2021 Hyundai Kona problems and complaints
Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Hyundai Kona. The most-reported areas: Engine (77), Unknown Or Other (18), Power Train (14).
Key takeaways
- 116 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 2 involve a crash, 3 a fire, 3 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 77 | 66% |
| Unknown Or Other | 18 | 16% |
| Power Train | 14 | 12% |
| Electrical System | 11 | 9% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | 3% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 4 | 3% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 4 | 3% |
| Service Brakes | 3 | 3% |
| Lane Departure | 3 | 3% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 2 | 2% |
| Wheels | 2 | 2% |
| Steering | 2 | 2% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Kona SUV FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2021 Hyundai Kona SUV AWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Engine - filed 2026-09-11
"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. An independent mechanic confirmed the engine was found 3 quarts low on oil with...
Engine - filed 2026-08-21
At approximately 100,500 miles, the 2.0L Nu engine experienced a sudden, catastrophic internal failure while operating, causing a loss of power and stalling. Failed Component & Availability: The engine block assembly failed internally due to severe low compression (95 psi) across multiple cylinders and intake valve le...
Engine - filed 2026-08-18
2021 Hyundai Kona, VIN [XXX], 45,575 miles. Engine unexpectedly stalled while driving on 45 mph road and stopped at a light. Oil-pressure warning appeared when the engine stalled. Upon checking afterward, the oil level was below the measurable dipstick range with only droplets visible. Approximately 3.5 quarts were add...
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More for the 2021 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.