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 70% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Kona have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

2019 Hyundai Kona

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2019 Hyundai Kona
RENDERED 2026-11-01T09:27:01.316Z

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: 198
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Engine

Complaints per year

2019: 198 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2018	75
2019	198
2020	161
2021	120
2022	101
2023	65
2024	51
2025	28
2026	10

Known problem areas

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

Engine

70% · 138 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

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, 2024-05-16

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, 2026-08-18

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, 2026-08-18

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Power train

10% · 19 reports

Electrical system

9% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.

CRASHINJURY

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, 2024-07-22

Fuel/propulsion system

5% · 10 reports

Vehicle speed control

5% · 9 reports

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2019Complaint volume 198 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2021-08-24Engine21V301000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds

Buy-smart checklist

2019 Hyundai Kona — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine: 138 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 19 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 18 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 21V301000 · Engine

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

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 70% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Kona have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.