2020 Hyundai Kona
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 72 |
| 2019 | 184 |
| 2020 | 152 |
| 2021 | 111 |
| 2022 | 94 |
| 2023 | 61 |
| 2024 | 42 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2026 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
65% of complaints: engine — 99 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY12% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file.
FIRE5% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ON TUESDAY, MARCH 2020, I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A LOCAL CVS STORE SHORTLY AFTER 5 PM, ABOUT TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND SHIFT INTO PARK, WHEN MY 2020 HYUNDAI KONA SUDDENLY AND INEXPLICABLY ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE POLICEMAN, THEN THE CURB...
NHTSA ODI report, 20200304
5% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Kona vehicles. The certification label may indicate incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install new label stickers displaying the correct GAWR over the affected areas of the certification label, free of charge. The recall began March 2, 2020.
Campaign 20V022000 — check if this car was fixed
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
Loss of Motive Power
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Hyundai Kona — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (99 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V022000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V301000 (engine) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2020 Hyundai Kona reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Hyundai Kona is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Hyundai Kona?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Kona have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.