Hyundai Kona Complaints

360 consumer complaints on file.

#11733958April 27, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On April 20, 2026 I was pulling into a parking space. I began to break but something went terribly wrong. My car accelerated on it's own, went over the curb and crashed into a building. Three air bags deployed: two on the drivers side of the car (front and side air bag) and one in the back seat behind the driver (the side air bag). I had a [XXX] in the back seat behind the passenger side of the car in a car seat. I was told at the time of the incident that there was not structural damage to the building that was hit. I have asked my insurance company to inspect the car for any malfunctions but they won't. They deem it totaled and say I am at fault because it's my responsibility to control my car. The police arrived but they did not inspect the car either. I have contacted the dealership (Parkway Hyundai), but they are of no help either. There were not warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. However, I did notice recently that when I put my foot on the break to start the car that sometimes the break was very stiff and other times it was not. I thought it strange but thought it was just the way my car was. My insurance is Progressive. Claim # XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11733095April 22, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased a 2021 Hyundai Kona in 2023. I own it outright. 2 weeks later my engine seized on the CA 118 in the middle lane & I lost steering & power. I don’t know how I made it to the side w cars doing 80. I was shaking. The dealer refurbished my engine no cost , it was due to the oil consumption problem & the piston ring issues many cars in ‘20 & ‘21 had. I had a Hyundai rep call & offer me $400 to sign off on any future engine issues w this car, & I knew this car was likely to have many other future problems after that offer. I did not accept offer. The transmission is also very jerky on surface streets. Well 2 yrs later, the engine started to seize up again today as I was on my way to a dentist appt. I don’t feel safe in this car. I am a 58 y/o woman w fibromyalgia & the stress of the power just shutting down when I’m driving makes my disease flair up terribly. I’ve had many cars & this is the only 1 I’m truly scared to drive alone in , after being stuck on a mountainside road, w no power, no steering, no one w me. I avoid driving at times, because the PTSD from the first incident is always w me . I love to drive - I had a motor home I drove across this country 6 times. I really want to sell this car, but I don’t want some other person to be in danger either. If I knew Hyundais in certain yrs had these issues, I certainly never would have purchased that particular year/model. That should be disclosed w the cars stats if it is known & actually in several class action suits. No advanced warning came on to alert me either - the engine just seized on a mountainside freeway as I was doing 68 mph. I feel lucky to be here after that.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731640April 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
On two separate occasions while in drive and accelerating, the car display indicated an “engine has been turned off, move to park” error. The car automatically went into neutral and I lost all control of acceleration until I came to a full stop, put it in park, and turned off the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730758April 13, 2026
ENGINE
In January 2026, my engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The dealership found a sudden loss of compression across all four cylinders, requiring a total engine replacement. This occurred without warning, only two months after a routine oil change at the same facility where no issues were reported. Despite opening a case with Hyundai corporate, there has been no progress. My research indicates that while NHTSA Recall 21V301 (Safety Recall 203) specifies 2019–2021 models, the 2022 model shares the same engine design and identical reports of stalling and compression loss. My vehicle has been at the dealership for three months with no resolution. The dealership says they are running tests requested by tech line without providing documentation of the tests or the results. Although, the initial test performed indicated that it was a compression ring issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730654April 12, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- While driving, everything electrical turned off (engine stayed on) for approximately 3 seconds including headlights, navigation, dashboard containing speed, music, etc. - This occurrence happened during the daytime, so there was no danger; however this has also happened to me at night a year ago, causing me to lose all vision at 40 MPH which was a major safety risk. - This problem has occurred with others [XXX] ) and Hyundai has not acknowledged it or been able to reproduce it, simply returning the vehicle to people who bring it in. - My vehicle has not been inspected, as from others' experiences it sounds like this issue does not register as an error code and would be a waste of time with no action from Hyundai. - There are no other issues with my vehicle in terms of warning lights or messages. I have frequent oil changes and have only driven this car 6,000 miles. It was bought brand new in 2024. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730099April 9, 2026
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have already replaced the transmission out of pocket 7k its began to do the same thing immediately was flushed a 2nd time and told it could be the motor. Also my battery i have bought 2 new batteries in 2 yrs now to find out its a false warning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729419April 6, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was unaware of the warning lights that were illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the piston rings had failed and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the piston rings had failed and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728953April 2, 2026
ENGINE
VIN: [XXX] 2021 Hyundai Kona experienced sudden engine failure at approximately 103,000 miles. The engine began knocking without any prior warning, and the check engine light came on at the same time the knocking started. The vehicle was not driven for an extended period after the issue began. There were no earlier warning indicators or drivability issues that would suggest neglect or lack of maintenance. The failure was immediate and unexpected. This vehicle had previously received Hyundai recall T8Y, which involved an ECU update related to engine monitoring and performance. Despite this manufacturer intervention, the engine still experienced sudden failure. Hyundai has denied warranty and goodwill coverage for this failure. This appears to be a premature engine failure and raises concerns about reliability and safety due to the sudden nature of the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728721April 2, 2026
ENGINE
Engine is consuming oil and developed piston slap, per the mechanic I took it to. Currently it sounds like there is gravel inside the engine and it does not seem safe to drive. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp has also come on, the codes were cleared by my mechanic but they told me it likely will return. The piston slap developed a week ago today (Thursday), the MIL started flashing 3 days later (Sunday), mechanic did the oil change on Tuesday and noted the Piston Slap at that time. All symptoms point to the issues noted in #21V-301, but my VIN is not included in that recall per the NHTSA website.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728608April 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728210March 31, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Much like in the NHTSA bulletin concerning 2024-25 Hyundai's Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, and Tuscan, my 2024 Hyundai Kona SEL has a glitching/flashing infotainment screen. Perhaps it is due to the Coaxial shield as in the bulletin for other same model years Hyundais. The screen flickers and the pace at which it flickers and becomes static-y increases, and eventually turns all snowy and sometimes goes blank. A simple pushing of the reset button does not fix the issue. It is distracting, and dangerous, especially if one is relying on the maps for guidance, because there is no way to get the screen to stop the glitching when it occurs. But, it is very random when it happens. Maybe once out of every 10 drives. Seems to be an issue with other drivers with the same 2024 Hyundai Kona.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727689March 28, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My horn is not working again. It was replaced when I initially got the Kona in 2023. It did not work coming out of the dealership. And now again it is back to not working. This is a liability and also a danger to my children.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727138March 25, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
I am reporting a persistent and unresolved excessive oil consumption issue that I began to notice at approximately 61,000 miles. I follow all routine maintenance and oil change schedules, but my car has returned to the dealership I purchased from (only owner), three times for this specific problem. - First Visit (64,074 miles): I shared my observations of excessive oil consumption to the dealership, they stated there was an oil leak at the timing cover and oil pan. They repaired the leaks, however this did not resolve the consumption issue. - Second Visit (65,273 miles) - The oil change done by Mobil at 75,238 miles, before I brought my car in for the third time to Hyundai for the consumption issue, documented that my oil level was at the 'Low'(L) level, this is the case each time I get an oil change around 3,000 miles - The third time bringing my car to Hyundai my mileage was at 78,913, less than 3,000 miles since my last oil change. Before making the appointment my cars engine sounded like it was running rough so we took a look at the oil level, which was at L - The first two times I did the 1000 mile oil test, Hyundai reported that my oil level remained above Full when I returned for a check, shortly after, within an additional 2000 miles, my dipstick would show L. The third reading is TBD.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726817March 24, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the horn was working intermittently. The horn occasionally operated but had become permanently inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726081March 21, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle has 82.000 miles on it, and the engine started to rattle as I entered the street to my house, and the motor quit running. I had the vehicle hauled to a repair garage for analysis, and they said the piston rings failed. The vehicle is in perfect shape except for the broken engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724172March 13, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
I found a lot of shaved metals when I did the oil change for the Gear Reduction. It made a lot of noises when driving or the wheel of fortune sounds whether the car is in Regenerative Braking. The sounds developed as time goes on but Hyundai failed to recall this issue. I found this has been an ongoing issue since 2019 when Hyundai make this Kona EV, but their engineers didn’t fix this type of issue and continue to manufacture the Kona EV with the same Gear Reduction Assembly and it caused a lot of noises with these shaving metals found in the oil changes. This is abnormal for a GRU to have so many metals found in the oil. Thus, it made a lot of noises. Now my car can’t even drive because of this. The GRU has been broken because of this issue that Hyundai didn’t even fix since 2019.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723613March 11, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hyundai needs to eliminate the “CONSIDER TAKING A COFFEE BREAK “ alert! Its completely distracting, comes in way too frequently, and is loud
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723236March 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the vehicle failed to restart. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was jumpstarted by AAA Roadside Assistance to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact replaced the battery. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,200.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723139March 9, 2026
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed or making a turn, the vehicle stalled. In addition, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. There was an unknown code displayed on the instrument panel. Most recently, the engine started consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was adding oil every other week to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the accelerator was depressed, the engine made a rough revving sound. The contact stated that at the beginning, the vehicle stalled after the contact drove over a speed bump or drove around a roundabout. The contact moved the gear shift lever to neutral(N) and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722878March 9, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road, and the vehicle was turned off and restarted, and continued driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where it was determined that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The spark plugs were replaced; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The failure had occurred three times; however, the last time, the vehicle failed to restart, and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the turbocharger and the piston rings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,334
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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