The Lemon Index

All cars · Hyundai Accent · 2012

2012 Hyundai Accent. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index60100 = average car
Complaints40NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold61,004U.S. model year
Per 100K sold66complaints
Year rank#12 of 14#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 2

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
1.6L 4-cylManual 6-spdFWD28 / 37 / 32Regular$1,950
1.6L 4-cylAuto 6-spdFWD28 / 37 / 31Regular$2,000

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 24,200 and 91,000 miles. Median 60,000, from 89 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Engine89,00063,400–114,30023
Electrical60,00024,100–85,60012
Brakes40,30018,100–87,90012
Speed control63,00054,500–91,90016
Airbags34,60018,800–66,00014

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Brakes22%
Airbags20%
Tires18%
Steering12%
Electrical12%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
15313810110

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 2

  • 23V651000 Sep 2023 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module

    Defect. 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.

  • 20V393000 Jul 2020 Equipment / Electrical

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. 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.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023–

Manufacturer communications 105

Hyundai filed 105 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • Operation of the transmission solenoid may lead to check engine light, transaxle held in 4th gear

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Hyundai Accent 5 HB FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★☆
Hyundai Accent 4 DR FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2009–1668,086Airbags
2010412751,975Brakes
2011231555,601Electrical
2012604061,004Brakes
2013534060,458Airbags
2014141063,309Airbags
2015311961,486Engine

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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