MYRModel Year Report

2018 Hyundai Kona

● Typical for this model
2018 Hyundai Kona
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:39:59.748Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Hyundai Kona Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2018 highlighted. 2018: 74 complaints 2018 2019: 189 complaints 2020: 157 complaints 2020 2021: 116 complaints 2022: 97 complaints 2022 2023: 64 complaints 2024: 48 complaints 2024 2025: 28 complaints 2026: 9 complaints 2026
2018: 74 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
201874
2019189
2020157
2021116
202297
202364
202448
202528
20269

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 55%

55% of complaints: engine — 41 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Pulled into driveway and saw smoke coming from engine. Popped hood and saw engine block was on fire. Quickly closed the hood and called 911. Within a few minutes the car was completely engulfed.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231006

WAS DRIVING HYUNDAI KONA DOWN THE FREEWAY. I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL, I SAW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINK ONCE. THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND I STARTED PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200120

I purchased a 2018 Hyundai Kona, and it has had one major issue after another. It burns an excessive amount of oil, the engine misfires, and now the turbocharger is failing.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260721

Also filed under POWER TRAIN and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

POWER TRAIN 15%

15% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I was sold a car with 1 unprepared safety recall and 22 technical service bulletins. In addition to was previously salvaged sue to collision, hail, flood and fire. The vehicle also was a 2019 made into a 2018.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231102

Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 5%

5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 4 distinct reports on file.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 4%

4% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 3 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2018 Hyundai Kona — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (41 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 2023 ● 2022

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ◆ 2020 ◆ 2021

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2018 Hyundai Kona reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Hyundai Kona is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Kona?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Kona have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.