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
- 120
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2021
Opened by NHTSA
67% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 120 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% · 80 reportsShow 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, 2024-09-16
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, 2024-01-18
Also filed under Electrical system
My exact engine was as in a recall but not my car which failed prematurely at 84,000. I have taken extensive maintenance in the car in the for the past 2 years.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-02
Power train
12% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Electrical system
9% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing horn.
Show 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, 2026-07-22
Forward collision avoidance
5% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
Show 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, 2021-10-02
Fuel/propulsion system
4% · 5 reportsSafety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2021Complaint volume 120 complaints filed for this model year.
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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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2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Hyundai Kona — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 80 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V301000 · Engine
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 67% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Kona have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.