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KLUNK
KLUNK

2012 Hyundai Accent

The Verdict

64 Solid Pick

The 2012 Hyundai Accent has 151 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (51 complaints) and engine (44 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 64/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Hyundai Accent, consider the 2020 model year which has 92% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2020 has 92% fewer complaints

View the 2020 Hyundai Accent dashboard →

64

Klunk Score: Solid Pick

Fewer complaints than most vehicles. Generally dependable, but check the top problems below.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2000325151427
2001506291823
20024510213925
2003521866
20041131135
200510518412
20061332421
20072255380
2008391238102
2009381134126
2010302121141
201111213110
2012512728441
2013343724366
2014212214191
20158929212
201615743331
20179525235
201861480
2019503210
202060240
2021111040
202271530

By Category

Body
51
Engine
44
Electrical
28
Brakes
27
Transmission
1

By Severity

1
71
2
59
4
20
5
1

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 2

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. The sudden breakdown was immediately preceded by a flashing Check Engine Light and violent metallic knocking, despite the vehicle being regularly serviced and having a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update completed just one month prior at Motor Mile Hyundai in Christiansburg. The catastrophic failure and the immediate need for a complete engine replacement have since been confirmed verbally by the Hyundai service center. Actual milage on engine is approx. 145000 (Because of replaced instrument cluster by previous owner it shows approx. 195000) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

1mo ago
Brakes 1

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the clutch pedal traveled to the floorboard and the low oil warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the brakes failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed and determined that the slave cylinder had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was concerned that the failure was related to an engine failure recall, and that the dealer and manufacturer had failed to provide the proper repair during the repair, which caused the current clutch and braking system failures. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

5mo ago
Electrical 2

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 67,822, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 87,840.

8mo ago
Engine 1

UNKNOWN. I THINK THE ABS MODULE LIGHT APPEARED INSTANTLY ON THE DASHBOARD. IT'S THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES THAT AREN'T WORKING. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED MY HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP WHEN I SAW A BRAKE LIGHT COME UP ON MY DASHBOARD WHEN I WENT TO BRAKE BUT I HAD NONE AND THE BRAKES WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND I ALMOST WENT OVER A CLIFF AND DIED OR BADLY HURT OTHERS OR MYSELF IN A CAR ACCIDENT. I'M WILLING TO TRY AND GET IT FIXED AT OTHER INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTERS IN PLYMOUTH MASSACHUSETTS. THE EVENT HAD HAPPENED A WEEK BEFORE BUT I DIDN'T REPORT THIS INCIDENT TO THE POLICE, INSURANCE REPRESENTATIVES/OTHERS OR ANY OTHER MANUFACTURER BECAUSE THERE WASN'T OFFICIALLY ANY AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS. FINALLY, MY HYUNDAI ACCENT 2012 WAS DONATED TO ME BY "GOOD NEWS GARAGE" OVER 2.5-3 YRS AGO THROUGH A WORK-TO-PROGRAM/DONATION UNDER THE M.R.C. OR MASSACHUSETTS REHABILITATION CENTER IN PLYMOUTH MASSACHUSETTS WHICH IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED AND IS NOW CALLED MASS OPTIONS AND THAT'S THE ONLY THING I KNOW ABOUT THIS SITUATION WITH NO BRAKES. PLEASE HELP ME. I NEED TO KNOW MY NEXT STEPS. THANK YOU! OWNER AND DRIVER [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

10mo ago
Brakes 1

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 ABS warning light was intermittently illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and stated that the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

12mo ago
Engine 4

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 the hood and there were flames coming out of the engine. During the past six months prior to the fire, I developed a chronic cough and now believe it might have been attributed to fumes that I have been inhaling through the air vents from my car's engine. My [XXX] mother and [XXX] son have suffered headaches, coughing, sore throat and congestion when riding in my car with the air conditioner turned on. The remains of the vehicle were inspected by the Rockdale County Fire Department after they extinguished the fire. What remains of the car is available for inspection in Rockdale County Ga at a tow yard designated by the Rockdale County emergency rescue team members who assisted me. It was too damaged to tow to my home. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the engine catching fire on [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

14mo ago
Engine 4

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. The contact opened the hood of the vehicle to see where the fire was coming from and turned the vehicle off. The contact grabbed the water hose and attempted to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful.  The contact mentioned he did call 911. The contact did not sustain injuries.  No medical attention was sought. No police report was filed. The fire departments arrived on the scene, and the firefighters extinguished the fire. The fire consumed the vehicle in the contact's driveway and the fire spread causing damage. No Fire department report was filed. The vehicle currently remained on the scene. The contact related the failure to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The insurance company had not been contacted yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

16mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear driver's side tire suddenly became flat. There was an abnormal sound coming from the infotainment system and the vehicle was shuddering. The contact stated that the front driver's side and the rear passenger's side windows were stuck and had to be manually raised. The check engine, air bag, and low tire pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

18mo ago
Body 1

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. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering assist module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

20mo ago
Engine 1

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that gasoline was leaking from the fuel pump, and the fuel cap needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was driven to the dealer another time and was diagnosed, and it was determined that the exhaust pipes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact researched and determined that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.

23mo ago
Brakes 4

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.

24mo ago
Brakes 2

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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

25mo ago
Engine 2

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

25mo ago
Body 1

my dealership, palmers hyundai on airport blvd in mobile, al said I can make an appointment to come in to have the abs fire hazard addressed, but there is no guarantee that they will have the part to fix the recall problem because they don't receive the item in bulk. I would have to make appt, come in and wait until my turn and then see if they would have the part to be able to fix it that day

26mo ago
Brakes 1

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. The contact stated that after adding brake fluid to the vehicle, the brake warning light was no longer illuminated; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that she had been adding brake fluid to the vehicle 2-3 times a week. Additionally, the contact became aware of brake fluid leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that brake fluid was leaking, but no location of the leak was found. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 212,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

27mo ago
Engine 4

The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, there was a smoke odor present inside the vehicle. The contact decelerated the vehicle and stalled on the side of the road. The vehicle caught on fire in the engine. The contact and the front passenger sustained minor injuries to their knee while exiting the vehicle but did not seek medical attention. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed. A police report was not filed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was destroyed.  The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

27mo ago
Engine 2

The Scanning System will track this Mold. It can degrade and split. The gas tank is moldy and looks damp. It Can Cause Fire The Fuel Filler Tube Clamp This Mold Can Cause Fire

27mo ago
Body 2

I have a call about the ABS brakes and the manufacturer is obliged to repair it because there may be future damage and it puts it in danger.

28mo ago
Brakes 1

See attached document for complaint

28mo ago
Body 2

Truck release not functioning which is being recalled on Elantras. Both sun visors broken. Will not stay up and swing when down. Have been hit on the head while driving

28mo ago

151 total

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