2012 Hyundai Accent engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed May 28, 2026VAEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11740739 · source
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. Filed Jun 10, 2024NJEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise 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 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…

   NHTSA complaint #11593561 · source
7. Filed Apr 2, 202480,000 miMOFire2 injuredTowedEngineOther / Unknown

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11580676 · source
8. Filed Dec 21, 2023TXEngine

   The cast pistons in the turbo engine overheated and caused detonation which has disabled the engine. The extended warranty companies know about this possibility and specifically makes sure it is not covered.

   NHTSA complaint #11561376 · source
9. Filed Nov 14, 202375,000 miVAEngine

   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. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11555049 · source
10. Filed Oct 13, 2023NCEngine

    Purchased in January 2023 with 99k miles. Performed oil change on day 1. Checked fluid levels every 1500 miles, noticed oil was low, ( no smoking, no burning oil smell, no idea where oil was going?) began adding oil, and checking every 500 miles. Always about 1/4 quart low. Changed oil, and filter every 3000 miles. At approximately 119k, started hearing a small ticking sound, was told to use better gas, so began using premium gas. Didn't change the ticking. At 120k tick…

    NHTSA complaint #11549718 · source
11. Filed Dec 28, 2022UTEngine

    Loud ticking and engine knocking. Car starts to stall and overheat, car does not shift properly. Was told it was failing coils. Replaced all coils and spark plugs, this remedied the flashing ck engine light. Check engine light still on and still says the coil is not responding. Tech says it is a stuck lifter but can't be manually unstuck. Road hazard is car will stall and engine will fail without warning. Car has received regular oil change maintenance.

    NHTSA complaint #11499286 · source
12. Filed Jul 26, 2022KYEngineSteering

    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 sometimes when trying to accelerate, acceleration is not possible, especially on the highway. This is a major safety risk of rear-end accidents.

    NHTSA complaint #11475901 · source

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