2012 Hyundai Accent Engine Problems

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 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) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11740739

Incident

May 15, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

NHTSA ID

11593561

Incident

Jun 20, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID

11580676

Incident

Mar 29, 2024

Mileage

80,000 mi

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 ID

11561376

Incident

Nov 21, 2023

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 ID

11555049

Incident

Jul 1, 2023

Mileage

75,000 mi

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 became a loud knock, after new oil/filter change (I changed oil early at approximately 1800 miles to try to alleviate tick. Decided to drive to mechanic shop when engine light came on and showed knock sensor code. I bought a knock sensor and replaced old one. Shop says rod bearing is causing to noise, and asked to see old oil which I keep in new oil containers.after I change, to dispose of at auto store. Bottom of oil containers was full of fine metal. Tell me the engine might have recall. However 2012 accent 1.6 gdi I not on recall, but 2012 veloster is, among others that use the same engine. I believe the recall on other vehicles is due to exactly what's happed to mine. Why is the 2012 accent gs not included in the recalls for engine replacement? I've emailed huyndia of America, and they say I am responsible for fixing the engine? I feel no amount of maintenance would have kept this from happening. I've thought maybe if check engine light had come on when ticking first started I could have taken car to dealer and that tick might not have became rod bearing clanking, and knocking? Please help to add 2012 accent to recall. Ive read many other stories describing the same problem. Thank you

NHTSA ID

11549718

Incident

Aug 25, 2023

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 ID

11499286

Incident

Dec 17, 2022

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 ID

11475901

Incident

Jul 23, 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

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.

NHTSA ID

11471992

Incident

Jun 24, 2022

Mileage

116,000 mi

Driving down the highway car caught fire

NHTSA ID

11470314

Incident

Jun 21, 2022

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 consumer stated smoking in the dash, under the hood, and the back end of the vehicle, and all codes failure.

NHTSA ID

11469467

Incident

Mar 15, 2022

Mileage

5,000 mi

Cam shaft split System emission failure . Lighter socket not working. Valvolibe oil change 7/16/21 Mail recall. Recieved 7/1721 Vehichle loud sound. .acceleration not speeding . car. Not drivable.

NHTSA ID

11425306

Incident

Jul 17, 2021

VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK . SHOWED THERE WAS NO OIL IN ENGINE AFTER 2 WEEKS OF BEING FILLED UP . THERE WAS NO LEAK REPORTED .

NHTSA ID

11394290

Incident

Jan 30, 2021

MY VEHICLE HAS CAUGHT FIRE ON 11/14/20 AS IT WAS PARKED AT RESIDENT. WE HEARD A POP SOUND AND THEN FIRE STARTED. JUNE I HAD MY BATTERY REPLACE. FEB I HAD ISSUE WITH THE )2 SENSOR THAT HAS BEEN TAKEN CAR OF. AFTER THE FIRE I RECEIVED A RECAL NOTICE.

NHTSA ID

11375274

Incident

Nov 14, 2020

Mileage

102,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DORAL HYUNDAI (10285 NW 12TH ST, DORAL, FL 33172) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 119,000.

NHTSA ID

11374511

Incident

Aug 19, 2020

Mileage

119,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC RETRIEVED DTC CODE: P036. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE SENSOR STABILIZER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATE 114,304.

NHTSA ID

11352454

Incident

Aug 31, 2020

Mileage

114,304 mi

2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT 4DR SEDAN KNOCKING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND CODE IS STORED, THE CODE IS FOR KNOCK SENSOR NEEDING TO BE REPLACED...THE TRUE REASON FOR THIS TO PUT OUT CODE FOR KNOCK SENSOR FAUILARE ARE THAT THE CONNECTING ROD BEARING IS GOING OUT AND THAT LITTLE BIT OF PLAY BETWEEN THE ROD AND CRANK MAKES THE KNOCK SENSOR CODE COME UP IT KNOCKS MOVING OR NOT THIS IS A SERIOUS PROUBLEM THE ENGINE COULD HAVE A SERIOUS ENGINE FAILUARE AND AT MID SPEED IT CAN AND WILL BE LIFE TREATING, FIRE, PARTS BEING THROWN THREW FIRE WALL HITTING OCCUPANTS IN CAR OR OUTSIDE IT STARTED THE KNOCKING AT 130000 MILES I AM A MECHANIC OF OVER 40 YEARS

NHTSA ID

11337771

Incident

Jun 1, 2020

Mileage

130,000 mi

THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED WHILE DRIVING. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CONNECTING ROD BROKE AND FAILED ON THE NUMBER ONE PISTON. PIECES OF METAL CAUSED THE CRANKSHAFT TO LOCK UP AND PIECES PIERCED THE BLOCK CAUSING COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONNECTING ROD WAS CAST WRONG AND IT SEEMS AFTER THE CAR HAS 100K MILES IT GIVES OUT. TO ME THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *TR

NHTSA ID

11330804

Incident

May 26, 2020

Mileage

100,400 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. MOMENTS LATER, THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FLAMES EXPANDED TO THE WINDSHIELD, ENTERED THE VEHICLE, AND BURNED THE FRONT SEATS. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE PRESENT AND FIRE REPORT NUMBER: 19-141990 WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11288869

Incident

Dec 5, 2019

Mileage

90,000 mi

THE ENGINE LIGHT IS BLINKING ON THE DASHBOARD AND MAKING TOO MUCH SOUND FROM THE ENGINE, TOOK THE CAR TO MECHANIC HE SAID PROBLEM WITH O2 SENSORS AND CATALYST SYSTEM EFFIECIENCY (P0420) CODE

NHTSA ID

11280320

Incident

Oct 24, 2019

Mileage

89,000 mi