Most common 2026 Hyundai Kona problems
Share of the 10 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 →
2026 Hyundai Kona recalls (3)
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.
2026 Hyundai Kona engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 28 / 35 / 31 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | FWD | 26 / 31 / 28 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 27 / 29 / 28 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 25 / 28 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2026 Hyundai Kona a good car?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2026 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 2026 Hyundai Kona?
The brakes — 2 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the speed control & acceleration (2) and electrical system (2).
How many recalls does the 2026 Hyundai Kona have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2026 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 2026 Hyundai Kona problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 1,000 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.