Most common 2025 Hyundai Kona problems
Share of the 28 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Hyundai Kona complaints by model year
Best Kona years: 2025. Years to avoid: 2020. Compare all years →
2025 Hyundai Kona recalls (1)
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.
What 2025 Hyundai Kona owners say
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving 38 MPH, the exterior lights, taillights, daytime running lights, and interior lights became inoperable for two and a half seconds. The seat belt light flashed. Additionally, the seat heater and steering buttons were switched off and then reset. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,060.
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, and the vehicle needed to be jump-started. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle did not fall under the Lemon Law. The failure mileage was 12,000.
Driver assistance
I was driving down my street (one way) at 20mph when all of a sudden, the car veered to the left and smashed into a dumpster that was parked on the street. I had driven down my block several times during the day and was aware of the dumpster. I am convinced that the lane assist malfunctioned and drove into the side of the dumpster. I was not distracted and my brand new, 2025 Hyundai Kona was totaled in the accident. I had minor injuries but could have been much worse. I am not sure who to contact to report this and not sure it could be proven. Any help you can give me I will appreciate.
While the cruise is set, traveling on I44 with no other car in front of my Kona, the adaptive cruise control will start to flash and apply brakes immediately. The speed will drop instantly. Thankfully no other vehicle has been behind me, otherwise it would have caused a massive wreck. I have taken the Kona to the shop 5 to 6 times for this situation, but they will not do anything since they can not duplicate it. I took a video recording of it happening, and they still would not do anything. The first incident was December 31, 2024. This happens every other week when I travel out of town for my daughter parenting time with her dad.
Transmission & drivetrain
Power train the engine roars up and drops jarring you back and forth second car within a yr first blew up brand new both and Hyundia and dealership blew me off
Significant Mechanical and Drivetrain Problems: Loss of Drive Power and Sluggish Acceleration: Reported as early as [redacted] ("bumpy driving, grinding and clanking noise"), with issues worsening by [redacted] ("slower acceleration, bumpier ride, metal clinking and cracking sounds"), and most severely on [redacted] ("car shifts hard to the left then goes back and forth (wobble)," "greatly reduced" power, and "snapping" noises). You've had at least five repair attempts for these issues. Vehicle Shaking/Wobbling: This has been a recurring complaint since [redacted] ("car shakes when accelerating") and continued through multiple visits, including [redacted] ("wobbly feeling"), [redacted] (shifts "back and forth (wobble)"), and [redacted] ("bounces excessively"). …
2025 Hyundai Kona engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Single-speed | FWD | 131 / 105 / 118 MPGe | 200 mi |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 28 / 35 / 31 | — |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 27 / 29 / 28 | — |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | FWD | 26 / 32 / 28 | — |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 24 / 29 / 26 | — |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2025 Hyundai Kona a good car?
Based on 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2025 Kona rates average: 20% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Kona at the same age. It is one of the best Kona years by this measure. 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 2025 Hyundai Kona?
The electrical system — 9 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the driver assistance (4) and transmission & drivetrain (4).
How many recalls does the 2025 Hyundai Kona have?
There is 1 recall for the 2025 Hyundai Kona, the most recent from July 14, 2026 (buckle assembly). 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 2025 Hyundai Kona problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 6,000 miles; 100% 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.