2024 Hyundai Kona Reliability & Problems
By Adrian V. LockhartUpdated All 52 NHTSA owner reports researched and classified
Owner complaints
52
6 report a crash, fire, injury or death
Recalls
4
None urgent
Complaints per year filed
2023–2025 · peak 15
In short
No pattern of serious problemsThe 2024 Hyundai Kona shows no pattern of serious problems: its largest serious group, stalling while driving, makes up 15% of complaints. NHTSA has 52 owner complaints, and 6 report a crash, fire, injury or death. No single problem stands out among them. The model year has 4 recalls, none of them a do-not-drive or park-outside order.
Reliability
How Reliable Is the 2024 Hyundai Kona?
This model year's page has the verdict "No pattern of serious problems". The largest serious group in the complaints is engine failure or stalling, specifically stalling while driving, at 15% of complaints. That is a safety-relevant symptom, but it does not dominate the complaints. Safety-related complaints make up 27% of the total, which is above the 17% that is typical, so the verdict is not a clean bill of health. There is also no do-not-drive or park-outside recall and no open serious NHTSA investigation, which is why the verdict stays at no pattern.
Because the complaints are spread across several areas, no single recurring problem is large enough for this page to profile. For an owner, that means there is no one repair to expect. The stalling reports are the ones to take most seriously, since losing power while driving can be dangerous. Six complaints mention a crash, fire, injury or death, which is worth knowing even though the complaints do not point to one shared cause.
The recalls give some context. Recall 24V308000 says an electrical short circuit may occur in the EGR valve assembly, which can result in a loss of drive power, and dealers will replace the valve assembly free of charge. That recall describes a defect that could produce the kind of power loss owners may report as stalling. Recall 23V901000 says the 12-volt battery cables may chafe against the engine control module bracket and short circuit during a crash, and dealers will install sheathing over the wiring. Two seat belt recalls, 23V650000 and 26V452000, cover rear seat belt retractors and the rear center seat belt buckle. For the buckle, passengers are advised not to use the rear center seat until the remedy is performed. This page does not have enough repair reports to say whether the repairs fixed these issues.
Mileage tells a limited story. Only 10 complaints include a mileage, and the median is 12,000 miles, with most of those reports under 25,000 miles. That fits a recent model year that has not yet had much time on the road. It also means the complaints say little about how this vehicle ages. When you look at a particular Kona, a low odometer reading does not rule out these problems, and the recalls are worth checking whatever the mileage.
When buying, make recall completion your first check, and ask whether the vehicle has ever stalled or lost power. Keep the limits of this evidence in mind. Complaint counts show what owners chose to report, not how many vehicles are affected, and they cannot show how a particular vehicle was maintained. With 52 complaints, the picture is also thin, so a lack of a pattern is not a promise that a given vehicle will be trouble free.
Top problems
No problem stands out
None of the 52 complaints cluster into a named problem with at least 15 reports.
Not enough reports to name a problem
That's usually good news: complaints are spread thinly instead of piling up on one fault.
Buying one
Should you buy a used 2024 Hyundai Kona?
What to check before you buy, based on the complaint and recall data.
Ask the seller for proof that all 4 recalls were done, especially the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve recall, which covers a possible loss of drive power. Check the rear center seat belt recall too, since passengers are advised not to use that seat until the remedy is done. Look up the VIN on NHTSA's recall tool before you buy, and ask whether the owner ever reported stalling.
- 1Run the VIN for open recalls. NHTSA lists 4 recalls. Check at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2Get a pre-purchase inspection. An independent mechanic can spot leaks, stored fault codes and accident repairs that a test drive misses.
Hyundai Kona model years
Which Hyundai Kona years to avoid? Every model year compared
Early complaints are those filed in a model year's first 3 years. They follow how many were sold, so they don't show which years are better. Each tag is that year's verdict from our research of its owner complaints.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings.
| SUV AWD | SUV FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Frontal crash | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 16% | 15% |
Owning one
If you already own one
Find your symptom, see when problems tend to show up, and check which recalls apply.
Watch for any loss of drive power or stalling while driving, and have it checked at a dealer right away. Confirm with a dealer, using your VIN, that all 4 recalls have been performed. Until the rear center seat belt recall is done, do not seat anyone in that position. Keep records of any repair visits and report safety problems to NHTSA.
Too few reports for a symptom finder
No symptom reached 10 reports. If something is wrong with yours, report it at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.
4 recalls, newest first
Open one for the risk, the remedy and what to do now.
Rear/other › Buckle assemblyThe seat belt buckle in the rear center seat may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash.Jul 14, 202647,787 vehicles26V452000
- Defect
- The seat belt buckle in the rear center seat may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash.
- Risk
- A seat belt buckle that fails to properly restrain an occupant in a crash increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Passengers are advised not to use the rear center seat until the recall remedy is performed.
Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (egr valve)An electrical short circuit may occur in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly, which can result in a…May 1, 202413,511 vehicles24V308000
- Defect
- An electrical short circuit may occur in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly, free of charge.
12v/24v/48v battery › CablesThe 12-Volt battery cables may chafe against the engine control module bracket and short circuit during a crash.Dec 26, 202310,984 vehicles23V901000
- Defect
- The 12-Volt battery cables may chafe against the engine control module bracket and short circuit during a crash.
- Risk
- A short circuit increases the risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install sheathing over the wiring, free of charge.
Rear/other › RetractorThe seat belt assemblies in the right and left rear seats may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to…Sep 22, 20232,354 vehicles23V650000
- Defect
- The seat belt assemblies in the right and left rear seats may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupation Crash Protection" and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
- Risk
- A seat belt that does not function properly may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractor as necessary, free of charge.
What to do
Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If a recall is open, any dealer will fix it free. For NHTSA's full record of a campaign, search its number there (for example 26V452000).
Reliability history
Hyundai Kona reliability by year
Complaints filed in each model year's first 3 years, by trouble spot. Darker cells have more complaints; counts aren't adjusted for how many were sold each year.
All problems
Every problem reported on the 2024 Kona
Every problem found in the 52 owner complaints, by area of the vehicle.
Electrical
21 40%- Brief electrical blackout while drivingSerious9 17%–––
- Battery drain or no-startSerious7 13%–––
- Key fob not unlocking or starting car2 4%–––
- Electronic parking brake engages on its ownCritical2 4%–––
- Instrument cluster fails to boot1 2%–––
- Car does not fully shut down1 2%–––
Show 1 more electrical problemsShow fewer electrical problems
- Screen or infotainment glitchesMinor1 2%–––
Engine
10 19%- Stalling or shutting off while drivingCritical8 15%–––
- High idle and engine revving on its own1 2%–––
- Engine knocking1 2%–––
Driver aids & stability
6 12%- Automatic emergency braking activates for no reasonCritical4 8%–––
- False front camera blocked message1 2%–––
- Lane assist resists steering1 2%–––
- Backup camera screen not working1 2%–––
Transmission & drivetrain
6 12%- Drops into neutral or loses drive while movingCritical2 4%–––
- Harsh, jerky shiftingSerious2 4%–––
- Shifter system malfunction warning1 2%–––
- Power transfer unit (PTU) or 4WD failureCritical1 2%–––
- Transmission warning messagesMinor1 2%–––
Body, lights & visibility
4 8%- Leather seat material wearing1 2%–––
- Power window pinched a child's fingers1 2%–––
- Heated seats stop working1 2%–––
- Sunroof glass shatters1 2%–––
Brakes
3 6%- Brake pedal sinks or brakes failCritical2 4%–––
- Car will not move after auto stop-start1 2%–––
Steering
3 6%- Loss of power steeringCritical2 4%–––
- Steering knuckle sheared on curb impact1 2%–––
Wheels & tires
2 4%- Steering wheel locked up1 2%–––
- Steering wheel turns by itself1 2%–––
Other
1 2%- Driver attention warning goes off constantly1 2%–––
30 problems found in all 52 complaints. One complaint can describe more than one problem, so counts add up to more than the total. Not counted as a defect: 1 about recall paperwork or parts delays, 2 describing no vehicle defect. Typical miles, repair cost and fix rate show only when enough owners report them.
The data
Behind the numbers
Every figure comes from NHTSA's complaint file and APIs.
- Complaints
- 52
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 5
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 5
- Deaths
- 0
Crashes and fires count complaints that report one; injuries and deaths count people.
Mileage at failure
Not enough data yet
Only 10 complaints list mileage; we chart this from 30.
Complaints by engine
Decoded from the partial VINs owners include. Not adjusted for how many of each engine were sold.
FAQ
2024 Hyundai Kona questions
Is the 2024 Hyundai Kona reliable?
The 2024 Hyundai Kona shows no pattern of serious problems. Its largest serious group, stalling while driving, makes up 15% of complaints, and there is no do-not-drive or park-outside recall or open serious NHTSA investigation. Safety-related complaints are 27% of the total, above the 17% that is typical, so it is not a clean bill of health.
What are the most common 2024 Hyundai Kona problems?
Owners report electrical trouble most often: 21 of 52 complaints, or 40%. The main ones are a brief electrical blackout while driving (9 complaints) and battery drain or no-start (7). Engine complaints come next at 10, led by stalling or shutting off while driving (8), then driver aids and transmission with 6 each.
Does the 2024 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?
Yes, there are 4 recalls, and none is a do-not-drive or park-outside order. 26V452000 covers the rear center seat belt buckle, and passengers are advised not to use that seat until the remedy is done. The others cover the EGR valve (24V308000), the 12-volt battery cables (23V901000) and the rear seat belt retractors (23V650000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Does the 2024 Hyundai Kona have stalling problems?
Stalling is the largest serious group in the complaints, at 15%, with 8 reports of stalling or shutting off while driving. Recall 24V308000 says an electrical short circuit in the EGR valve assembly may cause a loss of drive power, and dealers replace the valve assembly free of charge. Have any loss of power checked at a dealer right away.
Is the 2024 Hyundai Kona safe?
NHTSA gives the 2024 Hyundai Kona 4 out of 5 stars overall, with 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. The ratings are the same for the SUV AWD and SUV FWD. Of 52 complaints, 6 mention a crash, fire, injury or death.
What should I check before buying a used 2024 Hyundai Kona?
Ask for proof that all 4 recalls were done, especially the EGR valve recall (24V308000), which covers a possible loss of drive power. Check the rear center seat belt recall (26V452000) too, because passengers are advised not to use that seat until it is done. Look up the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask whether the owner ever reported stalling.
Which Hyundai Kona years should you avoid?
Avoid the 2018–2021 Hyundai Kona: owner complaints for those years show serious known problems. For the 2023, make sure the recall repairs were done: an urgent recall matters more than its complaint pattern. The 2022 and 2024 show no pattern of serious problems. The 2025–2026 have too few complaints to judge. Every model year is compared on the Hyundai Kona years-to-avoid page.
Methodology
How we researched this
- Complaints. NHTSA's owner complaint file, counted as unique complaint numbers for make HYUNDAI, model KONA, model year 2024. Data through Oct 4, 2026.
- Verdict. Judged from this model year's own complaints, not against other models, using shares rather than counts. Serious known problems: one serious problem (transmission, engine or stalling, steering, brakes, airbags, fire, fuel leaks) is in a quarter or more of complaints; or a smaller but clear cluster comes with an unusual share of crash, fire, injury or loss-of-power reports or early failures; or an urgent recall or NHTSA investigation matches a top complaint. Some known problems: one of those signals on its own. No pattern of serious problems: none of them; this doesn't mean the vehicle is trouble-free. Too few complaints to judge: under 50 complaints. Why this verdict: Checked: the largest serious problem class is engine failure or stalling (stalling while driving), 15% of complaints; safety-related complaints are 27% (typical: 17%), and there's no do-not-drive or park-outside recall or open serious NHTSA investigation..
- No grade or class ranking. Raw complaint counts favor models that sell fewer cars, so we don't score or rank this vehicle against other models until we can adjust for sales.
- Trouble spots and history. Complaints grouped by the part owners chose when filing. The history grid counts complaints filed in each model year's first 3 years so older and newer years compare fairly; years with fewer than 3 complete years are marked too new.
- Named problems. Every one of the 52 complaints was researched and classified by its problems, severity, symptoms, repairs and any cost the owner mentions; the counts, costs and fix rates on this page are tallies of those classifications. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, checked against the original text. Engines are decoded from partial VINs with NHTSA's vPIC service.
- Repair costs and fix rates. Shown only when at least 10 owners report a repair cost, or at least 10 complaints describe whether a repair worked.
- Not adjusted for sales. Not affiliated with NHTSA. Page updated Nov 3, 2026.