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
- 161
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2020
Opened by NHTSA
67% of complaints
Complaints per year
2020: 161 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
67% · 108 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle hesitated, and there was white smoke coming from the exhaust.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-13
I am filing a safety complaint against Scott Starkâs South Point Hyundai for selling me a vehicle with an active open safety recall, a blown transmission, an A/C failure, and a dry-rotted tire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-04
Also filed under Power train and suspension
Power train
12% · 20 reportsElectrical system
7% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing traction battery and 12v/24v/48v battery.
Vehicle speed control
4% · 7 reportsShow 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, 2020-03-04
Steering
4% · 7 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2020Complaint volume 161 complaints filed for this model year.
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2020-03-02Equipment20V022000 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.
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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.
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2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
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2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2020 Hyundai Kona — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 108 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 20 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V022000 · Equipment
- Recall 21V301000 · Engine
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Kona have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.