2021 Hyundai Kona problems, complaints & recalls

2021 Hyundai Kona recalls (1)

• Recall 21V301000Apr 28, 2021158,493 vehicles
  ENGINE

  Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.

  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.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

NHTSA defect investigations

• DP22005Opened Jan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023led to recall 22V063000

  Pedestrian alert sounds

  NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc…

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

Recent 2021 Hyundai Kona complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Oct 5, 2026AZEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   All 4 fuel injectors failed. They were replaced but the check engine light came back on. Crank shaft sensor was then replaced and now the check engine light is back on. Driving the car waiting for something to fail is not safe

   NHTSA complaint #11769182 · source
2. Filed Oct 2, 2026COEngine

   My exact engine was as in a recall but not my car which failed prematurely at 84,000. I have taken extensive maintenance in the car in the for the past 2 years. Hyundai made me pay to tow my car to a dealership denied me for a goodwill replacement with the same exact problems as the same exact recalled engine and stuck me with the bill.

   NHTSA complaint #11768574 · source
3. Filed Sep 30, 2026OHEngine

   My 2021 Kona Limited 1.6L Turbo is consuming oil so rapidly that the Low Oil Pressure light has activated on the highway, creating a sudden risk of stalling and engine failure, that the dealership and Hyundai are declining service. According to research, when your oil pressure light flashes, your engine is moments away from locking up. If that happens at 65 mph on a highway, it is a catastrophic safety risk. I am the original owner of 2021 Kona Limited under warranty. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11768190 · source
4. Filed Sep 11, 2026OHEngine

   "The vehicle suffered sudden internal engine failure while in operation due to catastrophic oil starvation, presenting a severe risk of engine stalling and loss of propulsion on the road. Active diagnostic codes are P0014, P0017, and P0303. An independent mechanic confirmed the engine was found 3 quarts low on oil with absolutely no external leaks or pooling under the vehicle, indicating massive internal oil consumption. This vehicle has been meticulously maintained with 11…

   NHTSA complaint #11763547 · source
5. Filed Aug 21, 2026ALEngine

   At approximately 100,500 miles, the 2.0L Nu engine experienced a sudden, catastrophic internal failure while operating, causing a loss of power and stalling. Failed Component & Availability: The engine block assembly failed internally due to severe low compression (95 psi) across multiple cylinders and intake valve leakage. The original failed engine component was replaced and retained by the servicing dealership's service department during the long-block replacement. Safety…

   NHTSA complaint #11758555 · source
6. Filed Aug 18, 2026WIEngine

   2021 Hyundai Kona, VIN [XXX], 45,575 miles. Engine unexpectedly stalled while driving on 45 mph road and stopped at a light. Oil-pressure warning appeared when the engine stalled. Upon checking afterward, the oil level was below the measurable dipstick range with only droplets visible. Approximately 3.5 quarts were added. Vehicle restarted and was driven home. While idling at home, pressing the accelerator caused the engine to stall again. Vehicle had received an oil change…

   NHTSA complaint #11757800 · source
7. Filed Jul 22, 202660,000 miOHElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the horn button was depressed but was inoperable. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the horn needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11752233 · source
8. Filed Jul 9, 202685,000 miILEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH while making a turn, the vehicle stalled. Several warning lights illuminated but turned off after the vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The contact stated that several independent mechanics were notified of the failure; however, an appointment was denied due to the absence of illuminated warning lights. The vehicle was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11749283 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology