Hyundai Kona Complaints

360 consumer complaints on file.

#11690886October 1, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Approaching stop sign and tried to break and the breaks failed causing an accident and the vehicle to go into a ditch. Witness reported seeing my break lights but the vehicle did not slow down at all even when the break was pushed to the floor.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690311September 29, 2025
ENGINE
The piston went through the top of my engine with my entire family in the car. We managed to get to a mechanic. And bring it to the dealership. We are very lucky to be alive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690202September 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The dashboard lights, HUD and exterior lights all have been turning off for 4-5 seconds every 6-8 weeks for the last 14-15 months. The brake and accelerometer remain active but because of the situation it presents every time, all that can be done is stray straight and try to look for a safe lane change.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689044September 22, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The cruise control operation is unusual and the speed can vary greatly while it's engaged in moderately hilly terrain (not extreme) on the interstate ([XXX] through Kentucky and Tennessee). With the cruise set at interstate speeds and starting to climb a hill, the speed can drop by as much as 6mph below set point as the cruise control very, very slowly starts to increase throttle to compensate for the grade. Eventually it will stop the deceleration at that up to 6mph speed below the set point, before slowly starting to accelerate back up to the set point. One instance I timed was 22 seconds between the speed first falling below the set point, down to 6mph below, before recovering back to the set point. Sometimes it overshoots the set point by 2mph, meaning it could cause you to exceed the speed limit and/or your intended driving speed if the uphill is long enough for the speed to fully recover itself. It is not an issue with vehicle power available as I can easily maintain an exact speed through the same hills using the throttle manually without cruise control, it is only an issue with how the cruise control is programmed or executed. An 8mph variance with cruise control on the interstate in non-extreme terrain is a safety concern because it makes the vehicle unpredictable by other drivers who are trying to time their maneuvers around trucks and other vehicles and when my car suddenly slows significantly next to them they have to suddenly change or abort their maneuvers. It has not been reviewed or inspected by anyone else. It is a rental vehicle and not available for inspection by request from me, but may be from the owner. There were no warning lights or any other indication there was a problem recognized by the vehicle. 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
#11688737September 21, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was trapped inside the liftgate of my 2023 Hyundai Kona and was unable to operate the emergency release. I had the key fob with me and the car was unlocked, but the trunk would not open from the inside. I tried sliding a standard key and a flat card into the release, but it would not engage. It was not specified that the mechanical key inside the Hyundai fob was required. The release is a small black sliding latch at the bottom of the liftgate with only a car symbol. It is recessed, not easily visible in low light, and does not glow in the dark. I also could not climb over the rear seats because the liftgate hood was sealed, so the fire department had to open the trunk to get me out. Even the operator and the fire department found the instructions difficult to determine. While this may be a rare circumstance, it could have been dangerous. I was able to get out safely, but it would be helpful if the emergency release were redesigned with clearer instructions or made more visible, such as using neon or glow in the dark markings, so that in the future it can be accessed more easily by anyone inside.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688351September 19, 2025
ENGINE
About a month after purchasing my car it shut down on the highway while driving. It completely lost power so I could not accelerate or even press the brake. Only the emergency brake stopped me from going into other cars. I started the car up again and then it worked fine until about another month later it happened again. I was on an exit ramp on the highway and it lost power. Cars had to quickly go around me as I had no control of my vehicle. Neither brakes or gas pedal worked at the time and my check engine light stayed on. I then took my car to Hyundai service where they told me my car went through 2 quarts of oil in one month. They want me to drive this car another 1,000 miles knowing it’s dangerous, unsafe, a risk to me and other drivers and a fire hazard to have an engine consuming this much oil. I fear to drive this unpredictable car any more. The manager of Hyundai knows it’s unfair but must follow protocol. I just don’t understand how they can tell someone to drive a stalling car waiting for an accident to happen.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687843September 17, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The issue is the horn. On three different occasions, I've attempted to use the horn and it wasn't working. I've taken it to Hallmark Hyundai in Flowood and they've repaired and/or replaced the horn on four separate occasions. The new horn is always working when I leave the dealership, but it eventually goes out. Or it goes out for a period of time and then comes back without explanation. My most recent horn outage happened while I was driving on I-55 in Jackson MS and an 18 wheeler started shifting in my lane. I wasn't able to notify them with my horn and ended up having to drive on the shoulder to avoid a collision. This is a major safety issue and they haven't taken the time to remedy it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686355September 10, 2025
POWER TRAIN, POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685307September 5, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with alarms set to sound off and send a text notification when the vehicle was accessed without the key, key fob, or remote access being activated. Later, the vehicle began displaying additional electrical issues. The contact stated that the instrument panel would illuminate intermittently and display different warnings and systems being activated; however, the contact was unable to recall what the lights that were displayed. While driving on a forked road, the Lane Assist feature prevented the vehicle from being able to veer left, keeping the vehicle driving straight. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle to veer towards the left. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired for any electrical failures. The contact received notice of a recall for the software regarding the Theft Prevention system, needing a software update. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, and the remedy was completed. While attempting to accelerate after being idle at a red light, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact turned off the vehicle, waited for a while, and then restarted the vehicle, at which time the contact was able to continue driving. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who diagnosed that the software update caused the battery to drain quickly. The battery was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer opened two cases for the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 9,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684733September 3, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Horn keeps failing
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684082August 30, 2025
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
While at a light, the auto stop/start kicked on but when it was time to start driving again and I pressed the gas pedal, the car would not move. There was a long beep and then the check battery icon and an alert came on my dash board stating “Auto Stop is Off. Shift to P or N and start engine manually.” When I turned off the ignition and restarted the car, the alert went off but two additional icons showed up on my dash board- check engine and check oil. Then my steering wheel locked up and I could not press on the breaks or gas pedal. I could not operate my car for more than 30 minutes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683578August 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while pressing the horn pad, the horn failed to produce a sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the horn was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the horn had been replaced four times and was scheduled for a fifth horn replacement. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683392August 27, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682248August 21, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds in stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle but almost immediately lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the piston oil rings, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682204August 21, 2025
ENGINE
The piston oil ring recall. I have had a mechanic determine I am having the exact same problem as the recalls but my VIN is not covered. Please update the recall so my repairs can be covered.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682180August 21, 2025
ENGINE
I have experienced the same issues with a known recall for my year, make and model. I am not sure why my VIN is not showing. Have records from a mechanic that there was a fire hazard. I have experienced stalling on several occasions. Could I have help getting my VIN recognized so Hyundai will help me?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682087August 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
As part of Hyundai’s Driver Attention Warning system, it plays a loud beeping noise that disables other systems in the car (map, audio). This beeping noise plays at random times and has been heavily distracting on long drives almost causing me to crash due to issues with my hearing and the frequency of the noise. It cannot be disabled. I would be happy to present the vehicle for inspection. The dealership and manufacturer have not responded to calls or have given unsatisfactory feedback as to solutions. This alarm has gone off about three times within the past 10 minutes and i am struggling to drive long distances with it on. Any help please.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681842August 20, 2025
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
the car loss power and shut completely off and ran into the wall with my sister and my child in there on the interstate can I please get help about this matter it could've been worse where i could've lost them forever. I don't want this to happen to nobody else they cars know about these malfunctions and still but these cars on the market for accidents to happen. Please something needs to be done about this.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11681288August 18, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES
My family got in a accident on this recall of loss of power on the high way making the car crash into a wall... 8/16/25 3:06 pm in Duval county Jacksonville,FL Something needs to be done about this my kids have gotten hurt
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11681013August 15, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
When I purchased the car with in 2 weeks epb , auto hold and auto stop all 3 lights on dashboard came on orange. Took to dealership and they fixed the problem. 4 months later now the lights are back on. The vehicle does not feel safe at pulls to the right , I have problems with my ac as well as my transmission is slipping. The car loses power when I accelerate. I believe was sold a lemon car I purchased from carmax.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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