MYRModel Year Report

2019 Hyundai Kona

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2019 Hyundai Kona
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:10:09.747Z

This year had more than double the complaints 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, 2019 highlighted. 2018: 72 complaints 2018 2019: 184 complaints 2019 2020: 152 complaints 2020 2021: 111 complaints 2022: 94 complaints 2022 2023: 61 complaints 2024: 42 complaints 2024 2025: 26 complaints 2026: 6 complaints 2026
2019: 184 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
201872
2019184
2020152
2021111
202294
202361
202442
202526
20266

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 68%

68% of complaints: engine — 125 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while stopped at an intersection, he observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240516

POWER TRAIN 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 17 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Driving on the highway [XXX] ) during rain. Traffic moving stop and go slow. Before I knew what had happened, my car hit the back bumper of a Chevy Suburban.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240722

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 5%

5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 9 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 4%

4% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2019 — complaint volume: 184
R 20210824 — engine

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021.

Campaign 21V301000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

I 20230127 — DP (closed 20230807)

Pedestrian alert sounds

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2019 Hyundai Kona — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (125 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 21V301000 (engine) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 2023 ● 2018

WORST YEARS

◆ 2020 ◆ 2021 ● 2022

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Hyundai Kona is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Kona?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 68% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Kona have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.