Hyundai Kona Complaints (2019)

252 consumer complaints on file.

#11715648February 4, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Attempted to sound horn when driver ahead of me crossed lanes at roundabout. Horn did not work. No warning messages appear on dashboard indicating an issue. Inspected the horn fuse in engine compartment and found it to be functional. Vehicle has not yet been taken for repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715229February 3, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, with a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle shutoff while idling. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Later, while idling at a stoplight, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was eventually towed to the local dealer, who confirmed that the connecting rods had failed and punctured a hole in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 94,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712826January 22, 2026
ENGINE
I was traveling on the interstate when my car began to slow down and the RPMs kept going up. I pulled over on the side of the highway and turned the motor off. I waited 10 minutes and started the car again thinking it was just a misfire. The motor began making weird noises and shaking. My engine like came on the dashboard display reported major malfunction get help. I was told by my mechanic that I was lucky the car did not catch on fire. He determined that pistons 1 and 3 were misfiring. He said it was being flooded with fuel. I have complained about the excessive burning of oil and that there must be an issue. Several have been recalled but not specific car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706678December 22, 2025
ENGINE
The car's engine stuttered after pressing on gas pedal when engine is cold. When pressing on gas pedal from idle position at STOP sign, engine does not switch from 1st -> 2nd gear.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705843December 18, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle Safety Complaint Narrative On Saturday, December 6, 2025, I brought my 2019 Hyundai Kona to Millennium Hyundai in Hempstead, New York, the dealership where the vehicle was purchased, for evaluation due to engine safety concerns. While driving the vehicle, we heard a knocking sound coming from the engine. One week earlier, on November 29, 2025, we brought the vehicle to our local mechanic after noticing the noise. The mechanic advised that the engine oil level was low and refilled the oil. Despite this, the knocking sound continued. Due to ongoing concerns about potential engine failure and because the vehicle is still under warranty, we scheduled an appointment with Millennium Hyundai for further diagnosis. The knocking noise raised serious safety concerns. On December 6th, we contacted the service manager, who advised us that the pistons were bad and they would need to replace the engine. On Monday, December 8th, we called the dealer and they then told us, that before any work could be done, that we would have to do an oil change for $90, drive the car for 1,000 miles and come back for an oil consumption test for $600 before they could make the repairs under the warranty. We are submitting this complaint to report a potential safety defect related to engine performance and reliability in the 2019 Hyundai Kona, as unexpected engine failure could pose a significant safety risk and, their requirement that we have to drive an unsafe car for 1,000 miles could be dangerous to the driver, passengers, and others on the roadway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705927December 18, 2025
ENGINE
I believe that I’m leaking oil somewhere and that it’s due to the recall with the piston oil rings that’s on my car
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702467December 2, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am reporting a recurring safety issue involving engine stalling in active traffic due to excessive oil loss and internal component failure. This has occurred three times within approximately 12,000 miles and has created dangerous conditions for my family, including my 2.5 year old child who rides in the vehicle. Summary of incidents: • May 15, 2025 – 61,736 miles: Vehicle stalled in traffic and lost acceleration. Dealership confirmed abnormal noise and low oil, but no oil consumption test was ordered. • Fall 2025 – 66,448 miles: Vehicle stalled and died on the highway. Diagnosis showed broken camshaft timing components. Service invoice states the engine oil system was too low and caused internal failures. Major timing components replaced. • October 30, 2025 – 69,175 miles: Vehicle stalled in traffic again. Oil was low after only 2,727 miles since previous repair. Dealer advised oil consumption test after another 1,000 miles, but I do not feel the vehicle is safe to drive due to repeated stalling and internal failures. At the most recent incident the dealership confirmed the oil level was again low, but did not identify the cause or perform consumption testing until after repeated failures. These repeated stall events are serious safety hazards and could result in a collision or injury. I have lost confidence in the safety of the vehicle. Based on consultation with an experienced engine mechanic, underlying internal damage from oil starvation is likely and may indicate piston ring or engine defect consistent with known Hyundai/Kia oil consumption issues. Hyundai has declined to provide a buyback or full repair solution and the vehicle continues to demonstrate dangerous conditions. We have purchased a full warranty for the engine but warranty company will not cover it as they are saying this is a pistons issue - wear and tear. I am requesting NHTSA investigation and assistance to ensure this defect is addressed before someone is injured.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702287December 1, 2025
ENGINE
I'm the owner of a 2019 Hyundai Kona (US spec) imported to Poland. The VIN is included in recall 21V-301 (fire risk). The engine showed symptoms consistent with this defect and failed at 44,000 miles. Photos confirm cylinder damage. Following Hyundai Motor America (HMA) instructions, I completed diagnostics at an authorized Hyundai service center in Poland. Results: error P0366, compression 2–3 bar. HMA refused to accept these documents, demanding a specific “Repair Order” format, which European dealers cannot issue. No real coordination with regional offices occurred, making compliance impossible. HMA then issued a warranty-related denial (not requested), citing salvage status, although it is irrelevant to the mandatory recall remedy. HMA also stated diagnostics must be done in the USA, which is impossible for a non-operational vehicle located in Poland. At the same time, Hyundai Motor Poland provided incorrect information (claiming two total-loss incidents instead of one) and advised dealers not to perform any work. As a result, Hyundai service centers in Poland refused further diagnostics and repairs, blocking access to the recall remedy. The manufacturer provided no feasible path to obtain the remedy and created barriers that made the recall effectively inaccessible. I also incurred unnecessary diagnostic costs. I request that NHTSA review HMA’s actions under campaign 21V-301 regarding my VIN, assess the creation of barriers preventing remedy access, evaluate Hyundai’s refusal to provide a feasible solution, and determine whether Hyundai fulfilled its obligations to ensure remedy accessibility for an owner located outside the USA. Additional evidence and a detailed timeline are attached. Details are provided in the attached file COMPLAINT.pdf.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695711October 26, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My Kona has been stalling/hesitating when accelerating. It has been happening for a little over a year. It got very bad and the check engine light came on. I had it towed to Hyundai dealership and they said it was the fuel injectors so I paid to have those replaced, they said my warranty didn’t cover it. Replacing the fuel injectors made the car drivable but it was still stalling/hesitating but Hyundai said it was working properly. So I took it home. I have been driving it and it just keeps stalling and hesitating more and more. It is stalling and hesitating and has lack of power when I try to accelerate. I am afraid one day I’ll stall in traffic and get hit or cause an accident. I have also just realized my Kona has been using excessive oil. I just had an oil change mid August and today had to add at least 3 quarts. Even when I had my oil changed, the shop said I barely had maybe a quart in there, when it was just changed in May. We do not see any oil leaking out from anywhere. I have no choice but to use it to get around and Hyundai said it was working properly. I have recently looked online and I seen a lot of other owners reported the same issues. I have contacted Hyundai but they say theres nothing they can do. I am not sure where to go from here.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694303October 18, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel system appears to have a small leak from either a bad seal or a problem fuel line.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692910October 12, 2025
ENGINE
Burning oil faster than normal
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692948October 12, 2025
ENGINE
My vehicle turns off while driving, which has almost cost mine and my child's life twice on the highway and once inside a roundabout. It often happens after acceleration and slight braking soon after, RPM goes to zero and a few dash lights come on. I am completely unable to accelerate, have to coast to a full stop until I can brake and put it into park and then push to start again. I'm sure you can see how absolutely life threatening this situation is when it happens in moving traffic! I have replaced spark plugs, ignition coils, all fuel injectors, camshaft sensor. The mechanic cannot get it to replicate the problem when he has it as it does not happen every time but I see that this is a COMMON problem with Hyundai. After all above repairs, this problem persists and I have no direction as to how to remedy this, but driving this vehicle now has me completely anxiety ridden and terrified for my life.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692439October 9, 2025
ENGINE
I own a 2019 Hyundai Kona with around 110,000 miles. The vehicle has been consuming an excessive amount of engine oil, approximately one quart every 1,000 miles. I first noticed the issue around 80,000 miles when oil levels began dropping significantly between oil changes. The problem has worsened over time, and during a long family road trip, I had to add a total of about 8 quarts of oil just to keep the engine from running dry. I took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership for an official oil consumption test, which confirmed the loss rate (1 quart per 1,000 miles). However, Hyundai Motor America stated that this level of oil consumption is "within factory specifications" and denied any repair or assistance. This seems unreasonably high for a modern engine and creates both a safety concern (risk of running low on oil during travel) and a financial burden (frequent oil top-offs between changes). I am concerned this may indicate a defect similar to oil consumption issues seen in other Hyundai and Kia engines.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688160September 18, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact owned a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle accelerated rapidly through a busy intersection on its own and would not slow or stop, despite the brake pedal being depressed. As a result, the contact briefly lost control of the vehicle as it swerved left to right, only coming to a complete stop after colliding with another vehicle. The air bags did deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a storage facility and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact was transported to an area hospital and treated for a broken sternum and hematoma on both her right and left breasts. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11686006September 9, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Engine light blinking. Code P1327
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684510September 2, 2025
AIR BAGS
I would like to file a complaint regarding a major problem with our 2019 Hyundai Kona. We currently have Case #[XXX] opened with Hyundai Corporate Customer Care [XXX] ) but are having major problems getting this air bag issue resolved as it is currently an “unrecalled vehicle,” but having the same issue with air bags as a very recent recalled vehicle list and there is a current class action lawsuit. The car was in a minor rear end accident when major air bag issues were discovered not due to the accident. We were told to file a supplemental claim with our insurance company but as to no surprise to us it was denied because it had nothing to do with this car’s air bag issues. I have included the timeline and pertinent info on this car. It is currently outside the warranty period by date only. The vehicle has less than 58,000 miles on it. The vehicle’s air bag light was not illuminated until after the accident otherwise we would have resolved the issue right away The car has been at Hyundai Glassman in Southfield, Mi., for over 2 months while we have tried to get this resolved as the repair estimate is close to $9000.00. Please review attached. Thank you! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681399August 18, 2025
ENGINE
On Monday [XXX] I was driving to work when my vehicle abruptly stopped in the middle of traffic. I had several cars behind me slam on their brakes due to my vehicle stopping. It was super scary and dangerous and at a four way stop. There was loud knocking from the engine seconds before it stopped on me. I called roadside assistance and had it towed to the dealership I work at. I looked up my VIN and was informed that my vehicle has an engine recall. It was sent to Hyundai river Oaks in Calumet City who I do NOT recommend. They never once called me with an update. They then informed me via text that my vehicle would not be covered under the recall due to, “jumped timing”. I then opened a case with Hyundai and they were not any better and closed my case and said there was nothing they would do for me and case was closed. I am furious that my vehicle has an engine recall and my engine failed on me and almost caused a very serious wreck for myself and others. They can get away with not covering the recall due to “jumped timing”. 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
#11680934August 15, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES
Component Failed: Electric transmission/drive unit failed twice before 150,000 miles. Still in vehicle, available for inspection. Safety Risk: Loss of propulsion while driving creates risk of being rear-ended or stranded in dangerous traffic conditions. Right now the car is not drivable Confirmed By: Problem confirmed by Hyundai dealership/service center on both failures. Inspection: Inspected by authorized Hyundai service center; manufacturer was notified. Warning Symptoms: Before the failure there was a screeching sound coming from the hood. In both failures, these warnings appeared shortly before or during the loss of propulsion.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679364August 8, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled while driving uphill, and the contact heard a loud clanking sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer suggested that an oil consumption test be performed and return the vehicle be returned to the dealer every 1,000 miles. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678669August 6, 2025
ENGINE
On June 18th I was driving my car home when the engine shut off. I had it towed to my mechanic who ran a diagnostic test and told me the problem was under an active recall and I needed to take it to the dealership. I had it towed to the dealership, who informed me it would 300+ dollars to run a diagnostic test, I agreed to it, and then they took almost a month to notify me that my troubles were a timing chain and not the engine recall (which matches my symptoms exactly) The dealership said I could pay 5K+ to have the timing chain replaced but they would NOT be doing the active recall work on the vehicle and if I wasn't going to have the 5K in repairs done I could come pick up the car. I contacted the Corporate complaint, and was assigned a case manager who just relayed the same information from the dealership, I asked to speak with a supervisor and was denied. Multiple times I asked and multiple times I was told there was no one above my case manager so I would not be transferred to a supervisor. The dealership relayed that it was "not practical" to fix the recall work until I had the timing chain repaired. On a recorded line they stated they would not be fixing the recall work.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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