Hyundai Kona Complaints (2020)

189 consumer complaints on file.

#11684798September 3, 2025
ENGINE
Car has extreme oil consumption and power stalls which are related to a recall in 2021 for bad poston rings which werent properly heat protected. I brought in and they said it was checked for recall but engine was never actually replaced. My warning lights come on for oil when this happens. My engine could either seize or I could lose power on highway. Car dealership laughed in my face when brought and told me id have to fork over 10k for a new engine which doesn't seem accurate considering Hyundai manufactured this vehicle with bad piston rings.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683888August 29, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle showed these warning lights while stalling out at stop signs: FCA, ESC, and DBC. She was able to turn off the car and restart it. We took it to a Hyundai dealership and ran a diagnostic test where they found nothing wrong. They noticed her oil was low, so they topped it off. This was on a Monday. By Saturday, she had this issue again where she stalled out at a stoplight in the center lane of a 4 lane busy road and had to coast to a parking lot where she restarted the car. We then personally checked the oil again, she was almost out of oil!! We added more full synthetic oil. We googled the issue and saw other 2020 Kona's have this issue. I spoke with Hyundai Consumer Affairs to get advice but they said without any open recalls or extended warraties they couldn't help. They suggested the lengthy process of a repeated oil consumption test at the dealership. We are now taking it to an engine shop today (8-29-25) where he will try to put a syntheic blend in after taking out the full syntheic out. The mechanic said sometimes this helps the oil consumption. We will see how the car runs with the blend. He mentioned that his research shows older models had this issue and Hyundai replaced some engines.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682393August 22, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The air conditioning system has a drain for condensation. If it gets plugged up, from debris, algae, etc., it accumulates and sprays it into the passenger cabin. In my auto it sprays considerable water onto the floor boards of both the driver side and passenger side. I encountered such spraying onto my right foot making it slip off the accelerator pad while turning left. While turning right it sprays onto the passenger side. This is an actual spray of water. The dealer reports this is an owner maintenance item. This is not addressed in owner manuals. A search of google issues shows this to be a very big issue. To issues exists. Water onto the accelerator and the brake pedal are safety issues. Wet carpeting causes mold. It is a very bad design.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680070August 12, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The engine on my 2020 Hyundai Kona failed suddenly while driving, causing complete loss of power. There were no warning lights until after the failure. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership. Initially, the dealership stated the failure was related to an open recall from 2021 and warned that repairs might not be covered because the recall had not been completed. I sent them a written request outlining both NHTSA Recall 21V-301 (federally mandated) and Service Campaign 974, asking for documentation supporting their diagnosis and any communications with corporate. This request was ignored. Afterward, the dealership said they would replace the engine, but upon completion they recommended replacing certain bolts and hoses at my expense ($849), claiming that if I declined, any future related repairs would not be covered. When asked why these parts were not included in the repair or how their condition would void future coverage, I was told they were “normal wear” items not covered under warranty. No documentation or policy basis was provided. When asked whether the repair was processed under Recall 21V-301 or Campaign 974, they stated it was not tied to either and was filed under the powertrain warranty without corporate involvement. Multiple shop personnel had earlier confirmed verbally that the failed part matched the recall defect, but the service manager provided a different explanation and refused supporting documents. The dealership also claimed Recall 21V-301 was “completed” in October 2021 via a software update, despite the vehicle never having been at the dealership since purchase. No proof of recall completion or CNDS software installation was provided. The lack of evidence that Recall 21V-301 was properly remedied, the possibility of an improper closure in Hyundai’s system, and the fact that the failure matched the recall defect raise serious concerns about compliance with federal recall requirements. I am waiting for corporate to contact me also.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678493August 5, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Back up camera had not worked since purchase. It is now August been dealing with the dealership and Hyundai National with a case number and zero help to rectify this issue. It is not my fault the sales man who sold me this car left two days later. anyone I speak to at the dealership, is not there again the next week. even hyundai usa are consistently unable to even get a manger to call me back. This is unacceptable. at this point any warranty is expired, this car was sold with a faulty camera.
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
#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
#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
#11671093July 3, 2025
ENGINE
I was driving when I heard a rattle below the car. About a mile later, my engine died. Turns out the oil plug fell out causing irreparable damage to my engine. Was fortunate to be able to coast down the bottom side of the bridge I was on to a safe spot off to the side.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668695June 23, 2025
ENGINE
Car is losing power. Car is stopping in the middle of the road. Car was towed to my Personal mechanic on June 21,2025 who has ran a diagnostic on vehicle & vehicle is throwing out an Engine Failure Code. Check Engine light is blinking ; car is making odd "knocking type" noises. First appeared June 20, 2025. Car is not safe to drive due to losing power. Vehicle is now being towed to the dealership (after multiple calls) and the loss of power is concerning/dangerous if vehicle looses power with traffic around. I feel I won't be able to get the vehicle and myself off the road safely before an accident/injury/fatality occurs. I will upload a copy of the diagnostic report
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667507June 17, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
My wife was pulling into a parking place at Home Depot when the car suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb & hit a tree on the sidewalk. It did significant damage to the front bumper of the car but the airbags did not deploy & my wife was not hurt. I am guessing that it will be several thousand dollars to repair.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654523April 14, 2025
UNKNOWN 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
#11651114March 27, 2025
ENGINE
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
#11648537March 16, 2025
ENGINE
While driving the car it stalled and all dash lights came in. After about 20 mins it started back up and I proceeded down the road. After a few minutes the engine light came on blinking. I got the car to a local mechanic who placed it in the diagnostic machine. It came back code engine-pistons. I have a Hyandai 2020 Kona MPI-NU 2.0l engine but it was not included in the recall of the same vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647527March 10, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
My vehicle has a very rough idle-vibrating at idle or stopped and not shifting properly-gear slipping. There is sluggish acceleration or jerking and the problem worsens while at a stop light/stop sign or at times when making a turn. The RPM goes between 200-300 when I accelerate to go from a stop and the car revs as it slowly hits 20 mph and then jerks into the 30-40mph on the streets. I took it to the dealer January 2025 where they could not duplicate the concern, and all they did was a TCM judder improvement update for the DCT. The problem was dismissed as being an issue associated with the DCT and was told that unless a warning light turned on or my car broke down on me, they couldn't do anything more. The service representative advised that if I am in stop and go traffic and the car starts vibrating or shaking, I should pull over the side and turn off the car for a few minutes before continuing on my way. It has been less than 2 months and I have to take it back to the dealer so they can run diagnostics on it again. Same issues, no warning lights on the dashboard indicating there is a problem, but I am not comfortable driving the car anymore.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11643311February 18, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The driver was unable to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the mechanic had not diagnosed the vehicle; however, an oil change was performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning light remained constantly illuminated. The contact that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer and two software updates were performed as per the manufacturer recalls on the vehicle, but the contact was informed that the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) could not be performed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic related the engine warning light being illuminated with the unrepaired recall. The contact was referred to the dealer again for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641724February 10, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6/17/2024 12 volt battery was dead; EV was fully charged 6/16/2024 using Level 2 charger in my home garage. AAA charged the battery; I drove to Crossroads Hyundai Loveland, CO and asked to have the converter to the main battery checked; this was not done. Crossroads checked the battery via CADEX with "good battery charge" as result. No other diagnostic work was performed. 8/26/2024 12 volt battery again depleted; AAA charged twice 11:06 am (recharge and retest ) and 3:51pm (Bad & replace). I drove again to Crossroads Hyundai which claimed battery test showed good battery. Technician found a draw dropped after pulling fuses F6 multi media and F16 memory. Techline at Hyundai was contacted and tech was instructed to install junction box for fuses (91950-K4061 Junction Box assembly I/PNL 91). The car was undriveable on the Crossroads lot until part received and replaced 9/20/2024. 9/24/2024 when I arrived to pick up the car, the service advisor told me the door was left ajar after car wash, causing draw on battery; the battery was damaged by continued discharge due to strain from parts replaced. Hyundai agreed to replace the battery at no charge to customer. There were no warming lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to 6/17/2024. My safety, as a senior and woman is at risk if the car was stranded in a parking lot or other area outside of my home garage.
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
#11630714December 14, 2024
ENGINE
Check engine light came on and car lost power while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11616081September 23, 2024
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When stopped at a light, I hit the gas and the car just sputtered. The car jolted and did not move, finally, hit the gas again it was able to move. It has happen before. My roommate's Dad told me I need to keep track of problem and file a report. I was told the injectors needed to be cleaned. I put injector cleaner into it, It seem to help but it happened again. It seems the dealer just says something needs to be cleaned.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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