2023 Hyundai Kona Problems & Complaints

Averageabout as many complaints as a typical year of the Kona at the same age

Owners have filed 66 complaints about the 2023 Hyundai Kona with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the Kona at the same age. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (26 complaints, typically around 12,000 miles). One recall covers this model year, including one with a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.

66complaints
1recalls
4crashes
0fires
3injuries
0deaths

Most common 2023 Hyundai Kona problems

  • Electrical system~12,000 miles
    2639%
  • Other / not specified
    1929%
  • Driver assistance
    1320%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~94,000 miles
    1015%
  • Engine & cooling~56,000 miles
    812%
  • Speed control & acceleration
    711%
  • Fuel & propulsion system
    46%
  • Brakes
    35%
  • Wheels & tires
    23%
  • Lights
    12%
  • Air bags
    12%
  • Body & structure
    12%
  • Steering
    12%
  • Seat belts
    12%

Share of the 66 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Hyundai Kona complaints by model year

2018201920202021202220232024202520267519616112010166532810
Owner complaints per model year, Hyundai Kona. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Kona years: 2025. Years to avoid: 2020. Compare all years →

2023 Hyundai Kona recalls (1)

Power train › Automatic transmission › Fluid/lubricant › Pump

NHTSA recall 23V-526 · Jul 27, 2023 · 52,109 vehiclesPark outside

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.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge.

What 2023 Hyundai Kona owners say

Electrical system all 26 →

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the system check lights were illuminated normally; however, all the system symbols had a red "exclamation mark" next to the symbols. Additionally, the contact stated that the horn and many safety features were no longer operable. The contact stated that the Lane Departure warning, Blind Spot warning, and the radio were inoperable. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the main computer was not interfacing with the safety systems. The contact was advised by the dealer that there was no remedy for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

3,000 miles · Jun 2024

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while pressing the horn pad, the horn failed to produce a sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the horn was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the horn had been replaced four times and was scheduled for a fifth horn replacement. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

Horn · 12,000 miles · Oct 2024

Driver assistance

Vehicle was service at a Hyundai Dealer for routine required maintenance to continue the warranty. Less than 24 hours later I was driving my special needs, handicap daughter to breakfast and pulled into a handicap parking space and placed my foot on the brake. The pedal seemed to not have any tension and go to the floor. The emergency collision warning went off, but the brakes did not work. The vehicle jumped over a parking curb, knocking over a handicap sign, going across the sidewalk, hitting a garbage can and finally coming to a stop in a brick building.

Automatic emergency braking · Nov 2024 · crash · 2 injuries

i was driving at 45mph and a deer came in front of my car . We hit the deer in front of car , deer approximitly 100 lbs no warning like brake sytem lane obstruction or air bags deployed ? I bought this car based Hyundai telling me how safe of car it is . When obiously it is not I notified Hyundai america of these things and they said everything worked correctly ?

Automatic emergency braking · Feb 2023 · crash

Transmission & drivetrain

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. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, but was a recurring failure. The check engine warning illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the electric oil pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact had not informed the manufacturer about the failure. The contact researched online and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V526000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

94,000 miles · Nov 2025

My Kona N Line is not functioning well. Especially after driving for a longer period of time. About 60% of the time, upon letting go of my brake, the car jerks. Going from 0 - 5 mph is the worst. The car definitely hesitates many times. Again, it is when I have driven it for over 10 minutes. I took the car to a service department in El Monte, CA on 11/1. They cannot find the problem. They rode with me and it did not show at that time. They released the car to me. The Kona N has a recall but not my car, the Kona N Line. The recall is for the same problem. I am extremely frustrated. I have another appointment on Tuesday of this week to take to the Glendora service department. I don't know what to do. I am not one to complain but this is not safe. This is my fifth Hyundai. Nothing but good cars until now. Please advise. [redacted] .

Oct 2025

2023 Hyundai Kona engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combinedRange
ElectricSingle-speedFWD134 / 106 / 120 MPGe258 mi
2.0L 4-cylCVTFWD30 / 35 / 32—
1.6L 4-cyl turbo7-speed dual-clutchFWD29 / 35 / 32—
2.0L 4-cylCVTAWD28 / 33 / 30—
1.6L 4-cyl turbo7-speed dual-clutchAWD27 / 32 / 29—
2.0L 4-cyl turbo8-speed dual-clutchFWD20 / 27 / 23—

EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2023 Hyundai Kona a good car?

Based on 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2023 Kona rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Kona at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2023 Hyundai Kona?

The electrical system — 26 complaints, 39% of all complaints for this model year, most often about horn. Next are the driver assistance (13) and transmission & drivetrain (10).

How many recalls does the 2023 Hyundai Kona have?

There is 1 recall for the 2023 Hyundai Kona, the most recent from July 27, 2023 (pump). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Hyundai Kona?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2020. See the full Hyundai Kona years comparison.

At what mileage do 2023 Hyundai Kona problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 56,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

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.