MotorDeets

Hyundai Kona problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Kona from 2018 to 2026: 803 owner complaints and 13 recalls across 9 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2019 (193), 2020 (160), 2021 (119). Best fuel economy: 32 mpg combined (2023).

Hyundai Kona
Photo: Retired electrician · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine415
Other / unknown139
Electrical138
Transmission & drivetrain99
Forward collision avoidance60
Speed control / throttle45
Brakes33
Fuel & propulsion30

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
201807530
2019119330
2020216030
2021111930
2022010032
202316632
202445231
202512831
202631031

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Hyundai Kona.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Hyundai Kona?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2019 (193), 2020 (160), 2021 (119).

How many recalls has the Hyundai Kona had?

Across 2018–2026, NHTSA lists 13 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).