2012 Hyundai Accent Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Nate on September 27, 2024

Date: October 14, 2021. Action: Bought a used 2012 HYUNDAI ACCENT SE (VIN: KMHCU5AE9CU016179) at Checkered Flag Auto Outlet in Virginia Beach, VA at approx. 87,384 miles on it. Needed a vehicle temporarily until I had the money to buy a brand new vehicle. Was good until I the excessive oil consumption issue with it came up around the 94,000 mileage mark. The underside/engine rattles at certain MPH (55 MPH) and when accelerating. P0326, P0269, P0130 are the most that come up with this vehicle. Throughout the 2024 year, several things were replaced due to old age, high mileage, and excessive oil consumption issue. 2/5/24, spent some money to have all four coil packs replaced, all four spark plugs replaced, and the serpentine belt replaced at Chimney Hill Firestone (Virginia Beach, VA) at the 117,000 mileage mark; 2/23/24, spent some money to replace two tires at Discount Tire off of Holland Road (Virginia Beach, VA); 6/1/24, spent some money to replace the old battery with a new battery as it was on it's last leg at Advanced Auto Parts (Virginia Beach, VA) at the 121,000 mileage mark; 8/15/24, spent some money to replace all four fuel injectors with four new ones at Thalia Automotive (Norfolk, VA) at the 125,000 mileage mark; and 8/23/24, spent some money on a replacing the old alternator with a new alternator at Firestone (Virginia Beach, VA) at the 125,000 mileage mark. Sold it back as a trade-in at $1700 2024 at the 126,600 mileage mark.

Glenda on December 12, 2023

I've had two of the Hyundai accents, same year, there's same issues with the windows won't roll up, my paint is pealing off, it sits to low to the ground, both cars can not go through dips it pulls the front bumpers off, would not recommend this car

[email protected] on May 4, 2021

The car will work for someone with a small budget and desire a comfortable reliable ride. I recommend you buy it from a truly solid dealer that knows how to fix it with out excuses.

Anthony on June 2, 2020

This car has been great for my needs, and I have driven it both locally and on long trips, both of which have exceeded my expectations. It would make for a great starter car for a younger driver and has anything you would need in a first car.

DanNASH on March 29, 2020

Bought used at a Hyundai dealership. All was going well until approx 120,000 miles, when the mechanic started to mention that it was low on oil. Oil change after oil change, I got the same 'low on oil' comment. I verified myself and indeed it was using a quart every two weeks. Then last week while driving to work, it lost power, then I saw a big puff of white smoke in my rear view mirror. Called the dealership and they stated it was out of warranty at 128,000 miles. I really expecteted more as my other vehicles are well into their +200K miles and all is well. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

Tiffany on January 13, 2020

The car rides good but the tires were bad and needed changing. The repair were taken care of other than the tires. I was very pleased until the lady with the attitude opened her face.

SophiaV on November 21, 2019

First off, very reliable. I put on over 110,000 miles and was the second owner of the car. No problems outside of normal routine maintenance, including oil changes, filters and fluids, checking tire pressure, replacing brakes, pads, and tires. Unlike other cars of the year, the Accent never disconnected from the Bluetooth connection. I did have to make sure that I disconnected the Bluetooth phone connection first, otherwise sometimes it would not automatically reconnect. Compared to other cars that I have tried, such as Volkswagen small sedans, the Accent felt so light and thin. It felt like there was a thin sheet of tin between me and the road. Vulnerable. Unfortunately tragic fatal crashes are highest in the 2012 Accent according the IIHS. If you look at crash tests, the dummy gets quite a beating at side impact. The ride is shaky. For long distances or road trips, the seats are not cozy. No lumbar support. The head restraint forced my head uncomfortably forward. I drove a manual, and it felt like more work than it needed to be to switch gears. I just felt the rough ride was passed up my legs through the pedals. The car looks great, but why all the tiny rear windows? I hope the tiny rear window trend ends soon. If you can't see what is behind the car, you end up bumping into things, which I did. Better fuel economy than my previous car. So was quite contented at the gas pump. Small tank though. Two things that upgraded the ride feel for me was new quality tires and switching to full synthetic oil. Particularly with the full synthetic, I almost felt that the car was so much better with it, it should be required. Due to the safety factors, I can never recommend a 2012 Accent to anyone. Also, statistically, compact cars in general do not protect you the way certain specific, slightly older large sedans and medium size SUVs of the same price range can.

ACCENTLOVER on September 8, 2019

Love it. Great economy no frills car that gets you from here to there. Great gas mileage and very dependable. We have owed over six of them.

Marriet on July 29, 2019

For the money, this car is dependable, gas efficient, quick when you need it, and has good trunk room. I was happily surprised as I got to know it.

bobsail on June 19, 2019

Great commuter car. Excellent fuel economy, surprisingly roomy. Good handling and excellent brakes. Adequate acceleration. Reasonably quiet and smooth on the highway and fun to drive with the manual transmission.