Hyundai Kona Complaints

964 consumer complaints on file.

#11677705August 1, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving at 930pm in the dark at a speed of 30 mph and the car completely shut off all power. No warning signs. Just completely lost power. No headlights or interior lights. I was able to brake and stop the car and restarted it to continue on. Lu ckily I was on neighborhood roads with street lights and little traffic. This could have been extremely dangerous on a road with no lighting and a high speed. I am now scared to let my new teen driver use this car and we bought the car for her! The car was at 47 percent battery and only has 5000 miles on it. Seems in my current research this is somewhat common for Hyundai. Please make them fix this before someone is seriously injured!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677887August 1, 2025
ENGINE
I am the original owner of a 2020 Hyundai Kona equipped with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine. This engine has been subject to known manufacturing defects, including excessive oil consumption, timing component wear, and premature failure. Hyundai has acknowledged that my specific engine falls within the range of engines affected by this defect and has confirmed that it is part of a recall/service campaign group. However, Hyundai is refusing to repair or replace the engine because it passed a vibration test back in 2021. That test was performed over three years ago, and my vehicle is now experiencing major engine problems, including the activation of check engine light with code P0017, which refers to crankshaft-camshaft correlation issues — a known symptom of the engine defect. Hyundai is denying coverage based on a test that is now outdated and irrelevant, despite the fact that the engine is part of the known defect group and is showing signs of failure consistent with hundreds of similar cases. The vehicle is no longer under powertrain warranty, but the root cause of the failure is clearly related to the previously identified defect. Hyundai’s refusal to act puts me, and potentially others, at risk of sudden engine failure due to timing or lubrication problems. This is a potential safety issue if the engine stalls while driving. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Hyundai’s use of past vibration tests to deny coverage for active and dangerous engine defects. Owners like myself should not be penalized for a test performed years ago when clear evidence of failure now exists.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677689August 1, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The button that sets or changes the speed control broke and no longer provided functionality, requiring replacing the whole right-side steering wheel button control module. This in turn required removing the entire steering wheel, which included removng the driver’s side airbag.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677690August 1, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
On multiple occasions the emergency braking system has engaged while making a lane change because the collision warning system thinks the vehicle is getting to close to the vehicle being passed. When this happens in city traffic, it has resulted in near misses from vehicles behind and in the lane for which a legal lane change is being made to avoid stopping or slowing traffic in the initial lane. The driver should ALWAYS have such control. When this happens and the car is trying to be accelerated or at least maintain the current speed as the lane change is made, the brakes very aggressively counter the driver’s actions. Since this has happened more than a dozen times, including within the first few months of ownership, information in follow-on fields will use approximate most recent occurrence.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677562July 31, 2025
SEATS
On June 5, 2025 I picked up a passenger who couldn't sit in the passenger seat because the headrest is canted at an unsafe angle so the passenger looks down and cannot look straight through the windshield. There is a page in the manual that shows the headrest is adjustable; this is wrong because the headrest is not adjustable. On July 2, 2025 I took it the vehicle in for recalls and asked about this; the service worker said there is no solution because replacement headrests are the same.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677647July 31, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The horn is not working in my vehicle. I found this out today when I almost had someone collide with my vehicle while I was on the highway, not once, but twice. I was unable to use my horn to alert the other driver. I called Hyundai and they said it is not covered under warranty and this is a known issue with my vehicle. I have only had the vehicle for 3-4 months and this should not be happening. I cannot safely drive without a horn and if something happens to me or my vehicle and Hyundai knows its an ongoing issue with this year, make, and model, I am not sure what I can do. Please make this right.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677071July 29, 2025
ENGINE
On May 5, 2025, my 2018 Hyundai Kona burst into flames in my garage and completely destroyed my Kona, Dodge Ram 1500 parked adjacent to it and my home along with its contents. Both vehicles and my home were deemed “a total loss” by the insurance company. The Kona engine compartment burst into flames after a short trip to the store. If the front door had not been locked, forcing my wife to go through the garage, we would have been unaware of the fire until it had reached the interior of the house setting off the alarms. As it was, I received smoke inhalation and a partially collapsed lung while attempting to put out the fire and while trying to put the burning Kona in neutral to push it out of the garage. The 2018 Kona is not safe as it can burst into flames under normal operation and without any warning potentially resulting in injury or death of the occupants or emergency response crews. Research indicates my 2018 KONA has no recalls; however, it has the same G4FJ engine and is manufactured at the same facility as several other Hyundai models that have been recalled for fires in the engine compartment. The Hyundai Veloster has a class-action settlement for engine failure & fires. Also, the Hyundai Tucson has an ABS module fire recall and shared electrical layout. Furthermore, Australia issued a Kona fire-related recall in 2019 due to brake tube routing near the exhaust system. Fire investigators have inspected the vehicle and determined the origin of the fire is the Kona. Hyundai inspected the Kona and failed to take any responsibility nor notify other 2018 Kona owners. There was no prior warning my 2018 Kona was having any problems. The only indication was a faint burning smell my wife noticed when she got out of the vehicle to collect the mail on the day of the fire. At the time, she contributed the burning smell to the neighbors burn pile. The insurance company has removed the Kona, and it should be available for inspection at their facility.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11676914July 29, 2025
ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption, over 3 quarts in just 4 months, caused the engine's timing chain to fail due to low oil levels, ultimately leading to a rod punching through the engine. there is a recall for this vehicle but not mine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676648July 28, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving on the highway, our vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating without warning, forcing us to pull over immediately. There were no warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms before the failure occurred. We had to stop on a narrow shoulder with no guardrails, leaving us exposed to fast-moving traffic and putting our safety at serious risk. The vehicle was inspected by a local dealership, who diagnosed the issue as a failed fuel injector. This component is available for inspection upon request. The problem has not been reproduced, but the diagnosis has been confirmed by the dealer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676399July 26, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The horn is not working. On forums for this specific car it is a common problem for this make and model. This means I cannot alert other cars or pedestrians
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676079July 25, 2025
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Theres more than three issues going on. The car has shut off while driving at least 50 mph on the highway. Currently there's no safety features working on the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675763July 23, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving on the highway around 70 to 75 MPH and suddenly the sunroof exploded. No debris impact. Just suddenly and randomly the glass just exploded and shattered.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675152July 21, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The horn stopped working. I have owned several cars and never had a horn malfunction. This is an important safety feature and is mandated, like airbags. They should work.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674917July 20, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Dear Customer Care, I am the owner of a 2023 Hyundai Kona AWD purchased brand new from Vision Hyundai West Henrietta, NY. I paid for the vehicle in full with a cashier's check totaling over $31,000. At just 64,000 miles, the vehicle has become undrivable-experiencing loud noises, jerking, and no acceleration. I was driving and car would not move. These symptoms are clearly drivetrain-related and should be covered under Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty . When I contacted the dealership, I was incorrectly told my roadside coverage had expired at 36,000 miles, Hyundai Warranty Escalation Letters which contradicts Hyundai's stated policy of 5 years/unlimited mileage. Additionally, I requested a loaner vehicle due to the urgency and distance (I'm 80 miles away), but no one followed up, leaving me stranded and without any transportation options. I am requesting Hyundai's assistance:
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674690July 19, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hyundia has had my car in for the SAME recall 4 to 5 times . 6 total weeks this time around. The ""refill inverter coolant" light kept coming back on . The last time I got it home it had more issues than when I took it in and wouldn't even catch a charge . (EV) They fried my compassitor trying to fix the inverter coolant recall . I then took had to pay 450 for a diagnostic ' (Kerry hyundai alexandria) They said electric motor is bad and will cost 8000 to 9000. Got a 2nd diagnostic (Jeff wyler hyundai cincinnati) Completely different result- Zero mention of motor ' said Ac compasitor failed. (Had no issues prior to them working on the original recall ) The light for the recall is still on by the way and they want me to pay 3500 for new AC capacitor . (600 diagnostic included in that price ) " The dealership’s failure to properly perform the inverter coolant refill recall directly caused the AC compressor failure in my 2021 Hyundai Kona EV. Before taking the vehicle in for the recall, the AC system was fully functional, delivering cold air without any issues, and the car experienced no charging problems, indicating the battery and cooling systems were operating normally. The recall, intended to flush the inverter cooling system and replace the crystallizing BSC-1 coolant with BSC-2, was not completed correctly, as evidenced by the dealership’s admission that they couldn’t fix it. This botched service likely left air or debris in the cooling system, which, in Kona EVs with a heat pump, could overwork the AC compressor used for battery cooling during charging. The compressor’s failure shortly after the recall service, despite no prior issues, strongly suggests that the improper coolant flush caused undue stress on the compressor, leading to its $3,000 failure, which should be covered under warranty or as a goodwill repair due to the dealership’s error". [XXX] 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
#11673219July 13, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
my Kona sputters when I put it in gear EVERY TIME. I have purchased gas at several stations so getting bad gas in the tank cannot be an issue. I’ve also had to replace the coil packs twice within 6 months. December 2024 and July 2025
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672914July 11, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
A few different days over the past few months. Driving heated seats stopped working. Check engine warning light on intermittently. Key fob not working. Multiple error codes stored in system cleared by dealer. shut down the car screen has stayed on. AC light has stayed on when car is off. Screen has turned off “check you back seat” upon leaving the car heard the engine still on 3x. At the gas station turned off the car, miles to zero reading 5, P park stays on, odometer reading on. As tank filling miles to zero rapidly increased from 5 to 300. I have a video of this. Been in for service multiple times. Presently at the dealer. They r unable to replicate this. They do not seem concerned about this. I feel it is a safety and operational concern. Prefer by car not be communicating even with itself while I’m pumping gas. They want me to pick up the car. I do not wish to. I have asked if miles to zero reading is supposed to increase real time I would like to see this is the manual or other documentation. Otherwise I feel it is a huge safety risk to have my car not shut down when I ask it to. What’s to say it won’t shut down while I’m driving 75mph on the freeway? Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672420July 10, 2025
ENGINE
Purchased in cash at Dan O'Brien KIA for 22,000. This dealership in Concord NH (Owner) was charged w/embezzlement soon thereafter & was found guilty & fined. My cash purchase was never given to Hyundai nor was the promised 10 year powertrain warranty which was told to me from the salesman on the day of purchase in 2019. My 2.0 engine is knocking (undriveable) w/74 ,000 miles. Because Hyundai received no information on my purchase, I was never notified of recalls or class action suit recently won. I spoke to Hyundai (Case #[XXX]) & was told to take it to Irwin Hyundai for a diagnostic at $189. I'm told it does not meet an engine replacement YET it's doing the same exact issue affecting this very engine. I'm told it would cost me $11000. to replace. I'm [XXX], [XXX] & have no money to pay this amount, plus the car is literally listed for the same value give & take a few thousand $$ in value. I was lied to by the salesman about the warranty & had to find out myself there was a warranty but it went no further than my sales agreement which notes there's a warranty w/no explanation as to what it is. I'm now in a crisis: no car, & i just put $600 of tires on & it was inspected a week ago, quietly running - the tech had to ask if it was running as it was that quiet. What steps do I have to resolve this nightmare for engines failing & being told sorry your loss for nothing I have done wrong? If more information is needed I can get it. Dan O'Brien did inspections oil changes & repair work if needed (brakes etc). My email is [XXX]. phone [XXX] secondary or [XXX] primary. Somehow my phone switched to the secondary # & I'm trying to get it back to primary but it's a new phone & I have to figure it out. Please help me. Should I find a lawyer? So upsetting. 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
#11672323July 9, 2025
SEAT BELTS
The front passenger seatbelt buckle has trouble latching when buckling seatbelt.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671835July 7, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
For the second time in 6months, the horn has stopped working. Coastal Hyundai in Melbourne FL replaced the first horn on 1/14/2025. On [XXX], the horn has stopped working again. 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

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