Hyundai Kona problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 781 owner complaints and 9 recalls on file for the Hyundai Kona (2018–2026). The 2020 Kona has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints
781
Recalls
9
Model years
9
Worst year
2020

Complaints by model year

6220181842019160202011920211002022662023522024282025102026
NHTSA complaints per Hyundai Kona model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Hyundai Kona years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2020 Hyundai Kona — 160 complaints, 8 crashes, 3 fires; top problem: Engine
  2. 2019 Hyundai Kona — 184 complaints, 10 crashes, 3 fires; top problem: Engine
  3. 2018 Hyundai Kona — 62 complaints, 7 crashes, 10 fires; top problem: Engine
  4. 2021 Hyundai Kona — 119 complaints, 2 crashes, 3 fires; top problem: Engine
  5. 2022 Hyundai Kona — 100 complaints, 3 crashes; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2023 (66 complaints).

Every Hyundai Kona model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2026 Kona101023Electrical System
2025 Kona282041Electrical System
2024 Kona525054Electrical System
2023 Kona664031Electrical System
2022 Kona1003010Engine
2021 Kona1192331Engine
2020 Kona16083122Engine
2019 Kona18410351Engine
2018 Kona62710100Engine

Most common Hyundai Kona problem areas (all years)

  • Engine
    428 complaints
  • Electrical System
    136 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    96 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    70 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    45 complaints
  • Brakes
    33 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    28 complaints
  • Steering
    20 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    17 complaints
  • Lighting
    16 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Hyundai Kona received by NHTSA each month.

Hyundai Kona recalls

  • Recall 26V452000Jul 14, 202647,787 vehiclesModel years 2024–2026

    Risk: A seat belt buckle that fails to properly restrain an occupant in a crash increases the risk of injury.

  • Recall 26V069000Feb 5, 20264,555 vehiclesModel years 2026

    Risk: A loss of vehicle steering control increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 26V047000Jan 26, 202641,651 vehiclesModel years 2026

    Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V308000May 1, 202413,511 vehiclesModel years 2024

    Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V901000Dec 26, 202310,984 vehiclesModel years 2024

    Risk: A short circuit increases the risk of an engine compartment fire.

  • Recall 23V650000Sep 22, 20232,354 vehiclesModel years 2024

    Risk: A seat belt that does not function properly may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 23V526000Jul 27, 202352,109 vehiclesModel years 2023

    Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

  • Recall 21V301000Apr 28, 2021158,493 vehiclesModel years 2019–2021

    Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 20V022000Jan 17, 2020477 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: An incorrect GAWR could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.

Other Hyundai models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology