Accent (5th)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
DOHC GDI GAMMA
1.6LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Hyundai Accent Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Hyundai Accent, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent
On a used 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (167), the brakes (129) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (120). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 167 owner complaints on the 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent about the engine.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 129 owner complaints on the 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent about the brakes.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 120 owner complaints on the 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 100 owner complaints on the 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent about the electrical system.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 38 owner complaints on the 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent about the steering.
Recalls (3)
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.
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.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015 Accent vehicles manufactured September 15, 2014, to February 10, 2015. In very cold temperatures, the occupant detection system (ODS) may not be able to determine if a child restraint seat is in the front passenger seat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent complaints?
Owners have filed 609 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent. The systems they name most often are the engine, the brakes and the safety systems.
Is the 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 609 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent have?
NHTSA has 609 owner complaints on file for the 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls covering some 2012-2017 Hyundai Accent vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Hyundai Accent?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the brakes and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Accent?
The 2017 Hyundai Accent received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 4 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (12.4% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 609 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.