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2012 Hyundai Accent

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Accent years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Accent are substantially higher than the model-year median of 64.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

90 reports with mileage · 63 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports8 fire reports10 injury reports

What owners actually said

153 reports
Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2016
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE PARKED, RODENTS ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND CHEWED THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL WIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE PARKED, RODENTS ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND CHEWED THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL WIRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10837698

8,000 miles · Feb 22, 2016
Air BagsSeat BeltsStructureCrashInjury

TAKATA RECALL. MY WIFE WAS SIDESWIPED BY A HIT AND RUN DRIVER AND RAN OFF THE ROAD ONTO A ROUGH VACANT FIELD. AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND SHE HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND SUFFERED A SKULL FRACTURE. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE ACCIDENT SHE STARTED HAVING MEMORY PROBLEMS AND HAS SUFFERED 5 STROKES AND A CT SCAN SHOWS BRAIN DAMAG…

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TAKATA RECALL. MY WIFE WAS SIDESWIPED BY A HIT AND RUN DRIVER AND RAN OFF THE ROAD ONTO A ROUGH VACANT FIELD. AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY AND SHE HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND SUFFERED A SKULL FRACTURE. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE ACCIDENT SHE STARTED HAVING MEMORY PROBLEMS AND HAS SUFFERED 5 STROKES AND A CT SCAN SHOWS BRAIN DAMAGE. THIS HAS GONE ON SINCE APRIL OF 2012 AND THE CAR WAS JUST A FEW MONTHS OLD WITH APPROXIMATELY 8,000 MILES ON THE CAR. IT DID ABOUT $ 8000.00 DOLLARS IN DAMAGE WHICH WAS NEVER REPAIRED RIGHT UNTIL ALFA INSURANCE COMPANY IN ALABAMA SENT US TO THE BEST BODY MAN AROUND AND HE REPLACED THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE OUTER PANELS AND ALL OF THE UNDERSIDE SUPPORTS AND MATCHED THE PAINT PERFECT. I EXPECT MY WIFE TO EITHER BE IN A NURSING HOME OR MORE STROKES MAY KILL HER. I DON'T HAVE THE ACCIDENT REPORT SINCE IT'S BEEN ALMOST 4 YEARS SINCE THE ACCIDENT. THE HYUNDAI ACCENT IS A DEATH TRAP IN MY OPINION AND SHOULD NOT BE ON OUR UNITED STATES ROADS AT ALL. THAT CAR WILL KILL YOU IN THE SLIGHTEST ACCIDENT AND MY WIFE IS TURNING INTO A VEGETABLE BEFORE MY EYES.THANK YOU, [XXX] . SHE DID HAVE A WITNESS THAT WAS INSTALLING CABLE TV LINES ON A POWER POLE SHE ALMOST HIT. WE DID FILE A LAWSUIT AGAINST AND THE ATTORNEY SETTLED FOR ABOUT $10,000.00 AND HE SOLD US OUT. SHE CAN'T HAVE NURSING CARE FOR THAT AMOUNT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *TR

NHTSA ODI #10837597

35,281 miles · Feb 5, 2016
Air BagsCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE STOPPED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC TO ASSESS THE DAMAGES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT. WHILE STOPPED, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC TO ASSESS THE DAMAGES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,281.

NHTSA ODI #10824484

63,385 miles · Dec 27, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

AROUND 50000 MILES THE CAR WOULD OVER REV ABOUT 1000-2000 RPM WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS RELEASED AND FOOT OFF OF THE GAS. IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. NOW IT WILL ON ITS OWN WHILE STANDING AT IDLE RUN UP TO 5000-6000 RPM WITHOUT WARNING AND THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IT IS TO TURN THE CAR OFF. WHEN IN GEAR, THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE W…

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AROUND 50000 MILES THE CAR WOULD OVER REV ABOUT 1000-2000 RPM WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS RELEASED AND FOOT OFF OF THE GAS. IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. NOW IT WILL ON ITS OWN WHILE STANDING AT IDLE RUN UP TO 5000-6000 RPM WITHOUT WARNING AND THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IT IS TO TURN THE CAR OFF. WHEN IN GEAR, THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. IF YOU DEPRESS THE CLUTCH, AGAIN IT WILL RUN UP TO 5000-6000 RPM. THE PROBLEM BECOMES EXACERBATED IN WARMER WEATHER AND LESSENED IN COLD WEATHER. DURING THE 12/24 HEAT WAVE HERE IN PA, THE CAR WAS UNDRIVEABLE AND DANGEROUS AS I COULD NOT DEPEND ON IT NOT "TAKING OFF". THE DEALER UPDATED THE SOFTWARE ON 12/22 WHICH DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE, AND NO CODES WERE FOUND IN THE COMPUTER! BEFORE 50,000 MILES EVERYTHING WAS FINE.

NHTSA ODI #10816358

30,000 miles · Nov 30, 2015
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

NHTSA ODI #10807424

24,500 miles · Nov 22, 2015
Vehicle Speed Control

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 ODI #10795290

56,000 miles · Nov 17, 2015
Vehicle Speed Control

THIS IS MANUAL TRANSMISSION EQUIPPED CAR- INTERMITTENTLY, USUALLY AFTER THE CAR HAS SAT OVERNIGHT OR FOR A FEW HOURS, THE THROTTLE WILL STICK EVEN AFTER THE GAS PEDDLE IS RELEASED. THIS STARTED WITH THE REVS RISING 500-1000 RPM WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS PRESSED IN AND THE ACCELERATOR RELEASED. INITIALLY THIS ONLY HAPPENED WHEN THE CLU…

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THIS IS MANUAL TRANSMISSION EQUIPPED CAR- INTERMITTENTLY, USUALLY AFTER THE CAR HAS SAT OVERNIGHT OR FOR A FEW HOURS, THE THROTTLE WILL STICK EVEN AFTER THE GAS PEDDLE IS RELEASED. THIS STARTED WITH THE REVS RISING 500-1000 RPM WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS PRESSED IN AND THE ACCELERATOR RELEASED. INITIALLY THIS ONLY HAPPENED WHEN THE CLUTCH WAS PRESSED IN, NOT WHILE THE CAR WAS DRIVING IN GEAR. RECENTLY, IF THE GAS PEDAL IS RELEASED IN NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE CAR WILL CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE FORWARD WHILE IT IS IN GEAR. THE EFFECT LASTS FOR 1-3 SECONDS AND IS MOST NOTICEABLE IN CITY DRIVING IN LOWER GEARS. ON THE HIGHWAY YOU CAN "FEEL" THE THROTTLE STICK, BUT THE HIGHER GEARS PREVENT THE CAR FROM SURGING FORWARD. THE EFFECT IS LESSENED OR REMOVED ENTIRELY IF THE THROTTLE IS EASED OFF OF VERY SLOWLY. THE STICKING OF THE THROTTLE HAS NOT REDUCED THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BRAKING SO FAR.

NHTSA ODI #10794373

42,000 miles · Sep 10, 2015
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE DUE TO ANOTHER CRASH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE ABDOMINAL AND NORMAL SORENESS THAT REQUIRED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE DUE TO ANOTHER CRASH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE ABDOMINAL AND NORMAL SORENESS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR BODY REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

NHTSA ODI #10762896

30,000 miles · Aug 7, 2015
Air BagsService BrakesCrashInjury

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 BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I WAS …

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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 BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I WAS TREATED FOR CONTUSIONS TO MY RIBS, ARMS, STOMACH, SHOULDER AND FACE AS WELL AS A SPRAIN TO MY WRIST. MY VEHICLE SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE AND WAS A TOTAL LOSS, SO WHY DIDN'T THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY!!

NHTSA ODI #10747070

21,000 miles · Jun 17, 2015
Air BagsCrashInjury

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..…

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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 *BF UPDATED 9/22/2015 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10725704

Official recalls

2

23V651000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 22, 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 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 & remedy

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.

20V393000 · Equipment:electrical

Jul 2, 2020

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

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.