IllustrationCheck engine light came on, then went away. Check engine light came on 2 months later, then went away. Car completely dead 1 month later without any dashboard lights warning anything. Replaced battery and car died again 1 month after installing new battery. After jumping the car, alternator test read 12 at local repair shop.
2019 Hyundai Kona
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Kona years
Owner complaints for the 2019 Hyundai Kona are substantially higher than the model-year median of 74.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Kona years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
220–25K
925–50K
850–75K
875–100K
10100–150K
1150K+
58 reports with mileage · 132 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine. Review the 131 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
11 crash reports4 fire reports4 injury reports
What owners actually said
190 reportsDriving down the highway going about 65 mph, I get a quick warning that flashed on my screen about the blindspot collision warning, too quick to actually read. Then the car jolts like I hit a giant pot hole, which I haven't, and the gears on my car drop and I am unable to accelerate or change gear until I pull over and turn the …
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Driving down the highway going about 65 mph, I get a quick warning that flashed on my screen about the blindspot collision warning, too quick to actually read. Then the car jolts like I hit a giant pot hole, which I haven't, and the gears on my car drop and I am unable to accelerate or change gear until I pull over and turn the car off. This issue has occurred over 5 times and has been reported to Hyundai every time, with no success in getting the issue fixed and it keep occurring. Happened again today friving home on the highway, and now my check engine light is on.
1: car stopped abruptly without vehicle lights or warnings , stopped while driving 39 mph without any warning. 2: car engine smoking -fire d/y motor seize and oil leaking 3: motor seized piston bore hole in engine block appears to be of concern with other vehicles same year same model unsafe vehicle
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration and a burning odor was detected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufac…
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The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration and a burning odor was detected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
The vehicle has started stalling about a week ago. It will just stop and all the lights go on for motor and oil and everything else. There’s a sound as well that seems to be from the engine. This is scary. It tends to be happening during slower traffic. I commute with children and this is not ok. Some of this model have been rec…
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The vehicle has started stalling about a week ago. It will just stop and all the lights go on for motor and oil and everything else. There’s a sound as well that seems to be from the engine. This is scary. It tends to be happening during slower traffic. I commute with children and this is not ok. Some of this model have been recalled for the same issue. I believe it’s irresponsible that no one has bothered to contact owners of this model. So we figure out the problem and then something is done. Not ok. It has happened at least 9 times today. I’m scared for my safety and that of my children that commute with me to the city daily on weekdays and at times weekends too.
Your website states I am not in a recall but indeed I have been under recall 302, now 974, and another one currently. The dealers have lied and falsified records. My new Kona with less than 31000 miles is burning more than a qt of oil weekly on average, knocks loudly, looses power, and now I'm finding burnt labels on the booste…
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Your website states I am not in a recall but indeed I have been under recall 302, now 974, and another one currently. The dealers have lied and falsified records. My new Kona with less than 31000 miles is burning more than a qt of oil weekly on average, knocks loudly, looses power, and now I'm finding burnt labels on the booster vac lines. The dealer states I was under recall 203 in 2020 for "vibration inspection" ABSOLUTELY NOT I was seen for recall 203 bad piston rings with less than 12k miles. Now for the SECOND time I'm told it's not safe nor advisable by Hyundai to park my vehicle in my driveway or garage due to fire risks of my car. The car is worth 30-45% lower value than retail due to issues. Hyundai has lied non stop, the dealers have lied non stop, and no one cares. I also have over 5k in wrap warranties that are not valid anymore due to abnormal oil consumption and the dealer will not allow me to remove the packs. It's all BS Now involved in a rear end collision not at fault. Hit at 40mph at a dead stop. It destroyed the rear collision system and bars as well as sensors but not one air bag deployment or safety feature. Almost 8k in repair and over 3 weeks in shop. In one of the safest vehicles nationaly
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted the vehicle safely to a stop on the side of the road. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated after restarting the vehicle. The contact drove…
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The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted the vehicle safely to a stop on the side of the road. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated after restarting the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the timing chain needed to be replaced, and the engine had an internal failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred. The contact researched online and determined that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
IN THE LAST WEEK MY CAR HAS STALLED OUT WHILE I HAVE BEEN DRIVING...THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THEY CANT GET ME IN UNTIL FRIDAY...NO WARNING LIGHTS AT ALL ARE COMING ON...I FEEL COMPLETELY UNSAFE DRIVING MY CAR AND IT SEEMS LIKE THE DEALERSHIP DONT CARE...
When I purchased my Hyundai Kona I was over the moon excited. It checked all or the boxes for me and my family. Now I live in fear every single day that the ongoing car theft in my area is going to flip my entire world upside emotionally and financially. I want to know what Hyundais solution is to support the families that put t…
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When I purchased my Hyundai Kona I was over the moon excited. It checked all or the boxes for me and my family. Now I live in fear every single day that the ongoing car theft in my area is going to flip my entire world upside emotionally and financially. I want to know what Hyundais solution is to support the families that put trust in them when purchasing a vehicle from them.
As the reported recall has described, the engine in my 2019 Kona failed on November 6th, 2021. The dealership (Hyundai) has not repaired my vehicle and has had my vehicle in their possession since that date. I was denied a loaner vehicle due to inavailability. Hyundai has made minimal progress on repair despite the federal rec…
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As the reported recall has described, the engine in my 2019 Kona failed on November 6th, 2021. The dealership (Hyundai) has not repaired my vehicle and has had my vehicle in their possession since that date. I was denied a loaner vehicle due to inavailability. Hyundai has made minimal progress on repair despite the federal recall. Does the NHSTA require Hyundai to act within a certain time frame to have repairs effected once it's been identified and the problem has occurred? Can you help?
Official recalls
121V301000 · Engine
Apr 28, 2021
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.