SUV · Gas
Hyundai Kona 2018–2023 (OS)

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- Price
- $19,500–$34,000
- MPG
- 32
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Strength: Strong running costs
- Watch-out: Poor cargo & utility
- Watch-out: Below-average reliability
How it scores for you10 scores
A crash-safe, dirt-cheap-to-run subcompact—especially as the 258-mile EV—but tight cargo and lingering Hyundai engine complaints temper the appeal.
Recalled somewhat less often than cars of the same model years; 4 of its 9 recalls were serious. About 6% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -6 points for its wider reputation.
5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 4).
About $2,100 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 70% of cars we track.
19.2 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 29% of other SUVs we track.
Subcompact footprint; tight rear seat and modest 19.2 cu ft cargo (45.8 folded). Below average for broader SUV comparison.
Compact crossover with 147 hp gas or peppy EV (258-mi range). EV torque adds fun; nimble size helps, but not a performance vehicle. Roughly segment-typical.
Offers EV variant with solid range, available AWD, and typical Hyundai infotainment. Reasonable feature set for its era, slightly above segment average.
Small subcompact SUV with firm ride and modest sound insulation typical of the class. Comfort roughly at or just below segment norm.
EVs have typically lost value the fastest.
No published tow rating; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls16 recalls
16 recalls · 7 common complaint areas across 2018–2023
- Engine — 101 complaints (2019)
- Recall — Powertrain: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: pump (2023)
- Engine — 87 complaints (2020)
2023
- RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: pump23V526000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
- RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump: control/drive module24V528000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- Complaint clusterElectrical25 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was in a rotary and there were two lanes and they both exited to a bridge. I was on the outside lane of the rotary and when exiting the rotary the car from the inside cut me off and I was unable to alert the driver because me HORN wasn't working. I blew out 2 tires hitting a curb and needed to be
- Complaint clusterPowertrain11 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle hesitated before driving forward. The Engine START/STOP feature was engaged. The contact stated that the ESC warning light was illuminated temporarily.
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other11 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My horn is not working again. It was replaced when I initially got the Kona in 2023. It did not work coming out of the dealership. And now again it is back to not working. This is a liability and also a danger to my children.
- Complaint clusterCruise control6 complaintscomplaints:VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
After a routine service visit, the vehicle’s braking and speed‑control systems began to behave abnormally. The ABS/ESC control module was replaced or reprogrammed without documentation, and immediately afterward the vehicle’s braking feel, speed‑control behavior, and forward‑collision warning timing
2022
- RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission22V746000
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete l
- RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump: control/drive module24V528000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- Complaint clusterElectrical35 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
COMPONENT/SYSTEM: Air Conditioning (HVAC) / Climate Control System and closed-loop refrigerant lines. The vehicle and all climate control components are available for immediate inspection. SAFETY RISK: Total loss of cooling in peak summer heat (90°F-95°F+) causes cabin temperatures to rapidly excee
- Complaint clusterEngine21 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
I purchased my 2022 Hyundai Kona on August 28, 2024, and I am the first registered owner. Only 48 days after purchase, the vehicle suddenly broke down without warning while stopped at a red light in [XXX] after traveling from [XXX] . The vehicle had to be towed. Since then, the vehicle has repeated
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other20 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Recall with car regarding coolant. Last year Hyundai apparently addressed; however, coolant light came on, despite coolant being full. Told by different dealership that with these issues, it needs to be checked and rechecked multiple times; otherwise, issues arise again (as in my case). Want this ad
- Complaint clusterPowertrain19 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. No warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V746000 (POWER TRAIN); by
- Complaint clusterCruise control9 complaintscomplaints:VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While accelerating onto the highway, the engine backfired and suddenly lost speed, violently shaking.
2021
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control module: software20V748000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Nexo Fuel Cell and 2019-2021 Kona Electric vehicles. The Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system may detect an abnormal sensor signal and as a result, may significantly reduce braking performance.
- RecallEngine21V301000
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.
- RecallElectrical: propulsion system: traction battery: thermal management: fluid/coolant22V941000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Kona EV vehicles. The Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU) may have been improperly sealed and may leak coolant internally.
- Complaint clusterEngine63 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
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
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other23 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased a 2021 Hyundai Kona in 2023. I own it outright. 2 weeks later my engine seized on the CA 118 in the middle lane & I lost steering & power. I don’t know how I made it to the side w cars doing 80. I was shaking. The dealer refurbished my engine no cost , it was due to the oil consumption
- Complaint clusterElectrical19 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL 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
- Complaint clusterPowertrain15 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
I am writing to express my frustration and concern regarding my 2021 Hyundai Kona, which currently has only 88,754 miles. My vehicle has been experiencing excessive oil consumption along with an ongoing check engine light. The diagnostic trouble codes are P0017 and P0011. In an effort to resolve th
2020
- RecallEquipment: other: labels20V022000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Kona vehicles. 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 11
- RecallElectrical: propulsion system: traction battery; electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery: management system/energy control module (bms/becm): software20V630000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control module: software20V748000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Nexo Fuel Cell and 2019-2021 Kona Electric vehicles. The Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system may detect an abnormal sensor signal and as a result, may significantly reduce braking performance.
- RecallElectrical: propulsion system: traction battery21V127000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric and 2020 Ioniq Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.
- RecallEngine21V301000
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.
- Complaint clusterEngine87 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the dealer was unable to perform the recall repair because the vehicle had not experienced a failure associated with the recall and there were no fault c
- Complaint clusterElectrical24 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
many times a year, without warning, vehicle dash lights turn off and light up like a christmas tree, followed by fca warning sound and lights going off, and a loud mechanical thud. Lose engine throttle going highway speeds. This can occur at nearly any speed without warning. Car must be powered off
- Complaint clusterPowertrain21 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
Leaking oil...burns exceptionally fast even with dealership services. Pistons not sealed, melts new spark plugs, misfire on cylinder 3
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other16 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Basically normal driving the car stalled. It slowed to a stall. I had to restart the car. This has happened a couple to times.
- Complaint clusterBrakes7 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES
I am receiving an intermittent "check regenerative brake" message. The message will clear automatically and then reappear every three to four weeks. An internet search reveals this is a common error for the Kona. Most people report no repair by the dealer. In several cases, the brakes stopped wor
2019
- RecallElectrical: propulsion system: traction battery; electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery: management system/energy control module (bms/becm): software20V630000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control module: software20V748000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Nexo Fuel Cell and 2019-2021 Kona Electric vehicles. The Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system may detect an abnormal sensor signal and as a result, may significantly reduce braking performance.
- RecallElectrical: propulsion system: traction battery21V127000
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric and 2020 Ioniq Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.
- RecallEngine21V301000
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.
- Complaint clusterEngine101 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
The contact's daughter owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 40 MPH, smoke started coming from under the hood. The vehicle lost power and came to a stop in front of a convenience store, blocking the entrance. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated.
- Complaint clusterElectrical56 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle (2019 Kona) is subject to Recall 203 (piston ring/bore defect). On XXX Puente Hills Hyundai refused the mandatory physcial inspection, instead attempting to charge $1,100 for 'leak repairs.' An independent inspection by Valvoline on XXX confirmed the engine is dry with no leaks, proving the
- Complaint clusterPowertrain22 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
My 2019 Hyundai Kona SE (2.0L Nu MPI/Atkinson engine) was previously subject to NHTSA Recall 21V301000 (Hyundai Recall 203) for defective piston oil rings that can chip and cause accelerated oil consumption, engine knocking, and stalling. That recall's remedy was performed under a prior owner in Dec
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other17 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rear left passenger will not open. The dealer thinks it is a faulty door latch actuator ($530 parts and labor). They said this is a common problem and they have a special tool to open the door, but they couldn't get it to work on my car. They think they will damage the interior door panel trying
- Complaint clusterEngine and engine cooling9 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on the highway, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehi
2018
- Complaint clusterEngine21 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the engine bay, followed by grinding gear sounds. The vehicle lost drive power, causing the driver to coast over to the side of the road, where the vehicle ev
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other19 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car was burning through oil every 14 -21days. Car has been jerking and taking a while to accelerate. Went to machine to see what’s going he suggested I go to the dealership because there’s no leaks visible. But added more oil so I wouldn’t go without oil there was nothing available for me to com
- Complaint clusterPowertrain11 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
I purchased a 2018 Hyundai Kona, and it has had one major issue after another. It burns an excessive amount of oil, the engine misfires, and now the turbocharger is failing. I’ve already spent approximately $2,300 repairing the air conditioner and engine, and I can’t afford thousands more in repairs
- Complaint clusterElectrical7 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Prt. 2continued. The TPMS sensors had been replaced, which leads me to believe that at time of tire blowout did not function Although the subwoofer was stolen from vehicle the wiring to the subwoofer was said to have caused the fire and remained intact and connected to back of the original stereo e
Cost to own$19,300 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$19,500–$34,000
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,100/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
29
Highway MPG
35
Combined MPG
32
Electric range
258 mi
Horsepower
147 hp
Doors
4
Length
164.2 in
Width
70.9 in
Height
59.1 in
Wheelbase
102.4 in
Curb weight
3,084 lb
Cargo volume
19.2 cu ft
Cargo (seats folded)
45.8 cu ft
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