RoadVitals

2012 Hyundai Accent Brakes Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the brake system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Brakes reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
37
Latest Aug 8, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
24%
of 153 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
5
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2012 Hyundai Accent submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 37 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming brake

The 25 most recent of 37, in the owner's own words

Brakes
Filed Aug 8, 2026

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 ID
11755627
Incident
Jun 26, 2026
Brakes
Filed Feb 17, 2026

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 that the dealer and manufacturer had failed to provide the proper repair during the repair, which caused the current clutch and braking system failures. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

NHTSA ID
11718560
Incident
Feb 17, 2026
Mileage
92,000 mi
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 7, 2025

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 MASSACHUSETTS. THE EVENT HAD HAPPENED A WEEK BEFORE BUT I DIDN'T REPORT THIS INCIDENT TO THE POLICE, INSURANCE REPRESENTATIVES/OTHERS OR ANY OTHER MANUFACTURER BECAUSE THERE WASN'T OFFICIALLY ANY AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS. FINALLY, MY HYUNDAI ACCENT 2012 WAS DONATED TO ME BY "GOOD NEWS GARAGE" OVER 2.5-3 YRS AGO THROUGH A WORK-TO-PROGRAM/DONATION UNDER THE M.R.C. OR MASSACHUSETTS REHABILITATION CENTER IN PLYMOUTH MASSACHUSETTS WHICH IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED AND IS NOW CALLED MASS OPTIONS AND THAT'S THE ONLY THING I KNOW ABOUT THIS SITUATION WITH NO BRAKES. PLEASE HELP ME. I NEED TO KNOW MY NEXT STEPS. THANK YOU! OWNER AND DRIVER [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11685552
Incident
Sep 6, 2025
Brakes
Filed Jul 23, 2025

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 amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11675635
Incident
Apr 23, 2025
Mileage
117,000 mi
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 29, 2025
Fire reported

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 fumes that I have been inhaling through the air vents from my car's engine. My [XXX] mother and [XXX] son have suffered headaches, coughing, sore throat and congestion when riding in my car with the air conditioner turned on. The remains of the vehicle were inspected by the Rockdale County Fire Department after they extinguished the fire. What remains of the car is available for inspection in Rockdale County Ga at a tow yard designated by the Rockdale County emergency rescue team members who assisted me. It was too damaged to tow to my home. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the engine catching fire on [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11657658
Incident
Apr 25, 2025
BrakesEngine
Filed Feb 26, 2025
Fire reported

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 related the failure to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The insurance company had not been contacted yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11645116
Incident
Feb 25, 2025
BrakesEngineFuel system
Filed Aug 14, 2024

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. The contact researched and determined that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11608478
Incident
Oct 27, 2023
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jul 15, 2024
Fire reported

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. Disabling it may result in longer stopping distances, raising collision risks. •Drivers accustomed to ABS may not be prepared for how the vehicle behaves without it, potentially leading to improper braking. Federal regulations mandate that all U.S. cars and minivans manufactured in 2012 or later must have four-wheel ABS. By disabling the ABS, Hyundai circumvents this requirement, compromising safety. Despite attempts to communicate these safety issues, Hyundai has shown inadequate response. This suggests a disregard for customer safety and an effort to avoid liability and the cost of providing loaner vehicles or temporary replacements. Hyundai has not offered alternative transportation to affected drivers. Given these safety risks and Hyundai's inadequate response, we urgently request NHTSA to: 1.Ensure Recall 251 Remedy does not compromise safety by disabling the ABS. 2.Hold Hyundai accountable for maintaining four-wheel ABS in affected vehicles. 3.Require Hyundai to develop a safer recall remedy that: oFixes the Root Cause: Properly addresses the brake fluid leak to eliminate the fire risk without compromising the ABS. oMaintains ABS Functionality: Ensures the ABS system remains fully operational. oProvides Safety Support: Advises vehicle owners not to drive affected vehicles until the new remedy is implemented and provides loaner vehicles or temporary replacements. We urge the NHTSA to take immediate & decisive action to compel Hyundai to develop a safer, more effective solution.

NHTSA ID
11602480
Incident
Sep 27, 2023
Brakes
Filed Jun 28, 2024

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 available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11597566
Incident
Jun 28, 2024
Brakes
Filed Apr 2, 2024

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 vehicle 2-3 times a week. Additionally, the contact became aware of brake fluid leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that brake fluid was leaking, but no location of the leak was found. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 212,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11580686
Incident
Oct 2, 2023
Mileage
212,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Mar 12, 2024

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID
11576819
Incident
Dec 18, 2023
BrakesElectricalFuel system
Filed Feb 1, 2024

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 trying to provide us a loaner but we are waiting what I would like to happen if it cannot be repaired I would like a check for the difference so I can buy another vehicle like a buyback. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11569187
Incident
Oct 11, 2023
Brakes
Filed Jan 30, 2024

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 failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11568816
Incident
Jan 30, 2024
Brakes
Filed Jan 16, 2024

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 local dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11565766
Incident
Nov 1, 2023
Brakes
Filed Jan 8, 2024

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 available. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not provided.

NHTSA ID
11564241
Incident
Jan 8, 2024
Brakes
Filed Dec 26, 2023

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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11561940
Incident
Nov 1, 2023
Brakes
Filed Dec 13, 2023

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 available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11559909
Incident
Dec 13, 2023
Brakes
Filed Nov 29, 2023

I received a recall notice in October for my 2012 Hyundai Accent. According to the recall, my car is safe to drive but should not be parked in my garage or near my home due to fire risk. The letter said a remedy would be available as of 11/21. It is now 11/29 and there's still no remedy available. Because I'm in upstate NY, the temperature has plummeted and my car is having a harder time starting in the morning since I can't park it in our garage. I'm putting in a complaint due to the fact that the manufacturer has failed to remedy this safety recall in a timely manner.

NHTSA ID
11557483
Incident
Nov 29, 2023
Brakes
Filed Nov 22, 2023

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 available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11556513
Incident
Nov 15, 2023
Brakes
Filed Nov 14, 2023

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 local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11555090
Incident
Nov 7, 2023
BrakesEngineFuel system
Filed Jul 2, 2022

Car turns off while driving continuesly misfires even after replacing coils and spark plugs check engine light on and flashes car charger port keeps blowing fuses

NHTSA ID
11472083
Incident
Jul 2, 2022
Brakes
Filed Mar 10, 2022

While stoped at a stop light there was A loud bang and a loud grinding sound. It turns out the break calipers and pads exploded and failed. Had to replace rear pads caliper and rotor.

NHTSA ID
11456215
Incident
Feb 11, 2022
BrakesOther / unspecified
Filed Jan 9, 2022

Rear wheels make squeaking noises and steel wheel is to hot to touch and breaks smell like they are burning

NHTSA ID
11446799
Incident
Jan 9, 2022
BrakesDriver assistanceEngine
Filed Sep 16, 2019

TAMARA RECALL MY CAR KEEPS SHUTTING OFF AND WON'T GET ANY RPMS AND IT DOESN'T SHOW ANYTHING ON THE CODE READER, ONE OF THOSE TIMES I HAD KIDS IN THE CAR AND I HAD NO BRAKES AT ALL WHEN IT SHUT OFF THE ENGINE BUT KEPT THE RADIO ON

NHTSA ID
11255760
Incident
Sep 12, 2019
Mileage
84,600 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Apr 3, 2019

ON SATURDAY MARCH 23, 2019 I WAS DRIVING MY 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS TRAVELING IN THE LEFT HAND LANE, ON CRUISE CONTROL, GOING ABOUT 73 MPH. A SEMI-TRUCK IN THE RIGHT HAND LAND A FEW HUNDRED YARDS IN FRONT OF ME MOVED OVER INTO MY LANE DUE TO A CONSTRUCTION ZONE AHEAD, SO I ATTEMPTED TO TURN OFF MY CRUISE CONTROL TO SLOW DOWN FOR THE MERGING SEMI-TRUCK. I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT MY CAR DID NOT TURN OFF CRUISE-CONTROL OR SLOW DOWN, BUT INSTEAD ACCELERATED. I ATTEMPTED AGAIN TO HIT THE BRAKES TO TURN OFF CRUISE CONTROL, BUT AGAIN THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN. I TRIED BOTH THE CANCEL AND THE ON/OFF BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL, BUT THERE WAS NO WAY TO DISENGAGE CRUISE CONTROL. I WAS QUICKLY APPROACHING THE SEMI-TRUCK AND WAS UNABLE TO SLOW DOWN MY MOVING VEHICLE. IN ORDER TO AVOID REAR-ENDING THE SEMI-TRUCK AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, I WAS FORCED TO VEER LEFT OFF THE HIGHWAY ONTO THE SOFT SHOULDER, AND WAS TRAVELING LOCKED ON CRUISE CONTROL AT 73 MPH HALFWAY ON THE GRASS MEDIAN AND HALFWAY ON THE RUMBLE STRIP OF THE SOFT SHOULDER. THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL SWITCHES WERE STILL NOT WORKING, REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH I APPLIED THE BRAKES OR WHAT COMBINATION I HIT THE SWITCHES. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET MY CAR TO SLOW DOWN BY HITTING THE CLUTCH AND STALLING MY CAR. THIS WAS AN ABSOLUTELY HORRIFIC INCIDENT, AND I AM LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN UNINJURED AND TO HAVE AVOIDED WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID
11193719
Incident
Mar 23, 2019
Mileage
89,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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