DecodedCars2012 Hyundai Accent
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback L/Gl/Gls (Auto), 4dr Hatchback L/Gl/Gls (Manual), 4dr Sedan L/Gl (Manual), 4dr Sedan L/Gl/Gls (Auto)
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 28 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 162.2–172 in
- Curb weight
- 2,480–2,575 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 25% better than the average 2012 compact car (25.6 MPG).
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints121 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 34 for similar models — most often about the engine.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 17 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Hyundai Accent is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 162 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,575 lb (4dr Hatchback L/Gl/Gls (Auto)).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 37 highway), 25% better than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 121 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
- New body dimensions: 2.8 in longer, wheelbase +2.8 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Best combined MPG up from 30 to 32
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Accent →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback L/Gl/Gls (Auto) | 162.2 in | 66.9 in | 57.1 in | 101.2 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 2,575 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Hatchback L/Gl/Gls (Manual) | 162.2 in | 66.9 in | 57.1 in | 101.2 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 2,509 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan L/Gl (Manual) | 172 in | 67.7 in | 57.1 in | 101.2 in | 57.9 / 58.7 in | 2,480 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan L/Gl/Gls (Auto) | 172 in | 67.7 in | 57.1 in | 101.2 in | 57.9 / 58.7 in | 2,546 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accent | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 32 | +25% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Accent | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 31 | +21% | $2,150 | 287 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Hyundai Accent.
Similar 2012 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Hyundai Accent (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Toyota Yaris | 33 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Ford Focus | 32 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2012 Ford Fiesta | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 22, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V651000 · 1,649,478 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Equipment › Electrical · Jul 2, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V393000 · 272,126 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2012 Hyundai Accent is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Hyundai Accent buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 34 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 19 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 15 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Hyundai Accent. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Accent years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Accent | 36 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 17 |
| 2021 Accent | 36 | – | ★★★★★ | 4 | 16 |
| 2020 Accent | 36 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 12 |
| 2019 Accent | 32 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 31 |
| 2018 Accent | 32 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 19 |
| 2017 Accent | 31 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 68 |
| 2016 Accent | 31 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 102 |
| 2015 Accent | 31 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 70 |
| 2014 Accent | 31 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 79 |
| 2013 Accent | 32 | 162.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 117 |
| 2011 Accent | 30 | 159.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 23 |
| 2010 Accent | 31 | 159.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 41 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →