2021 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 | 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.
66% of complaints: engine — 77 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I had a 2021 Hyundai Kona limited. On Friday 09/13/2024 my engine caught fire and my car was a total loss. Minutes before the fire I noticed some smoke, all of my dash lights came on and the car shut down.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240916
The contact stated that she was an insurance company claim adjuster who was calling on behalf of an insured consumer, who owned a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the vehicle caught on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240118
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
"The vehicle suffered sudden internal engine failure while in operation due to catastrophic oil starvation, presenting a severe risk of engine stalling and loss of propulsion on the road. Active diagnostic codes are P0014, P0017, and P0303.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260911
12% of complaints: power train — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
9% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing horn.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the horn button was depressed but was inoperable. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260722
4% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
We bought the car in July and owned it 70 days and 1,530 miles. The Automatic Emergency Breaking engaged several times without any reason. Sometimes at lower speeds <40 and sometimes on the freeway >60.
NHTSA ODI report, 20211002
3% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
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
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Hyundai Kona — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (77 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 21V301000 (engine) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Hyundai Kona is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 66% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Kona have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.