Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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"). …
I bought the 2024 Kona N Line in January of 2024. It had 64 miles on it. At 1,149 miles, an alert from BlueLink stated that a code showed up, stating engine, power train issue. I contacted my local Hyundai dealership, the one I bought the Kona from, and bought it in. The service department stated that they cannot fix it because it was a DTC Code error, and that since the check engine light wasn't on, I was stuck. I brought the vehicle in 2 more times after that. The vehicle would idle high when in park, the engine would Rev up at odd times, even while driving, like I was ramming my foot down on the gas peddle, which I was not. Also, while traveling up hill, the engine seemed to catch and want to shut off before catching itself. It would idle high while doing that as well. I'm at a loss on what else to do.
Multiple people I know with 2024 Hyundai Kona AWD cars are having the same problem around 10k or so miles. The AWD is locking up. Car feels like rear wheels are slipping when turning and accelerating out of a full or partial stop. This is a widespread problem on this model and I am very surprised it is not a recall yet. Many drivers are having coupler or entire rear differential replaced on their cars-some less than 1 year old, or about 1 year old.
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.
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] .
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, he noticed while starting the vehicle and switching the headlights from automatic to manual, that the headlights failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that when the headlight switch was placed in the OFF position, the headlights would activate. The contact stated that the switch was working in reverse order. Additionally, the headlights operated properly while using the auto-headlights feature activated. The contact stated that while shifting from Reverse to Drive, the sensor failed to recognize that the vehicle was in Drive. The Reverse audible beep would activate for several seconds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer but was not able to schedule an immediate appointment for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. No warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V746000 (POWER TRAIN); by the owner, but the remedy failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the issue would be escalated. The failure mileage was 27,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted unintendedly. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission piston ring had failed. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Fluid/lubricant › Pump
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Kona years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2020 (20), 2019 (19), 2022 (18), 2021 (14) and 2018 (11) model years. Transmission complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2020.
Is there a recall for Hyundai Kona transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 23V-526 (pump, Jul 27, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Hyundai Kona transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles; 76% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (1 mentions), followed by the driveline › driveshaft (1).
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.