Every model year from 2018 to 2026, judged from its own NHTSA owner complaints (801 in all). Data through Oct 4, 2026.
Avoid the 2018–2021 Hyundai Kona: owner complaints for those years show serious known problems. The 2022 and 2024 Kona show no pattern of serious problems.
Crash test = NHTSA's overall star rating. “Crash, fire, injury” = complaints reporting one (share of the year's complaints). Counts depend on how many were sold, so they aren't a ranking.
Each year is judged on its own complaints only. Complaint counts are shown for context, not as a ranking: they depend on how many were sold and how long they've been on the road.
First generation: 2018–2023
Engines: 2.0L four-cylinder, 1.6L turbo four-cylinder. Facelift for 2022.
Most reported across the 2018–2023 model years (712 complaints researched): stalling or shutting off while driving (27%), engine failure (18%) and oil consumption (14%).
Most reported across the 2024 model year (52 complaints researched): brief electrical blackout while driving (17%), stalling or shutting off while driving (15%) and battery drain or no-start (13%).
2024
No pattern
Largest serious problem: engine failure or stalling, 15% of complaints. No urgent recall.
Share of each model year's owner complaints that describe the problem. A complaint can describe more than one problem.
The main Kona problems
Each problem across every model year: which years it hits, at what mileage, whether repairs fixed it, and in owners' own words.
Stalling or shutting off while driving
Critical
The engine stops running while the car is moving, and sometimes will not restart. 197 owner complaints about the 2018–2024 Kona describe it (26% of all we researched).
Share of that year's complaints · number of complaints
When owners report it
37,900 mi
median of 93 owners who gave a mileage; half between 13,000 and 87,000
Did a repair fix it?
31 of 38
owners who described a repair say it didn't fix the problem (4 more say partly)
Crash, fire or injury
5
of these 197 complaints report one
Recall owners cite most: 21V301000 (40 complaints). See recalls for which years it covers and what dealers do.
In owners' words
“This vehicle has stalled five (5) times while driving, twice at highway speeds and three times at neighborhood speeds.”
2019 KonaOwner in PA2.0L 4-cylFiled 2021NHTSA 11429839
“She stalled out at a stoplight in the center lane of a 4 lane busy road and had to coast to a parking lot where she restarted the car”
2020 KonaOwner in MI2.0L 4-cylFiled 2025NHTSA 11683888
“After loud explosion sound, the engine stalled 3 times recently while driving and today. No brake, hard steering wheel, and almost bumped the car front of me.”
2021 KonaOwner in IL2.0L 4-cylFiled 2021NHTSA 11421351
Share of that year's complaints · number of complaints
When owners report it
72,000 mi
median of 69 owners who gave a mileage; half between 35,000 and 98,000
Did a repair fix it?
13 of 22
owners who described a repair say it didn't fix the problem (2 more say partly)
What owners paid
$5,800
median of 10 owner-paid amounts; half between $1,108 and $9,000
Crash, fire or injury
1
of these 131 complaints report one
Recall owners cite most: 21V301000 (31 complaints). See recalls for which years it covers and what dealers do.
In owners' words
“After having it towed to a repair shop they stated the engine had pieces of metal throughout and would need to be replaced.”
2019 KonaOwner in PA1.6L 4-cylFiled 2024NHTSA 11563528
“The engine on my 2020 Hyundai Kona failed suddenly while driving, causing complete loss of power.”
2020 KonaOwner in AR2.0L 4-cylFiled 2025NHTSA 11680070
“Was driving when the car seemed to lose power and would not accelerate and started shaking. Check engine light came on and got it read, the code indicated a misfire and other errors.”
The engine uses up oil much faster than owners expect, sometimes until almost none is left. 102 owner complaints about the 2018–2024 Kona describe it (13% of all we researched).
Share of that year's complaints · number of complaints
When owners report it
64,400 mi
median of 46 owners who gave a mileage; half between 16,800 and 103,000
Did a repair fix it?
16 of 18
owners who described a repair say it didn't fix the problem (2 more say partly)
Crash, fire or injury
1
of these 102 complaints report one
Recall owners cite most: 21V301000 (25 complaints). See recalls for which years it covers and what dealers do.
In owners' words
“Noticed he had an engine knock, and noticed that the engine was consuming a good amount of oil with no warning lights or oil leaks”
2019 KonaOwner in FL1.6L 4-cylFiled 2026NHTSA 11739344
“Since day one of owning the vehicle I would notice oil level low by at least a 1/2 quart”
2020 KonaOwner in NH2.0L 4-cylFiled 2022NHTSA 11449347
“I would burn around 1 quart every 1000 miles. Dealer solution is to put in 5W 30 full synthetic oil. Got a little better but within a few months, back to burning1 quart every 1000 miles.”
2021 KonaOwner in IL2.0L 4-cylFiled 2025NHTSA 11691130
The engine makes a loud knocking, rapping or ticking sound that can get louder over time. 62 owner complaints about the 2018–2024 Kona describe it (8% of all we researched).
The horn makes no sound when the driver presses it, sometimes only now and then. 45 owner complaints about the 2018–2024 Kona describe it (6% of all we researched).
Every NHTSA recall campaign for the 2018–2026 Kona, do-not-drive and park-outside warnings first, with the model years each covers. Check any used Kona's VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls: an open recall is fixed free.
Fluid/lubricant › PumpPark outsideThe electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can…2023 modelJul 27, 202352,109 vehicles23V526000
Defect
The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
Risk
An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete.
What to do
Park outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.
Rear/other › Buckle assemblyThe seat belt buckle in the rear center seat may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash.2024–2026 modelsJul 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.
Spindle › ArmDue to a manufacturing error, the front steering knuckles may crack and break, which can result in a loss of vehicle…2026 modelFeb 6, 20264,555 vehicles26V069000
Defect
Due to a manufacturing error, the front steering knuckles may crack and break, which can result in a loss of vehicle steering control.
Risk
A loss of vehicle steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckles, as necessary, free of charge.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panelDue to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…2026 modelJan 27, 202641,651 vehicles26V047000
Defect
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
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.
Remedy
The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge.
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…2024 modelMay 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.2024 modelDec 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…2024 modelSep 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.
EngineThe piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.2019–2021 modelsApr 28, 2021158,493 vehicles21V301000
Defect
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.
Other › LabelsThe certification label may indicate incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). As such, these vehicles fail to…2020 modelJan 17, 2020477 vehicles20V022000
Defect
The certification label may indicate incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 567, "Certification" and 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
An incorrect GAWR could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install new label stickers displaying the correct GAWR over the affected areas of the certification label, 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 23V526000).
How we judge each year
We research every owner complaint filed with NHTSA for each model year and judge the year on its own complaints: whether one serious problem (transmission, engine or stalling, steering, brakes, airbags, fire, fuel leaks) makes up a large share of them, whether an unusual share report a crash, fire, injury or loss of power while moving, whether serious failures come early, and whether NHTSA issued a do-not-drive or park-outside recall or opened an investigation. We use shares, not counts, so a year that sold well isn't marked down for having more owners. More on our verdicts.
Questions
What years of the Hyundai Kona should you avoid?+
The 2018–2021 Kona. 2018: 35% of complaints (26) describe engine failure or stalling (stalling, misfires and head gasket failures). 2019: 38% of complaints (74) describe engine failure or stalling (stalling while driving, misfires and head gasket failures, fuel pump and injector failures). 2020: 29% of complaints (47) describe engine failure or stalling (stalling while driving, fuel pump and injector failures, misfires and head gasket failures). 2021: 36% of complaints (42) describe engine failure or stalling (stalling while driving, misfires and head gasket failures).
Which Hyundai Kona years have no pattern of serious problems?+
The 2022 and 2024 Kona. Their complaints don’t cluster on a serious defect. That’s not proof a car is trouble-free: check any used car's recalls and get an inspection.
Which Hyundai Kona years have an urgent recall to check?+
2023: Park-outside recall 23V526000 (fire risk, power train). Check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the repair was done.
Why are some Hyundai Kona years not judged?+
The 2025–2026 have fewer than 50 owner complaints on file, too few to judge. New model years often haven’t been on the road long enough.
What is the most common problem with the Hyundai Kona?+
Stalling or shutting off while driving: 197 owner complaints (26%) across the 2018–2024 model years describe it, the largest share in the 2019 (36% of that year's complaints). Owners report it at a median of 37,900 miles. Of 38 owners who described a repair, 31 say it didn't fix the problem.
Is there a recall for Kona stalling while driving?+
Owners describing it most often cite recall 21V301000 (2019–2021 Kona): The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. Check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the repair was done.
How many recalls does the Hyundai Kona have?+
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2018–2026 Kona, 1 with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning (23V526000, 2023). Any dealer fixes an open recall free.