Hyundai Kona Complaints

964 consumer complaints on file.

#11685669September 8, 2025
ENGINE
2020 Hyundai Kona wirh 22,000 miles, original owner, great condition(except oil usage). First consumption test used 3/4 qt. in 1,000 miles. Seems convenient that Hyundai says 1 qt & the dealership came up with 3/4 so there is no problem. BULL! No oil light came on to warn of low oil.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685674September 8, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated there was a pinging sound inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a multi-point inspection, and it was confirmed that the oil level was extremely low. The contact stated that an oil consumption test was performed. The vehicle had consumed ¾ quarts of oil in a month. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to seek legal assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685307September 5, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with alarms set to sound off and send a text notification when the vehicle was accessed without the key, key fob, or remote access being activated. Later, the vehicle began displaying additional electrical issues. The contact stated that the instrument panel would illuminate intermittently and display different warnings and systems being activated; however, the contact was unable to recall what the lights that were displayed. While driving on a forked road, the Lane Assist feature prevented the vehicle from being able to veer left, keeping the vehicle driving straight. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle to veer towards the left. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired for any electrical failures. The contact received notice of a recall for the software regarding the Theft Prevention system, needing a software update. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, and the remedy was completed. While attempting to accelerate after being idle at a red light, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact turned off the vehicle, waited for a while, and then restarted the vehicle, at which time the contact was able to continue driving. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who diagnosed that the software update caused the battery to drain quickly. The battery was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer opened two cases for the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 9,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#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
#11684733September 3, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Horn keeps failing
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
#11684082August 30, 2025
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
While at a light, the auto stop/start kicked on but when it was time to start driving again and I pressed the gas pedal, the car would not move. There was a long beep and then the check battery icon and an alert came on my dash board stating “Auto Stop is Off. Shift to P or N and start engine manually.” When I turned off the ignition and restarted the car, the alert went off but two additional icons showed up on my dash board- check engine and check oil. Then my steering wheel locked up and I could not press on the breaks or gas pedal. I could not operate my car for more than 30 minutes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683954August 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
File with NHTSA now please!!!! What do you have to lose??? If anything If they do an investigation we are safe post warranty. Report a Vehicle Safety Problem, Equipment Issue | NHTSA [XXX] The Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle (EV) has experienced issues with its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) due to problems with the low-conductivity coolant (BSC-1) used in models produced between 2018 and October 2021. This coolant can crystallize, forming debris that clogs the cooling system, leading to false "Refill Inverter Coolant" warnings and potential overheating risks. A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 23-01-049H) outlines a recall to flush and replace the coolant with an improved BSC-2 formula to address this issue. However, improper or repeated coolant flushes, if not performed correctly using Hyundai’s specialized equipment and procedures, can leave air bubbles or residual debris in the system, which may impair cooling efficiency and stress critical components like the ICCU, inverter, and electric motor. Repeated coolant flushes, especially when not executed properly, can exacerbate issues by introducing air locks or failing to fully remove crystallized debris, potentially causing damage to the ICCU, inverter, and motor. Air bubbles trapped in the cooling system can reduce heat dissipation, leading to overheating that may degrade the ICCU’s electronics or cause the inverter and motor to operate at unsafe temperatures, risking premature failure. Posts on forums indicate that some vehicles required multiple flushes to clear the warning, with improper flushing sometimes leaving contaminants that continue to trigger sensors or obstruct coolant flow. This underscores the importance of having the procedure done by trained technicians using the correct tools to avoid long-term damage to these sensitive components. 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
#11683955August 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Fire and safety risk ... The Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle (EV) has experienced issues with its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) due to problems with the low-conductivity coolant (BSC-1) used in models produced between 2018 and October 2021. This coolant can crystallize, forming debris that clogs the cooling system, leading to false "Refill Inverter Coolant" warnings and potential overheating risks. A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 23-01-049H) outlines a recall to flush and replace the coolant with an improved BSC-2 formula to address this issue. However, improper or repeated coolant flushes, if not performed correctly using Hyundai’s specialized equipment and procedures, can leave air bubbles or residual debris in the system, which may impair cooling efficiency and stress critical components like the ICCU, inverter, and electric motor. Repeated coolant flushes, especially when not executed properly, can exacerbate issues by introducing air locks or failing to fully remove crystallized debris, potentially causing damage to the ICCU, inverter, and motor. Air bubbles trapped in the cooling system can reduce heat dissipation, leading to overheating that may degrade the ICCU’s electronics or cause the inverter and motor to operate at unsafe temperatures, risking premature failure. Posts on forums indicate that some vehicles required multiple flushes to clear the warning, with improper flushing sometimes leaving contaminants that continue to trigger sensors or obstruct coolant flow. This underscores the importance of having the procedure done by trained technicians using the correct tools to avoid long-term damage to these sensitive components.
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
#11683772August 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
While driving the instrument panel, headlights and infotainment screen all went black. Has happened multiple times but difficult to replicate. Vehicles head lights turned off while driving in the early morning (dark) but turned back on within a second or two. No warnings, no lights, no errors.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683578August 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while pressing the horn pad, the horn failed to produce a sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the horn was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the horn had been replaced four times and was scheduled for a fifth horn replacement. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683392August 27, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682651August 24, 2025
ENGINE
Piston ring failure. No oil in car and no leaks. P0301 code and knocking sound. Unable to drive.
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
#11682485August 22, 2025
ENGINE
The engine burns too much oil. I have to put it a quart every 2 weeks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682034August 21, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I found a lot of debris of metals contaminated in the gear reduction oil when I changed my gear reduction oil. I had a Vortex oil lug nut, which it sucks all of the metal debris in. I have pictures of that as a proof. I think this is a design flaw that Hyundai should recall, but they didn’t. Now it caused a clicking noise whenever I accelerate or step on the accelerator pedal. Additionally, their are some glitches with their software where it disconnected the wireless Apple car play and the back up camera didn’t show up sometimes whenever I put into reverse.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682248August 21, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds in stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle but almost immediately lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the piston oil rings, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682204August 21, 2025
ENGINE
The piston oil ring recall. I have had a mechanic determine I am having the exact same problem as the recalls but my VIN is not covered. Please update the recall so my repairs can be covered.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682180August 21, 2025
ENGINE
I have experienced the same issues with a known recall for my year, make and model. I am not sure why my VIN is not showing. Have records from a mechanic that there was a fire hazard. I have experienced stalling on several occasions. Could I have help getting my VIN recognized so Hyundai will help me?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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