2020 Hyundai Kona problems and complaints

Owners have filed 162 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Hyundai Kona. The most-reported areas: Engine (109), Power Train (20), Unknown Or Other (17).

Key takeaways

  • 162 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 8 involve a crash, 3 a fire, 12 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine10967%
Power Train2012%
Unknown Or Other1710%
Electrical System117%
Vehicle Speed Control74%
Steering74%
Forward Collision Avoidance74%
Fuel/Propulsion System42%
Engine And Engine Cooling42%
Service Brakes32%
Suspension21%
Structure21%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

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NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2020 Hyundai Kona SUV AWD5/55/55/54/5
2020 Hyundai Kona SUV FWD5/55/55/54/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Engine - filed 2026-10-22

My 2020 Kona 2.OL failed an oil test losing 2.5 quarts in 960 miles, stalled on the highway, and blows oil out the tailpipe. Hyundai (Case #43141313) is denying repair coverage because my VIN was excluded from Recall 21V301000. This recall needs to be expanded to include my VIN.

Engine - filed 2026-10-13

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. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer. The d...

Engine - filed 2026-09-29

COMPONENT THAT FAILED: The engine short block piston rings (related to NHTSA recall 203) failed, causing severe cylinder wall scoring. The vehicle is currently located at an authorized Hyundai dealership and is available for manufacturer or NHTSA inspection. SAFETY RISK; The defective piston rings caused severe inter...

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More for the 2020 Hyundai Kona

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.