This page covers 3 recalls, 134 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 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
Engine complaints dominate the 2021 Kona's owner reports by a wide margin. The most consistent pattern involves engine seizure, sudden failure, and excessive oil consumption, owners frequently describe the engine knocking or seizing with little or no prior warning, sometimes accompanied by an immediate check engine light. Several owners report losing power while driving, and in some cases the vehicle couldn't be restarted afterward. Electrical system complaints are a secondary theme, with owners describing battery drain and warning lights they believe are false alerts. A smaller number of powertrain reports mention transmission concerns. A recurring engine-related detail is that failures tend to surface with no gradual lead-up, owners describe the knock and the warning light appearing at the same time, leaving little opportunity to pull over before significant damage occurs.
134
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Hyundai Kona has 3 recalls, the most serious being an engine defect on 2.0L gas-powered models where oil can leak onto hot exhaust components and start a fire, and a stall risk that raises the chance of a crash.
The two remaining recalls affect electric models only. On Kona EV vehicles, the power control unit can leak coolant onto its own circuit board, causing a sudden loss of drive power. Also on electric models, the integrated brake system can misread a sensor signal and significantly reduce braking force, extending the distance needed to stop the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The Electric Power Control Unit may not be properly sealed, allowing coolant to leak inside the unit.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the Electric Power Control Unit if needed, at no cost to you.
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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 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.
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.
