Hyundai Kona Complaints

964 consumer complaints on file.

#11682087August 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
As part of Hyundai’s Driver Attention Warning system, it plays a loud beeping noise that disables other systems in the car (map, audio). This beeping noise plays at random times and has been heavily distracting on long drives almost causing me to crash due to issues with my hearing and the frequency of the noise. It cannot be disabled. I would be happy to present the vehicle for inspection. The dealership and manufacturer have not responded to calls or have given unsatisfactory feedback as to solutions. This alarm has gone off about three times within the past 10 minutes and i am struggling to drive long distances with it on. Any help please.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681842August 20, 2025
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
the car loss power and shut completely off and ran into the wall with my sister and my child in there on the interstate can I please get help about this matter it could've been worse where i could've lost them forever. I don't want this to happen to nobody else they cars know about these malfunctions and still but these cars on the market for accidents to happen. Please something needs to be done about this.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
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
#11681288August 18, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES
My family got in a accident on this recall of loss of power on the high way making the car crash into a wall... 8/16/25 3:06 pm in Duval county Jacksonville,FL Something needs to be done about this my kids have gotten hurt
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
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
#11681013August 15, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
When I purchased the car with in 2 weeks epb , auto hold and auto stop all 3 lights on dashboard came on orange. Took to dealership and they fixed the problem. 4 months later now the lights are back on. The vehicle does not feel safe at pulls to the right , I have problems with my ac as well as my transmission is slipping. The car loses power when I accelerate. I believe was sold a lemon car I purchased from carmax.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680468August 13, 2025
SEATS
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the front driver's side seat independently ejected the contact forward into the steering wheel. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the failure was unidentified. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact sustained injuries to her back; however, no medical attention was sought. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 385.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
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
#11680145August 12, 2025
ENGINE
On Saturday, [XXX], while driving on the highway, the oil plug on my vehicle suddenly fell out, causing all the oil to drain rapidly. This created an extreme safety hazard not only for myself but also for other drivers on the road. I did not notice the oil spillage until the oil light on the dash appeared. At the time, I was in the leftmost lane traveling at highway speeds, so I could not stop immediately. I had to carefully veer across five lanes of traffic and navigate out of a construction zone before I was able to pull over safely. The engine lost lubrication during this process, and I was forced to have the vehicle towed to Ed Napleton Hyundai in Hazelwood, the same dealership where I purchased and serviced the car, for inspection and repairs. This incident occurred just three weeks after I had an oil change performed at the same dealership. I have been attempting to contact the dealership for updates on the status of my vehicle and the investigation into potential engine damage for the past three days, but I have received limited information until today, when the service manager, Jerry, stated that they installed a new plug and added oil, and since it's not ticking, it's okay. However, having worked in the automotive industry for years, I know that a full teardown is necessary to properly check for damage, including inspecting the bearings, rings, cylinder walls, and turbo for signs of oil starvation. This service was not performed. Additionally, Jerry informed me that speaking to someone higher up would do absolutely nothing for me. This is not an isolated issue. Over the course of my ownership, the dealership has damaged my oil filter by over-tightening and stripping it on two separate occasions during routine maintenance, requiring me to return to the facility each time. On both instances, I had to wait an additional 2 to 3 hours while they installed replacement parts to correct their errors. These repeated mistakes have caused significant inconv INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMAT
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679588August 9, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
My car intermittently loses power when I’m driving and I almost got hit yesterday.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
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
#11679287August 8, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Significant Mechanical and Drivetrain Problems: ◦ Loss of Drive Power and Sluggish Acceleration: Reported as early as [XXX] ("bumpy driving, grinding and clanking noise"), with issues worsening by [XXX] ("slower acceleration, bumpier ride, metal clinking and cracking sounds"), and most severely on [XXX] ("car shifts hard to the left then goes back and forth (wobble)," "greatly reduced" power, and "snapping" noises). You've had at least five repair attempts for these issues. ◦ Vehicle Shaking/Wobbling: This has been a recurring complaint since [XXX] ("car shakes when accelerating") and continued through multiple visits, including [XXX] ("wobbly feeling"), [XXX] (shifts "back and forth (wobble)"), and [XXX] ("bounces excessively"). ◦ Loose Steering/Difficulty Turning: You've reported "difficulty turning" and "resistance when turning left," with a feeling of "less control" or "lack of control" while turning. This was noted on [XXX], and persisted through [XXX], and [XXX] ◦ Noises from Underneath the Vehicle: Complaints include "grinding and clanking noise" (XXX), "loud noises" ([XXX]), and "metal clinking and cracking sounds" (XXX), and "snapping" noises (XXX). • Electrical/Infotainment System Malfunctions: ◦ Interior and Exterior Lights Turning Off While Driving: On [XXX], all interior and exterior lights turned off for approximately 3 seconds while driving. ◦ BlueLink Service and Infotainment System Disconnects/Shutdowns: ongoing issues with BlueLink service, including loss of connectivity and interruptions. • Numerous Repair Attempts and Days Out of Service: ◦At least eight separate service visits for these issue 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
#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
#11678886August 6, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My horn on my car has went out the first time and now it just went out again and it’s a manufacturing issue! Hyundai refuses to fix it because it’s not under warranty anymore! And it’s so dangerous now since I don’t have a horn again! I should have not have to fix it when it’s not my fault! And other people have the same issue with your Kona’s to! The dealership even told me that’s it’s been an issue with the horns!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678662August 6, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
When I first brought the car for its first service appointment (6 months after purchase), I informed the service dept at the dealership that the car seemed to accelerate itself when I was driving. They said they hit a reset button and that I shouldn't have any more problems. What I found was that the car then drove sluggishly but it did not accelerate anymore. Recently however (2.5 years into the purchase), the car started "sliding" when I hit the break pad. I took the car in again for service a few months ahead of time and they said that my car mat was wedged under the break pad and that was what was causing the car to slide when I hit the break. The car slid but also accelerated by about 5 miles, however I was able to quickly break and stop it without incident. This last service was on Friday, August 1st, and on Sunday August 3, the car slid and accelerated again - without the floor mat being wedged under the break. On Monday morning (August 4th) I called Hyundai so many times that I lost count. I was never able to speak with a service employee but I was given an appointment for a week and half later. According to ChatGPT, it is a common issue with the 2022 Kona and it should be recalled.
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
#11678615August 5, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Hyundai engages emergency parking brake EPB) automatically when in parked on an incline. The EPB will disengage under normal operation if all doors are closed. If doors are open, EPB will not disengage. If going from park to drive, this is not a problem. However, if in drive, traveling with trunk open for oversized cargo, the vehicle will drive normally until a stop on an incline, when the EPB will engage automatically, and then when the driver tries to proceed from the stop, their vehicle is disabled. The driver can provide power to drive train and burn the EPB. The driver must manually intervene after every stop on an incline to disengage the EPB to avoid being disabled at an intersection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678428August 5, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Woke up and battery was dead. Car about one year old, no warnings about battery level through Bluelink or any onboard monitoring system. Dealer says dead battery is normal. Tons of issues online relating to dead batteries in new Konas
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678261August 4, 2025
SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The HVAC drainage system in my 2021 Hyundai Kona failed due to a clogged AC drain line, which led to water leaking into the cabin and mold growth. The dealer reported the drain was blocked by a spiderweb and that moisture had collected under the driver and passenger carpets. They unclogged the line, but did not inspect beneath the carpet or inside the HVAC system. Soon after, I experienced musty odors, asthma flare-ups, and headaches while driving. At-home mold tests under the passenger seat and footwell came back positive. White mold was also visibly growing under the carpet. A similar issue occurred in my fiancé’s Hyundai Elantra, also purchased from the same dealer. His AC drain was clogged and mold tested positive in the cabin, though his car had no smell. Our vehicles are stored in different environments, which rules out external environmental causes and points to a broader design flaw. There are Hyundai forums online confirming this same issue is not isolated to us. Even if spiderwebs were involved, a single web should not disable a critical drainage function and cause health risks. HVAC systems should be designed to resist common environmental factors like debris or insects. I am a cancer survivor (diagnosed in 2024) and must avoid environmental toxins like mold. Despite repeated outreach to Hyundai and the dealer, I was told no inspection or remediation would be provided beyond detailing, which is not sufficient for mold. Component that failed: AC evaporator drain tube Confirmed by dealer: Yes Manufacturer inspection: No – Hyundai declined to investigate Safety concern: Yes – mold has triggered respiratory symptoms and makes the vehicle unsafe for passengers
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677951August 2, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Manufacturing defect ... Took it in 4 times for "refill inverter coolant" warning . They had a campaign ' tried by couldn't get the light to go away . It was their first time ever performing this on an EV at Kerry hyundai alexandria . Now TD EV in mason Ohio is confirming my inverter failed as a direct result of the poor flushes and poor manufacturing. I am seeking for hyundai to cover all related costs. I haven't had my vehicle for over a month . It's out of warranty 'however this was a known issue they issued a campaign for 'and then couldn't fix the issue after 4 or 5 tries and 2 different hyundia dealers . All work performed will be listed at Kerry hounding in alexandria KY and Jefferson wyler hyundai cincinnati Ohio.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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