Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Hyundai Accent owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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 owns a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the transmission filter, the transmission, and the spark plugs were replaced and other unknown repairs were completed; however, the failure reoccurred increasingly while driving. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence several times. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, he saw smoke coming through the A/C vents and from underneath the hood of the vehicle. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000. …
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact stated that after receiving an oil change on the vehicle and driving approximately 20 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a metal-on-metal sound. There was an air temperature sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with an oil control valve failure. The oil control valve was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
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.
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. …
While traveling at highway speeds on [redacted] 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)
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
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.
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.
Engine complaints in other Accent years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2012 Hyundai Accent?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 Hyundai Accent, 25% of the model year's 153 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control › gas recirculation valve (egr valve) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Hyundai Accent engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2012 Hyundai Accent, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Accent engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 7 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.