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2012 Hyundai Accent Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2012 Hyundai Accent carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering electrical and control unit/module. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake fluid leak recall repair parts unavailable.” Hyundai's owner's manual splits service into Normal and Severe schedules. Most US drivers qualify as Severe due to short trips, extreme temperatures, or stop-and-go traffic. Hyundai Assurance covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance on new vehicles. The Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines (2011-2019) are subject to TSBs around oil consumption — strict adherence to oil intervals matters.

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2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Campaign #20V393000 · Feb 7, 2020

Issue: 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.

Risk: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #23V651000 · Sep 22, 2023

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Hyundai Accent.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    Action #AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023

    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 Electron…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Brake fluid leak recall repair parts unavailable

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

17 NHTSA complaints · 2023-11 → 2025-07

“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11675635
“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11580686
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11602480

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electric power steering (EPS) failure

STEERING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2011-09 → 2024-11

“The electric power steering (EPS) system in my Hyundai Accent 2012 5-door hatchback intermittently stops and starts working, and when it does not work, a dashboard red EPS light comes on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11445038
“WHILE DRIVING MY CAR IN A 25 MPH SPEED LIMIT SCHOOL ZONE, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL MY CAR ON WHAT COINCIDENTALLY WAS A CURVY ROAD AFTER HAVING JUST MADE A RIGHT TURN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10425707
“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH and turning to the right, the steering wheel became difficult to turn”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11623825

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire failure and missing spare tire

TIRES

8 NHTSA complaints · 2011-12 → 2020-09

“I WAS TURNING A CORNER GOING TO WORK AND THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE POPPED. I CALLED THE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO COME TAKE CARE OF THE VEHICLE. ONLY TO LEARN THAT THERE WAS NO SPARE TIRE, WHEN I SPECIFICALLY ASKED THE SALESPERSON IF THERE WAS ONE HE STATED YES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10441470
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT EQUIPPED WITH KUMHO ECSTA ASX TIRES, SIZE 195-50-R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH OVER A RAILROAD TRACK, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE FAILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10491811
“I PURCHASED A 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT 5 DOOR 03/02/21012 AND DISCOVERED AFTER THE PURCHASE THERE WAS NO SPARE TIRE JUST A REPAIR KIT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10450198

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine compartment fire

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2025-04

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11288869
“ON AUGUST 5TH AFTER A 20 MINUTE DRIVE MY CAR WAS PARKED IN A FRIENDS DRIVEWAY. MOMENTS AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS ISSUES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11142194
“The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that after the vehicle was occupied and parked in the residence, the contact started the vehicle to let the engine warm up went inside his home then returned outside from his home and noticed the engine was burning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11645116

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine knocking, rod bearing failure, oil consumption

ENGINE

18 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2026-05

“While traveling at highway speeds on [XXX] with three passengers, the vehicle suddenly suffered a catastrophic internal engine failure (severe rod knock), forcing an emergency deceleration in active traffic that put all occupants at risk of a rear-end collision”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11740739
“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil with the oil warning light illuminated on the instrument panel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11555049
“AT ABOUT 80,000 MILES, THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A LOUD AND CONSTANT KNOCKING SOUND IN THE ENGINE. THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED THAT: "INTERNAL RODS ARE MAKING KNOCKING SOUND - ENGINE MUST BE REPLACED."”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11062755

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and stuck accelerator pedal

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

17 NHTSA complaints · 2012-08 → 2023-01

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11193719
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10605008
“THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER 2019, MY 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT HATCHBACK WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION( VIN [XXX] ) HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING UNINTENDED ACCELERATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11289062

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

12 NHTSA complaints · 2012-05 → 2020-08

“MY SON IN LAW, DAUGHTER, SON, & GRANDSON WERE DRIVING IN THE RAIN & THE CAR HYDROPLANED CAUSING THE CAR TO GO OFF THE ROAD & HITTING A TREE KILLING MY SON IN LAW & SERIOUSLY INJURING MY SON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10871283
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10837597
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, WHEN A DEER RAN INTO HER LANE AND SHE RAN INTO IT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11351696

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal service: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson 2011-2019): never extend — oil consumption issues are documented in Hyundai TSBs.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. AWD Tucson and Santa Fe owners benefit from rotation at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Elantra and Sonata front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required to maintain ABS and ESC pump life.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe service or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Hyundai SP-IV or SPH-IV — substitutes can cause harsh shifting and torque converter damage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on Theta II, Lambda II, and Smartstream engines. 1.6T (Veloster N, Kona N): 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Hyundai Long-Life Coolant (pink): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not substitute green or orange coolant — it damages the cylinder head gasket on GDI engines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on most Hyundai models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Replace at 90,000 miles on most models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

81 crashes 1990–2024

How the 81 occupant deaths break down

70

driver deaths

11

passenger deaths

81

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2012 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

13

complaints mentioning a crash

8

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2012 Hyundai Accent reflects Hyundai's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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