VehicleVerdict

2012 Hyundai Accent problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2012 Hyundai Accent carries two red flags at once: 218 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.4× the Accent norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Accent years to avoid. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 18 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (40), brakes (36), and electrical system (29), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

218

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

18

Crash-involved

18

Fires reported

18

Injuries

1

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Accent years?

Accent NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted218 complaints1991: 2 complaints1993: 1 complaints1995: 197 complaints1996: 142 complaints1997: 82 complaints1998: 72 complaints1999: 66 complaints2000: 115 complaints2001: 148 complaints2002: 163 complaints2003: 45 complaints2004: 40 complaints2005: 76 complaints2006: 49 complaints2007: 113 complaints2008: 135 complaints2009: 128 complaints2010: 119 complaints2011: 51 complaints2012: 218 complaints2013: 206 complaints2014: 98 complaints2015: 100 complaints2016: 160 complaints2017: 97 complaints2018: 23 complaints2019: 37 complaints2020: 17 complaints2021: 22 complaints2022: 32 complaints
Accent NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Accent years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Hyundai Accent problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4018%
Brakes3617%
Electrical System2913%
Other209%
Speed Control188%
Airbags178%
Tires & Wheels146%
Fuel System126%
Body & Structure94%
Steering94%
Suspension73%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Seat Belts21%
Transmission10%
Lighting10%

Does the 2012 Hyundai Accent have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V651000BrakesSeptember 22, 2023 · 1,649,478 units

Defect

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 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

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 mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.

20V393000Electrical SystemJuly 2, 2020 · 272,126 units

Defect

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 allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.

Consequence

An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 14, 2020 · fire

“I WAS TRAVELLING EAST BOUND ON MEMPHIS AVENUE AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH APPROACHING TIEDEMAN ROAD IN BROOKLYN, OHIO. I ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES WHICH GAVE A RUBBING AND GRINDING NOISE AND CAUSED MY 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS TO MY VEHICLE. THE AIR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 17, 2015 · crash

“On the [XXX], my 2012 Hyundai Accent caught fire in the engine compartment and engulfed in flames. Right before the fire started, smoke came out of the air vents into the car, causing me to become stifled and choke for several minutes. Smoke was also coming out of the hood. At that point, I lifted…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 25, 2025 · fire

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 14, 2020 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 16, 2013 · crash

2012 Hyundai Accent — common questions

Is the 2012 Hyundai Accent reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 218 complaints put the 2012 model at #1 of 30 Accent years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Accent years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Accent problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (40 complaints), brakes (36 complaints), electrical system (29 complaints).

Does the 2012 Hyundai Accent have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Hyundai Accent. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Hyundai Accent under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Hyundai Accent years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Accent years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 1995, 2002, 2016, 2001, 1996, 2008, 2015, 2014. The cleanest record among Accent years belongs to 1993.

How safe is the 2012 Hyundai Accent?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Hyundai Accent earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.