This page covers 6 recalls, 175 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 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 2020 Hyundai Kona centers heavily on the engine. Owners most often describe the engine shutting off unexpectedly while slowing for stops or traffic signals, requiring a shift to park and a manual restart before the vehicle will move again. Many also report the check engine light illuminating, sometimes accompanied by flashing warning lights and occasional oil light activation. Clicking or grinding noises from the engine show up across several reports as well. The electrical system draws the second-highest complaint volume, with owners describing issues ranging from door latch actuator noise to broader electrical faults. The powertrain category includes a handful of reports about transfer case seal leaks. A small number of isolated reports describe more dramatic events, but the recurring theme owners consistently raise is unexpected engine shutdown at low speeds or during deceleration.
175
Total Complaints
9
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Hyundai Kona has 6 recalls, the most serious affecting Electric models: the high-voltage battery can short-circuit internally and start a fire, and the electric brake system can lose significant stopping power.
The battery fire risk applies to Kona Electric vehicles and prior repair attempts using a software update did not fully resolve the issue, leading to a follow-up remedy involving the battery itself. Separately on electric trims, the integrated brake system can misread a sensor signal and drastically reduce braking force, meaning the vehicle needs much more distance to stop than the driver would expect.
On the non-electric side, certain Kona models with the 2.0-liter engine can develop internal engine damage that causes the engine to stall without warning. Oil can also escape and contact hot exhaust components, raising the risk of an underhood fire.
Two recalls address incorrect weight rating labels on the certification placard. If an owner relies on the printed axle weight rating to load the vehicle, they could unknowingly overload it, leading to handling problems or a tire failure.
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.
At a glance
What can fail
The weight limit label on your vehicle shows an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating. Using this incorrect limit could overload your vehicle, causing handling problems or tire failure.
What the fix does
Hyundai will mail you instructions to bring your vehicle to a dealer, where they will install a corrected weight limit label.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The certification label on the driver's door jamb shows an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), which specifies the maximum weight each axle can safely carry.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply a new label sticker with the correct GAWR over the existing label at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
