Hyundai Kona Complaints

964 consumer complaints on file.

#11641784February 10, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The horn has been replaced multiple times for failing without ANY warning. The service department at the Hyundai dealer said that this is a known problem for the horns. The horns short out because moisture builds up and damages the wiring, causing them to fail without warning. At this time, Hyundai does not have a "fix" nor does it have any horns available to replace my failed horn. Hyundai has not offered a loaner vehicle. This vehicle is currently leased from Hyundai and I am current on my lease payments. This vehicle is due for inspection in May 2025 and it will not pass without a horn. I have had several near-miss situations in which I had to brake hard to avoid pedestrians - a horn would have alerted the pedestrians to my presence. Because this is an electric vehicle it runs very quietly and pedestrians need to be alerted with a horn.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641137February 6, 2025
ENGINE
On Dec 25, 2025 my 2019 Kona' s engine started to knock and lose power, no lights on the display- no warning- the mechanics said it is a rod in eating failure, the Hyundai Corp refused to pay for a new engine - I was out of warranty for a high mileage - 122K.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640412February 3, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Vehicle has problems shifting between 1st and 2nd gear. Stutters and has issues accelerating. Has almost caused me to be hit while turning left against traffic. Was serviced at Hyundai dealership today and they cannot replicate the issue or find anything wrong and reprogrammed the clutch touch point engagement. It happened again on the way home.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640456February 3, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Check engine light on DTC 218100 Code Was this vehicle included in recall?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640001January 31, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated there were abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's daughter was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639227January 28, 2025
ENGINE
2021 Hyundai Kona check engine light came on while driving, within 10 minutes oil light and battery light came on and at the same time these lights came on the car stopped working. The engine stalled, leaving the car stuck in the middle of the road. The car turned off, and would not turn back on properly. The car had to be towed to a mechanic where it was discovered that the engine had no oil in it and no longer starts or runs. The car was not yet due for an oil change, there were no oil leaks found, and it seems like the engine burned the oil faster than it should have. The car was functioning properly up until the day of the event, with no issues or warning signs present. There is a recall associated with this model and year relating to engine damage, with the campaign number 21V301000, but there is no recall for this car's VIN. The car stopped driving in the middle of the road which could have easily caused a crash and now the engine needs to be completely replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11638330January 24, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving at night with multiple occurances the headlights, infotainment, and gauge cluster seemingly cut out and completely turned off for about 10 seconds before the infotainment system would reboot bringing back the headlights and gauge cluster. The conditions for this safety concern were [Headlamps were set to auto, Apple Carplay was wirelessly connected, and the vehicle was in motion.] After a trip to a dealer, the dealership could not reproduce the concern though an advisor did state this was not an isolated incident. No warning lights or error messages appeared on the gauge cluster that would indicate a problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11638436January 24, 2025
STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The steering wheel locks while driving. The headlights have gone out randomly on this car a few times. The steering locked up in a turn and I went into another guys lane and almost caused a major accident. The dealerships say they can’t recreate the issue but never really tried. The vehicle has been lemoned law but the manufacturer now is playing games and not following through on the lemon law replacement vehicle. I do have multiple reports from being towed off the highways and from the police having to chase me down to help avoid a major accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637672January 22, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the engine oil was 4 quarts low; however, the contact stated that an oil change had recently been performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall, and the vehicle was not covered under an extended warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 137,578.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637541January 22, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My vehicle loses power while driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636790January 18, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:CABLE/CORD:ACCESSORY
The Charging unit made by Enel X called a JuiceBox 40 failed to complete a charge. Upon examination of the charger it was determined that the plug from the unit to the 240V receptacle was fused to the outlet and could not be removed. When my electrician opened the box he was able to force the plug out of the outlet. He found that the plug was burned as well as the copper wire that went to the plug from the electrical box.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636522January 17, 2025
ENGINE
Motor started burning oil at the rate of .5 quarts per week and a few months later vehicle failed to accelerate, had major vibrations and hesitation. Piston rings had failed. Verified by dealer. No other symptoms. Numerous problems with same motor reported by others and repair services. Has been recalled in Australia for same issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636656January 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving at night, there was a complete loss of power of all interior and exterior lights. The engine continued to run. Because it was at night, I had problems staying on the road since this was a rural highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636006January 15, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Vehicle was service at a Hyundai Dealer for routine required maintenance to continue the warranty. Less than 24 hours later I was driving my special needs, handicap daughter to breakfast and pulled into a handicap parking space and placed my foot on the brake. The pedal seemed to not have any tension and go to the floor. The emergency collision warning went off, but the brakes did not work. The vehicle jumped over a parking curb, knocking over a handicap sign, going across the sidewalk, hitting a garbage can and finally coming to a stop in a brick building.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11635742January 13, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1. Driver’s side door locked up and it is impossible to unlock from the inside of the car manually or electrically. The door cannot be manually opened up from the outside OR the inside of the car. 2. My safety has been put at risk because of not being able to exit the car in case of an emergency. 3. Not yet. I have an appointment on 1/15/25 to get it looked at. 4. The car part has not been officially inspected by anyone yet. 5. No warning lamps appeared prior to this part failing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11635372January 10, 2025
ENGINE
On Christmas, Wednesday 25, 2024, my husband and son were in the car with the husband's driving and they heard a knocking sound as if going from the engine, and the car was losing power; there was no the "check engine sign" but it was remembered that few days before that there was the oil lamp sign lighting up for seconds and then disappearing, and also, the blind spot signal not working. So, we brought the car to our local mechanic, and he inspected the engine and said that the left back cylinder is broken. I called the Hyundai corporation and they advised to bring the car to the Hyundai repair shop- the car was then inspected in the shop - found some " lower rod bearing failure" but the Hyundai denied a Goodwill claim because of some maintenance neglect which has not been true - they had all our oil change receipts - I am the original owner - bought the car in finance and overall paid it off in 5 years - the car cost me 30K brand new- we were changing oil as soon as the message for the need to change oil would come up - every 5 - 5.5 K miles, all the records have been sent to the corporation, they have just said " neglect" out of the blue...They have denied the Goodwill engine replacement based on that falsely stated "neglect." I see there have been recalls for the oil ring piston issues in Konas including 2019 - for the engines 2.0L Nu MPI- the cylinders would start knocking from some overheat of the ring. Our engine is 1.6 GTI - but the engines are related, and our problem seems to be the same as in that 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Please, look for the similar cases for those Kona GTI Turbo engines for 2019- the one we have, seems that our Kona is fitting into the profile of those defected engines and the recalls like the one under the number 21V 301 203. Please, help!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11634347January 6, 2025
ENGINE
My 2019 Kona seems to have the same o-rings that are in the hybrid model. It keeps stalling and losing oil consistently. This engine is no good and needs to be replaced!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11634433January 6, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and following a right curve in the roadway, the message "Unit will Turn off" was displayed. The contact was unable to read the rest of the message. The contact stated that the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond as needed and stalled. The contact was able to pull over and after several attempts the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that she drove the vehicle directly to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer, and it was determined that the ECM and computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the key fob was not opening the door locks and that the vehicle was not starting occasionally. The contact returned the vehicle to the same dealer. The contact stated that the ignition system and key fobs were replaced and that the HVA and the interior antenna #1 were replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure reoccurred. The contact had not taken the vehicle back to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,897.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11632981December 29, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was stopped at a stoplight about to get on the highway to go to work when my headlights turned off, music turned off, infotainment & cluster screen turned off, & all the backlit buttons went dark. Approximately 2-3 seconds later, everything turned back on as if nothing happened. The engine did not stop running. It was like all electrical to the car got turned off for a couple seconds. I was so glad that it didn’t happen while I was on the highway going 70mph. There are so many other people who have a 2024 Kona & have experienced the same thing per Reddit forums & Facebook groups. Luckily I have only had the one occurrence & it was within the first 500 miles (less than a month!) of owning my car. I now have 14k miles on it, but so many other people are having the same issues & it’s terrifying. What if this issue were to happen at night with poor lighting in a construction zone? Hyundai doesn’t seem to know what the issue is & has no fix for it. I have not taken my car in to be looked at because it’s a total waste of time with the many reports of others who have taken the car back to the dealership for them to run diagnostics & there be nothing found wrong with it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11632679December 27, 2024
ENGINE
Felt a large shudder/vibration go through the whole car while on the highway and lost some power. The check engine light came on immediately after so we took it to a mechanic. Diagnostics came back as Hall sensor and cam shaft timing errors. It was found that the timing chain had slipped a tooth. Additionally, one of the pistons was found to have significantly lower PSI than the rest (105 vs 140) which they said is indicative of a pending total engine failure. A recall was issued for the 2019 model for this exact issue and symptom but Hyundai has said it doesn’t apply to our situation. Hyundai quoted 12-17 thousand dollars for a new engine. The car has 87 thousand miles and is less than 6 years old.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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