CarModelProblems.com

2012 Hyundai Accent Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

Elevated complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 1.9× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
152Complaints
2Recalls
13Crashes
8Fires
13Injured
1Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (23.7% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.

Engine complaints here are 1.9× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine36 · 23.7%No official action
Electrical System22 · 14.5%No official action
Service Brakes19 · 12.5%RecalledRecall 23V651000
Air Bags17 · 11.2%No official action
Vehicle Speed Control17 · 11.2%No official action
Service Brakes, Hydraulic14 · 9.2%RecalledRecall 23V651000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE36 · 23.7%
SERVICE BRAKES19 · 12.5%
Unspecified / other19 · 12.5%
AIR BAGS17 · 11.2%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL17 · 11.2%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC14 · 9.2%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM10 · 6.6%
STEERING9 · 5.9%
STRUCTURE:BODY7 · 4.6%

Percentages are the share of the 152 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 2 campaigns

Equipment:electrical

NHTSA campaign 20V393000 · 2020 · reported 07/02/2020

An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

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

NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 2023 · reported 09/22/2023

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · Park outside  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

What owners report

“When the car stops at a stop sign or traffic light the engine sometimes stalls and the engine and EPS warning light turn on. Also…”NHTSA complaint 11475901 — filed 07/26/2022 · ENGINE
“Car turns off while driving continuesly misfires even after replacing coils and spark plugs check engine light on and flashes car charger port keeps blowing…”NHTSA complaint 11472083 — filed 07/02/2022 · ENGINE
“Cam shaft split System emission failure . Lighter socket not working. Valvolibe oil change 7/16/21 Mail recall. Recieved 7/1721 Vehichle loud sound. .acceleration not speeding…”NHTSA complaint 11425306 — filed 07/18/2021 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

82012112220141111201612152018232320204162022162720241322026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Accent?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 36 of 152 NHTSA complaints (23.7%), followed by electrical system (22), service brakes (19), unspecified/other issues (19). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2012 Hyundai Accent have?

152 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 13 involved a crash, 8 involved a fire, and 13 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.

Does the 2012 Hyundai Accent have any recalls?

Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20V393000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Hyundai Accent's reported problems?

2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.