2019 Hyundai Kona

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2019 Hyundai Kona
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:56:08.096Z

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

2019: 189 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2018	74
2019	189
2020	157
2021	116
2022	97
2023	64
2024	48
2025	28
2026	9

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE 69%

69% of complaints: engine — 130 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

The contact's daughter owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 40 MPH, smoke started coming from under the hood.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260818

The engine was spewing oil into the air filter and also out of a hose near the turbo. It was also consuming high amounts of oil, yes its available for inspection.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260818

Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

POWER TRAIN 10%

10% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.

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 — 10 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 5%

5% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing drain plug and oil/lubrication.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2019 — complaint volume: 189

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