This page covers 4 recalls, 228 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 Hyundai Kona.
120 MPGe combined
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2019 Hyundai Kona centers on the engine, which draws far more reports than any other system. Owners frequently describe engine knocking sounds, often accompanied by the check engine light, and several report being diagnosed with internal failures including rod bearing damage and low compression. Excessive oil consumption comes up across multiple reports as well, and some owners say the engine stalled or lost power at highway speeds. Electrical system complaints are the second most-reported area, though at a notably lower volume, with owners describing various warning lights and electrical malfunctions. The powertrain category adds a smaller cluster of reports about acceleration hesitation and the vehicle rolling back when stopped, which some owners link back to the underlying engine compression issues.
228
Total Complaints
13
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Hyundai Kona has 4 recalls, the most serious being a high-voltage battery that can short-circuit internally and catch fire — this recall affects Kona Electric models only.
A second recall also applies to Kona Electric vehicles: the electronic brake system can misread a sensor signal and sharply reduce braking power, meaning the car takes significantly longer to stop than expected. On the conventional engine side, Kona models equipped with the 2.0L four-cylinder engine have a separate recall involving the piston oil rings, which can wear unevenly and allow engine damage to develop. That damage can cause the engine to stall without warning, and oil escaping onto hot exhaust components raises an additional fire risk.
At a glance
What can fail
The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could cause engine damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the engine if needed at no cost. Hyundai will also install Piston Ring Noise Sensing System software.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lithium-ion battery may short-circuit in certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric and 2020 Ioniq Electric vehicles.
What the fix does
A battery software update will be applied, and the Battery System Assembly will be inspected and replaced if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Integrated Electronic Brake system may detect an abnormal sensor signal and significantly reduce braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Integrated Electronic Brake system software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lithium-ion battery may short-circuit, which can cause an electrical failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the battery management system software and inspect or replace the battery as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
