2012 Hyundai Accent brakes problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

23 owners have reported brakes problems with the 2012 Hyundai Accent, 33% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 117,000 mi.

Brakes complaints
23
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
117,000 mi

Specific components reported

Brakes covers: Service brakes (hydraulic, electric, air), ABS and parking brake.

ComponentComplaints
Service brakes, hydraulic13
Service brakes7
Service brakes, air:antilock:control unit/module1
Service brakes, air:antilock:modulator1
Service brakes, air:disc:caliper1

Brakes complaints across Hyundai Accent years

3200912010120112320123620132520141120153201622017220181202122022
Brakes complaints by model year. The 2012 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k30k–60k160k–100k1100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 23V651000Sep 22, 20231,649,478 vehiclesPark outside
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

    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.

    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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Aug 8, 2026CABrakes
    1. ABS warning 2.Nothing happened just got an OBD scan from autozone and the abs code came up 3.Not sure 4.No 5.Abs light is not lit on the dash
    NHTSA complaint #11755627 · source
  2. Filed Feb 17, 202692,000 miILBrakes
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11718560 · source
  3. Filed Sep 7, 2025MABrakesElectrical SystemEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11685552 · source
  4. Filed Jul 23, 2025117,000 miPABrakes
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11675635 · source
  5. Filed Apr 29, 2025GAFireBrakesElectrical SystemEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11657658 · source
  6. Filed Feb 26, 2025TXFireBrakesEngine
    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.…
    NHTSA complaint #11645116 · source
  7. Filed Aug 14, 2024MABrakesEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11608478 · source
  8. Filed Jul 15, 2024HIFireBrakesElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control
    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.…
    NHTSA complaint #11602480 · source
  9. Filed Jun 28, 2024NVBrakes
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11597566 · source
  10. Filed Apr 2, 2024212,000 miWVBrakes
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11580686 · source
  11. Filed Feb 1, 2024OHBrakesElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Our 2012 Hyundai accent hatchback is not drivable at this time is is over at the service department through Ron Marhofer Hyundai of Green in Akron Ohio, it has not been repaired yet.. our vehicle was dropped off [XXX] and today of this letter it's [XXX] still No repair I am very upset because my wife is in stage 4 cancer and has to have treatments and now I am unable at this time to let her meet her medical needs.. I am so stressed about this mess the service manager is…
    NHTSA complaint #11569187 · source
  12. Filed Jan 30, 2024AZBrakes
    The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact received notification 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 local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a…
    NHTSA complaint #11568816 · source

Other 2012 Hyundai Accent problem areas

  • Engine (23)
  • Electrical System (14)
  • Other / Unknown (13)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (8)
  • Wheels & Tires (4)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (4)
  • Body & Structure (3)
  • Steering (3)
  • Suspension (3)
  • Airbags (2)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (1)

Back to all 2012 Hyundai Accent problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology