Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | typical | 3 | Brake | Average |
| 2025 | 28 | −20% | 1 | Electrical | Average |
| 2024 | 53 | typical | 4 | Electrical | Average |
| 2023 | 66 | typical | 1 | Electrical | Average |
| 2022 | 101 | 1.2× | — | Engine | Average |
| 2021 | 120 | typical | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2020 | 161 | 1.7× | 2 | Engine | Caution |
| 2019 | 196 | — | 1 | Engine | Limited data |
| 2018 | 75 | — | — | Engine | Limited data |
* Complaints compared with the median Kona year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Hyundai Kona problems
Latest Hyundai Kona recalls
Seat belts › Rear/other › Buckle assembly
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Kona Electric and 2024-2026 Kona vehicles. The seat belt buckle in the rear center seat may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash.
Remedy: Passengers are advised not to use the rear center seat until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2026.
Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Kona vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front steering knuckles may crack and break, which can result in a loss of vehicle steering control.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckles, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 5, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, Kona, Palisade, Palisade Hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, and Tucson vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026.
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Elantra, Venue, and Kona vehicles. An electrical short circuit may occur in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Kona vehicles. The 12-Volt battery cables may chafe against the engine control module bracket and short circuit during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install sheathing over the wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 22, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Hyundai Kona should you avoid?
2020 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Kona years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2020.
What is the best year for the Hyundai Kona?
2025 has the fewest complaints compared with other Kona years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Hyundai Kona problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (432), electrical system (138) and transmission & drivetrain (100). Engine complaints peak in the 2019 model year.
How many recalls has the Hyundai Kona had?
9 recalls across 2018–2026. The model year with the most is 2024. See all Hyundai Kona recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.