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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.

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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

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

18 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2024
Electrical SystemService BrakesVehicle Speed ControlFire

Hyundai's current handling of recall 251 is inadequate, posing significant danger to drivers and passengers. Hyundai's remedy for Recall 251 replaces ABS fuse with a lower amperage fuse. While this may prevent fires caused by brake fluid leaks, it disables the ABS, introducing severe safety hazards: •Without ABS, the risk of wh…

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Hyundai's current handling of recall 251 is inadequate, posing significant danger to drivers and passengers. Hyundai's remedy for Recall 251 replaces ABS fuse with a lower amperage fuse. While this may prevent fires caused by brake fluid leaks, it disables the ABS, introducing severe safety hazards: •Without ABS, the risk of wheel lockup during heavy braking increases, leading to skidding and loss of control. •ABS reduces stopping distances, especially on slippery surfaces. Disabling it may result in longer stopping distances, raising collision risks. •Drivers accustomed to ABS may not be prepared for how the vehicle behaves without it, potentially leading to improper braking. Federal regulations mandate that all U.S. cars and minivans manufactured in 2012 or later must have four-wheel ABS. By disabling the ABS, Hyundai circumvents this requirement, compromising safety. Despite attempts to communicate these safety issues, Hyundai has shown inadequate response. This suggests a disregard for customer safety and an effort to avoid liability and the cost of providing loaner vehicles or temporary replacements. Hyundai has not offered alternative transportation to affected drivers. Given these safety risks and Hyundai's inadequate response, we urgently request NHTSA to: 1.Ensure Recall 251 Remedy does not compromise safety by disabling the ABS. 2.Hold Hyundai accountable for maintaining four-wheel ABS in affected vehicles. 3.Require Hyundai to develop a safer recall remedy that: oFixes the Root Cause: Properly addresses the brake fluid leak to eliminate the fire risk without compromising the ABS. oMaintains ABS Functionality: Ensures the ABS system remains fully operational. oProvides Safety Support: Advises vehicle owners not to drive affected vehicles until the new remedy is implemented and provides loaner vehicles or temporary replacements. We urge the NHTSA to take immediate & decisive action to compel Hyundai to develop a safer, more effective solution.

NHTSA ODI #11602480

Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

I am very unsatisfied with the fact that I have to get my oil changed 1 every month, due to burning oil as well as hard ride. My car will not pass inspection after 2024, due to emissions, I paid $600 to get a passed sticker and Sick of dumping money into this vehicle. there have been so many recalls on this car. What is Hyundai …

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I am very unsatisfied with the fact that I have to get my oil changed 1 every month, due to burning oil as well as hard ride. My car will not pass inspection after 2024, due to emissions, I paid $600 to get a passed sticker and Sick of dumping money into this vehicle. there have been so many recalls on this car. What is Hyundai willing to do ? I’ve purchased this vehicle in 2013 from Brad Benson Hyundai on Route 1. Please get my car running normal again. I have most of my receipts for all repairs and maintenance. I have 150,000 miles on the vehicle. please help Valvoline informed me of Engine recall for my vehicle

NHTSA ODI #11593561

90,000 miles · Jan 6, 2023
Vehicle Speed Control

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the contact felt the vehicle accelerating while depressing the brake pedal. The contact made it to the residence safely; however, after shifting into park, the engine was still revving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnos…

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The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the contact felt the vehicle accelerating while depressing the brake pedal. The contact made it to the residence safely; however, after shifting into park, the engine was still revving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who determined that the accelerator pedal was stuck. The accelerator assembly was replaced. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #11500506

57,000 miles · Jan 2, 2020
Vehicle Speed Control

I HAVE PREVIOUSLY REPORTED THIS. MY 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OFTEN SURGES. ON THE HIGHWAY, IT WILL CONTINUE AT SAME SPEED OR EVEN ACCELERATE WHEN I LIFT MY FOOT. STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, IT WILL LURCH FORWARD WHEN THE CAR AHEAD OF ME MOVES AND I LIFT MY FOOT. WHEN PARKING, IT WILL RED-LINE WHEN I SHIFT TO …

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I HAVE PREVIOUSLY REPORTED THIS. MY 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OFTEN SURGES. ON THE HIGHWAY, IT WILL CONTINUE AT SAME SPEED OR EVEN ACCELERATE WHEN I LIFT MY FOOT. STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, IT WILL LURCH FORWARD WHEN THE CAR AHEAD OF ME MOVES AND I LIFT MY FOOT. WHEN PARKING, IT WILL RED-LINE WHEN I SHIFT TO NEUTRAL OR PARK. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, BUT HAPPENS THROUGHOUT CERTAIN TRIPS, FROM WHEN I BEGIN TO DRIVE, UNTIL I EXIT THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR EVALUATION, THEY SAY THERE ARE NO CODES, SO IT DIDN'T HAPPEN. APPARENTLY IT DID NOT OCCUR DURING THEIR TEST DRIVE. THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM AND HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. WHEN CAR TRIES TO RUN AWAY, I TURN OFF THE KEY. WILL THAT REMEDY CONTINUE TO WORK?

NHTSA ODI #11292522

60,000 miles · Dec 14, 2019
Vehicle Speed Control

THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER 2019, MY 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT HATCHBACK WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION( VIN [XXX] ) HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A MECHANIC WHO CLEANED EVERYTHING BETWEEN GAS PEDAL AND COMPUTER, AND THE PROBLEM AMELIORATED FOR A WEEK OR SO. NOW THE PROBLEM IS BACK. IN NORMAL DRIVING, LIFT…

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THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER 2019, MY 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT HATCHBACK WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION( VIN [XXX] ) HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A MECHANIC WHO CLEANED EVERYTHING BETWEEN GAS PEDAL AND COMPUTER, AND THE PROBLEM AMELIORATED FOR A WEEK OR SO. NOW THE PROBLEM IS BACK. IN NORMAL DRIVING, LIFTING MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR SOMETIMES SLOWS THE VEHICLE AND OTHER TIMES IT MAINTAINS SPEED OR ACCELERATES. (THIS IS WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED). WHEN STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, IT WILL LURCH FORWARD WHEN BRAKE IS RELEASED. WHEN PARKING IT OFTEN RED-LINES AS SOON AS [UT INTO NEUTRAL. SO FAR MY REMEDY HAS BEEN TO TURN THE KEY OFF. HOWEVER, MY WIFE IS NOW TOO FRIGHTENED TO RIDE IN THE CAR. I SEE ALL THE OTHER COMPLAINTS OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IN YOUR DATABASE. HOW MANY DEATHS WILL IT TAKE FOR YOU TO WAKE UP TO A SERIOUS DEFECT? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #11289062

92,500 miles · Jul 25, 2019
EngineVehicle Speed Control

DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I HEARD A KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GET THE LIGHT CHECKED FOR A CODE AND WAS TOLD THE KNOCK SENSOR NEEDED REPLACING. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER I PURCHASED IT FROM AND DEALER SAID THERE WAS NO CODE AND NO HISTORY OF A CODE SO THEY COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT I…

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DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I HEARD A KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GET THE LIGHT CHECKED FOR A CODE AND WAS TOLD THE KNOCK SENSOR NEEDED REPLACING. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER I PURCHASED IT FROM AND DEALER SAID THERE WAS NO CODE AND NO HISTORY OF A CODE SO THEY COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT AFTER I TOLD THEM HOW TO REPLICATE THE KNOCKING. DEALER RELEASED THE CAR. TWO DAYS LATER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND THE ENGINE CONTINUED KNOCKING. I TOOK IT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND THEY WERE ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE AND FIND A CODE. THE DEALER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE CODE AND THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED APPLYING A PATCH TO THE KNOCK SENSOR AND, ACCORDING TO THE DEALER "SEE WHAT HAPPENS". THE DEALER PERFORMED THE PATCH AND RELEASED THE VEHICLE TO ME. THE VERY NEXT DAY I WAS DRIVING HOME AFTER WORK ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE ODOMETER WENT FROM 3000RPM'S TO 0. WHILE I COULD TRY TO ENGAGE THE ACCELERATOR AND COULD HEAR THE ENGINE REV NO RPMS REGISTERED. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO AN IDLE STATE AND WOULD NOT REACT. CAUSING MANY NEAR ACCIDENTS I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER BEFORE IT BECAME STATIONARY. ATTEMPTED TO RESTART CAR A DOZEN TIMES AND THE RPM'S WOULD NOT REGISTER STILL.CAR HAS NOW BEEN WITH THE DEALER WHO HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE ISSUE AND HAS NOT REACHED OUT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE CAUSE AND EFFECT OF AN ISSUE HAPPENING AFTER APPLYING A COMPUTER PATCH IS NOT BEING INVESTIGATED NOR DISCUSSED WITH THE MANUFACTURER.

NHTSA ODI #11234736

89,000 miles · Apr 3, 2019
Electrical SystemService BrakesVehicle Speed Control

ON SATURDAY MARCH 23, 2019 I WAS DRIVING MY 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS TRAVELING IN THE LEFT HAND LANE, ON CRUISE CONTROL, GOING ABOUT 73 MPH. A SEMI-TRUCK IN THE RIGHT HAND LAND A FEW HUNDRED YARDS IN FRONT OF ME MOVED OVER INTO MY LANE DUE TO A CONSTRUCTION ZONE AHEAD, SO I ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF MY CRUISE CONTRO…

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ON SATURDAY MARCH 23, 2019 I WAS DRIVING MY 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS TRAVELING IN THE LEFT HAND LANE, ON CRUISE CONTROL, GOING ABOUT 73 MPH. A SEMI-TRUCK IN THE RIGHT HAND LAND A FEW HUNDRED YARDS IN FRONT OF ME MOVED OVER INTO MY LANE DUE TO A CONSTRUCTION ZONE AHEAD, SO I ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF MY CRUISE CONTROL TO SLOW DOWN FOR THE MERGING SEMI-TRUCK. I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT MY CAR DID NOT TURN OFF CRUISE-CONTROL OR SLOW DOWN, BUT INSTEAD ACCELERATED. I ATTEMPTED AGAIN TO HIT THE BRAKES TO TURN OFF CRUISE CONTROL, BUT AGAIN THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. I TRIED BOTH THE CANCEL AND THE ON/OFF BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL, BUT THERE WAS NO WAY TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL. I WAS QUICKLY APPROACHING THE SEMI-TRUCK AND WAS UNABLE TO SLOW DOWN MY MOVING VEHICLE. IN ORDER TO AVOID REAR-ENDING THE SEMI-TRUCK AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, I WAS FORCED TO VEER LEFT OFF THE HIGHWAY ONTO THE SOFT SHOULDER, AND WAS TRAVELING LOCKED ON CRUISE CONTROL AT 73 MPH HALFWAY ON THE GRASS MEDIAN AND HALFWAY ON THE RUMBLE STRIP OF THE SOFT SHOULDER. THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL SWITCHES WERE STILL NOT WORKING, REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH I APPLIED THE BRAKES OR WHAT COMBINATION I HIT THE SWITCHES. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET MY CAR TO SLOW DOWN BY HITTING THE CLUTCH AND STALLING MY CAR. THIS WAS AN ABSOLUTELY HORRIFIC INCIDENT, AND I AM LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN UNINJURED AND TO HAVE AVOIDED WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #11193719

107,115 miles · Mar 11, 2019
Unknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

BURNS OFF 1/2 QT OF OIL EVERY 1500 MILES. PO326 (KNOCK SENSOR) TROUBLE CODE ON CHILLI MORNINGS. P050A (COLD START) TROUBLE CODE WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #11185974

113,000 miles · Apr 5, 2018
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

WHEN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY IN COLDER TEMPERATURES, WHEN ACCELERATING AND BRAKING, THE BRAKES FEEL LIKE THERE IS SOMETHING NOT LETTING THE PEDAL GO DOWN WHEN YOU PUSH THEM. EVER SINCE I NOTICED THAT HAPPEN, THE ACCELERATION AND SPEED STAYS AT A HIGHER SPEED WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN ACCELERATING BEHIND ANOTHER VE…

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WHEN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY IN COLDER TEMPERATURES, WHEN ACCELERATING AND BRAKING, THE BRAKES FEEL LIKE THERE IS SOMETHING NOT LETTING THE PEDAL GO DOWN WHEN YOU PUSH THEM. EVER SINCE I NOTICED THAT HAPPEN, THE ACCELERATION AND SPEED STAYS AT A HIGHER SPEED WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE TO BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN ACCELERATING BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE SO IT DOESN'T GO TOO FAST AND HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE TO USE MY BRAKES A LOT MORE RIGHT AFTER ACCELERATING.

NHTSA ODI #11083367

100,461 miles · Feb 22, 2018
Vehicle Speed Control

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 …

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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. THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED WHEN THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE GAS PEDAL ASSEMBLY, WHICH CONVENIENTLY WAS IN STOCK AT THE LOCAL WAREHOUSE, SINCE HYUNDAI SEEMS TO KNOW THIS IS A PROBLEM. A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT DESERVES A RECALL!!!

NHTSA ODI #11074393

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.