B1763 (OCS ECU Defect), and/or B1764 (OCS Mat Defect) may be stored. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage…
- 11032525Apr 25, 2026Electrical system, Air bags. Some vehicles listed below may exhibit an intermittent airbag warning light and DTC(s) B1763 (OCS ECU Defect), and/or B1764 (OCS Mat Defect) may be stored. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage…
- 11032523Apr 10, 2026Air bags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile…
- 11032522Apr 10, 2026Air bags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo…
- 11025476Nov 6, 2025Exterior lighting. 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…
- 11000788May 10, 2024Electrical system. A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer (called the “Class…
- 11000314May 9, 2024Electrical system. A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer (called the “Class…
Other model years of the Hyundai Accent
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 17 | 350 | 2 | 4 | 36 | — | Rising |
| 2021 | 16 | — | 4 | 4 | 36 | — | Stable |
| 2020 | 12 | 34,250 | 4 | 4 | 36 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 31 | 54,500 | 1 | — | 32 | 4 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 19 | 999 | 1 | — | 32 | — | Stable |
| 2017 | 68 | 51,000 | 0 | 4 | 31 | 36 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 102 | 50,000 | 0 | 4 | 31 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 70 | 61,794 | 2 | 4 | 31 | 54 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 79 | 76,000 | 1 | 4 | 31 | 30 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2013 | 142 | 45,000 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2012 | 153 | 60,000 | 2 | 4 | 32 | 87 · More | Stable |
| 2011 | 38 | 45,000 | 1 | — | 30 | 14 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2010 | 87 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 30 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 101 | 71,000 | 2 | — | 29 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 101 | 49,600 | 1 | — | 29 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2007 | 88 | 65,033 | 3 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 43 | 61,000 | 3 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 49 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 33 | 36,000 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 37 | 35,000 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 134 | 43,400 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 112 | 52,500 | 2 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 92 | 61,000 | 4 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 61 | 74,992 | 1 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 47 | 66,000 | 1 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 55 | 69,450 | 2 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 101 | 86,250 | 4 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 142 | 71,725 | 5 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
All Hyundai Accent model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Accent?
Owners of the 2012 Accent most often write about brake problems, mostly premature pad and rotor wear, grinding noises and, in a few cases, a caliper that locked a wheel. The issues reported most often: Engine stalling, oil burning and lower-end knock; Engine surging or hanging revs after releasing the pedal; Airbag warning light and passenger seat sensor.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Hyundai Accent have?
NHTSA recorded 153 consumer complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Accent as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Hyundai Accent is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 37 complaints (24% of the total), followed by engine with 36.
Has the 2012 Hyundai Accent been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 Hyundai Accent do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 Hyundai Accent 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Hyundai Accent get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Hyundai Accent (Accent, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 32 mpg combined, 28 city and 37 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Hyundai Accent reported?
Among the 89 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 60,000 miles and the middle half falls between 24,500 and 90,000 miles; 40% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.