Hyundai Kona Complaints
964 consumer complaints on file.
- #11664128May 31, 2025ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I purchased my car [XXX]. I started experiencing hesitation with the car about a year and half. December 1, 2023 brought the car in because the check engine light had been on but was off by time I brought it in to the shop. They said there was a crack in the oil pan gasket. Resealed the oil pan. Brought car back in January 26, 2024 check engine light on. I asked if they could replace the throttle body because I took the car to a mechanic that I knew and he suggested they try replacing. Their notes stated idle air control filter and RPM higher than expected. Brought car in June 21, 2024 and asked if they could please look the car over before my 3 year warranty was up which the woman said would expire July 1, 2024. I stated the car was not taking off correctly when at a light there was hesitation the same problem as before and they always said there was not an issue when they test drove the vehicle. [XXX} I'm traveling up [XXX] at 72mph when my check engine light comes on, the car starts shaking and the speedometer dropped to 69 i got nervous and turned the hazards lights on. Had the car towed. February 10th find out the engine went now I'm at 105,000 miles and no warranty. I had called Matthew's Hyundai when I was at 95,000 miles and asked to speak with a manager to no avail I get a financial manager who tells me come on Caroline it's time to trade the car in. I had called to see if my car was still under a 100,000 mile warranty but never called back. He had a sales woman call me back that day and I decided not to return there. I had the car towed to another dealership where they said the engine was no good. On top of all this my oil would be unusually low. I dealt with Hyundai customer care my claim was denied due to high mileage. I had also found out recently that the 2019 Hyundai Kona had a recall on the engine. When I looked it up my car was experiencing what they described in the recall. I ended up accepting a used engine for $9,000 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11663906May 30, 2025AIR BAGS, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
I was driving down my street (one way) at 20mph when all of a sudden, the car veered to the left and smashed into a dumpster that was parked on the street. I had driven down my block several times during the day and was aware of the dumpster. I am convinced that the lane assist malfunctioned and drove into the side of the dumpster. I was not distracted and my brand new, 2025 Hyundai Kona was totaled in the accident. I had minor injuries but could have been much worse. I am not sure who to contact to report this and not sure it could be proven. Any help you can give me I will appreciate.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11663655May 29, 2025ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated while responding, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil level as low and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE). The vehicle was currently at the dealer to be repaired; however, the contact was unaware of the exact repair to be performed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11663176May 27, 2025ENGINE
I was unaware of the 203 recall until 2 weeks ago. I took my car into the Dutch Miller Huntington WV dealership on May 5. Today is May 27th and I'm getting the car back with only an oil change. When I took my car in on May 5th- I reported ALL the symptoms of the 203 Recall. My car has reduced speed when accelerating or "boggs down", does not shift properly, idles hard at times, sometimes it doesnt start. On or around April 25th it died while driving, while in motion. Thankfully I had turned into a long driveway, but still, that was the straw that made me take it in. I reported these symptoms and more with no knowledge of the recall. My car failed the Ackison test (the specific engine noise test for this recall) initially and I was told I needed a new engine. Then the dealership was told to update their testing software, and surprise my car passed the test it originally failed. So now they wont replace the engine. They performed a multi point inspection on May 5 and my oil was marked as good, I have this documented. Then on May 22, I was told my oil was a little low and dark. They have changed the oil and are now sending me on my way in this KNOW unsafe car. I still have a warranty on this car too. PLEASE HELP?
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11662267May 21, 2025LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger’s door latch did not unlatch as intended. In addition, the passenger's side front door latch failed to unlock using the key. The contact had to exit the vehicle using the front driver's side door. The contact sustained anxiety issues due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not diagnosed, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was required to pay a diagnostic fee to diagnose the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred, and the contact was locked inside the vehicle for 45 minutes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed trunk latch assembly. The contact was informed that the trunk latch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was due to a previous crash which caused damages to the trunk latch assembly. The contact stated the vehicle was not in a crash. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 10,228.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11660366May 12, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Message: "check/refill coolant light has intermittently come on for past two days. I checked coolant and it is lower than "max" but higher than "min". Also, why is this website saying 0 unaddressed recalls on my car? There are recalls that were not done on my car. Message: "0 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN"
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11660153May 10, 2025STRUCTURE:BODY
My car is a 2021, is only 4 years old and the paint is chipping very fast. I noticed it a few months ago and it is now about 3 inches height, and 1 inch wide. It’s going to continue and paying for a whole new hood when my car is only 4 years old is crazy.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11659463May 7, 2025ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
My engine started shuddering and stalling out on me. This was very dangerous as the car would stall out at street lights and intersections. The check engine light only came on after the car stalled out and has not stayed on during the times that it stalls out. When I went to get a mechanic to check it out they said that they had seen many Hyundai and Kia cars that had the same issues. The issue was oil consumption. It was consuming oil faster than it should have, even though I was regularly getting my oil changed. This lead to a problem with my pistons. Now the engine needs to be replaced. But Hyundai won’t cover it because there is no recall on it and the power train warranty only last for the first owner. Is there any way we can request for a new recall on this vehicle as it is clearly a problem that Hyundai is having.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11658621May 3, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The window on the drivers, passenger side. Yes it could be inspected. Fingers caught in the area where the window goes into the door at the bottom, 2 and a half year old child in car seat next to window. This is the first time it happened. she does not ride in the car often. I have not contacted the dealership Yet. No others have been contacted yet. The window went down and the child was screaming with her fingers caught. UNKNOWN.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11657178April 28, 2025ENGINE
Fill coolant warning came on, we checked the coolant and the coolant level was good. I spoke to a Hyundai service center and the rep said that sometimes this happens with Hyundais and it may go off. Indeed it did but then Fill coolant warning came back and the coolant level was still good. After several weeks of the Fill Coolant warning being on more often than not, the car started one morning but couldn’t be driven as the handbrake was stuck on, the fill coolant warning was on and the tire pressure warning was on, (even though the tire pressure on all tires was ok) I guess this was the EVs way of saying “Do Not Drive Me”. We got the car to the dealership, they performed a scan and found no codes. They preformed a total coolant flush as per Service Campaign T9E. This service was performed on 21 April, 2025 and thus far the fill coolant light has stated off. We bought this car used just 2 months prior and found through previous maintenance history that this EV had this service Campaign T9E done in January 2024. Our concern with this issue is two fold, 1) My wife could have been anywhere when the car went into: Don’t drive me mode. 2) is this going to be an annual event, which will cost several hundred dollars to address each time when this may no longer be covered by warranty
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11657060April 27, 2025ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had taken my vehicle for an oil change in June 2024 when I was advised that the oil level was very low so I had to sign a waiver that they would not be held liable if I have issues. Going forward we continued to check the oil level every 1-2 weeks and added it as needed. We never had any signs of where the oil was going or an oil light letting me know it was low. In November 2024 the motor started to surge or decline in power while driving. It also has times that the car would seize up for a few seconds which caused jerking. I’ve not had it serviced except for oil changes because I believe it will not be an easy fix and very expensive. Besides if I did have it looked at I know it would take an expert in piston rings or whatever other parts that are failing to cause it to consume high amounts of oil. Even though my car hasn’t been recalled yet it has many of the problems I see on this site for this make and model. I’m trying to make it 1 more month then decide if I should trade it in while it still runs at 115k miles.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11656037April 22, 2025ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle lost automotive. The contact restarted the vehicle immediately and was able to continue driving. The contact also became aware that the oil level was extremely low. The contact stated that after adding oil, 24 hours later the engine started making a knocking sound, and the oil level was low again. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The independent mechanic suggested that the vehicle be taken a Hyundai dealer for further diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE); as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11654523April 14, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On 3.22.2025 the rear view camera did not display; either a black screen with text "Check surroundings for your safety," a green screen reading "No camera signa received. Please try again later," or distorted images appeared. Camera was replaced under warranty on 4.14.2025; I learned from Crossroads Hyundai that other vehicles had a recall in effect. Images and work order are included.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11654624April 14, 2025ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car started making a noise back in Dec/2024. I scheduled an appointment with Quirk Hyundai in Braintree, Ma on Dec 11, 2024, and paid for a diagnostic the service center came back that it was the oil pan leaking so on this date I had that repaired that same day total cost was $254.76. Please note that my car was under warranty at this time. On [XXX], I brought my car back to Quirk Hyundai in Braintree because the noise had returned and was intermittent, and passenger side makes loud noise when riding over bumps and the car was shaking when driving pass 65 MPH. When I had the diagnostic done on 03/29/2025 the service center came back and said it was the mismatch tires that were put on my car by an outside provider (townfair tire) and that I needed 4 new tires, oil changes, mount and balance tires and four wheel alignment which cost me $959.08. Three days later while driving home from work the noise returned and my car ept shutting off one me. I went to AXP North in Randolph MA on 04/08/2025 (had to make an appt) for a second opinion diagnostic and they told me that my car will need a new engine as the one now is failing. I called Quirk Hyundai back on 04/08/2025 and told them this and they asked to bring the car back so they can recheck my car for misdiagnosis. So, on 4/09/2025 I called Quirk Hyundai for an update the failed engine was confirmed, and now because my car is 40 miles over the warranty it cannot be fixed by Hyundai. This car is a 2018 and should last me longer than 2025. My car is only 8 years old and I have cared for the car whenever it needed maintenance. I need someone to please call me to discuss further at [XXX] . I need a new engine and Quirk Hyundai will not cover the cost despite my several attempts to have this noise resolved when care was under warranty. 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
- #11653349April 8, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The horn stopped working less than a year after I bought the car brand new. The dealer finally agreed to repair/replace it in Feb 2024. Less than a year later it is not working again. A horn is important for alerting other drivers to impending collisions. It also leaves me without a panic button, another important safety feature.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11651838March 31, 2025ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Car stalled while stopped in drive or while in park. Forward collision system error warning. Every yellow warning light illuminated. Car would restart and would shift gears up when accelerating but would not shift back down. Tachometer would not move although engine was revving. Park and turn off car. Open door. close door. restart and all lights off and engine runs fine until it stalls again. Repeat process. no accidents. car at 62000 miles. Very dangerous on highway.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11651868March 31, 2025ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally and failed to idle properly. The vehicle lost power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then steered to the side of the road where the vehicle then stalled. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts, and the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle then stalled again. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated that an oil change was performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,845.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11651114March 27, 2025ENGINE
Recall 203 was done on vehicle immediately upon purchase in 2021. Recall 974 was done and CNDS software installed in 2022. Engine stalled and check engine light came on at the end of February. Took car in March 11th to the dealership was told that the engine would need to be replaced due to code P1327. Said there was piston noise. Told me none of it is covered and that I would be out of pocket almost $9,000.00 with a car that is 5 years old. Have a case open with Hyundai Consumer Affairs (Case#[XXX]) and have not heard anything back from them. I am needing to know if this should be covered. According to my research it should be. 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
- #11650147March 24, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have had my horn replaced three separate times at my local Hyundai dealership. It recently passed the NC vehicle inspection, but the horn failed the third time sometime after that inspection in Feb-2025. I have never had a horn EVER fail on ANY car I have owned for the past 50 years. A horn is a critical safety necessity and it is expected to work - especially in times of emergency. I was almost run off the highway, once by a semi-trailer and each time I discovered my horn had failed - it was due to my needing to use it to alert pedestrians or other motor vehicles to avoid accidents. The dealer would not reveal WHY this has failed three times except to state that they 'replaced the horn'. The dealer is the only one to have attempted an examination, diagnosis and supposed repair for this problem. There are no warning lights or other type of notification that would let me know of a horn failure. The only way to know that it had failed - was my immediate need to employ the use of the horn in an emergency - and it's silence aka malfunction at the worst possible times.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11648623March 17, 2025UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On February 3rd 2025, directly after putting my Kona in park, I felt it pulsing, saw the RPM dial bouncing repeatedly up and down, and the overhead lights flickering in rhythm with the vibrating/pulsing and RPM dial bounces. I recorded this incident, then turned my car off and on again at which point these observations could not be repeated - in other words, the car was acting fine. There were no other observable issues until March 1st, 2025, when these exact symptoms emerged under different circumstances. I came to an idle at a red light (with the auto-start/stop feature turned off for this drive) when the RPM bouncing, car pulsing back and forth, and lights flickering happened again. My car felt as though it was about to stall this time until, thankfully, the light turned green and I could accelerate. The issues dissipated with acceleration. I have this incident on video as well. I have a little over 63K miles on this car. I drive all day for my job, so it's used often for short trips throughout the city.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0