2019 Hyundai Kona

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/27/2022· POWER TRAIN

  This is my 2nd Hyundai Kona - the first had slippage in the DCT (dual clutch transmission) which the dealer adjusted for me. It continued to happen if I accelerated quickly and was part of the reason I traded it in. The second had no issues until 115k miles at which point the DTC smelled bad once, then sounded bad the next day. I called the dealer and made an appointment to have it inspected/evaluated and it died minutes later, before I got it to them. Online forums state that while there has been no recall issued yet, the Konas with the 1.6l turbo are susceptible to DCT issues, particularly in the 2019s and that several dealers are replacing parts free of charge when the vehicle is in for maintenance. Because mine exceeds the 100k warranty, I am being told that I will need to pay for the repairs. This is my only complaint about an otherwise fantastic automobile!

• 12/25/2018· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  ONCE IN A WHILE WHEN YOU STEP ON GS PEDAL THE CAR DOES NOT GO FOR ABOUT 3 SECONDS,VERY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING HIGHWAY IN FRONT OF TRAFFIC.ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ACT OR SOUND FUNNY JUST SEEMS LIKE FUEL SYSTEM DOES NOT KNOW GAS PEDAL HAS BEEN PUSHED.HAPPENS ONLY WHEN YOU STOP TO TURN AND START TO GO AGAIN ON STREET OR HIGHWAY. TOOK IT TO RICK CASE HYUNDAI IN WESTON FLORIDA THEY SAID AJUSTED TRANSMISSION BUT DID NOT FIX PROBLEM,STILL DOING SAME THING EVERY NOW AND THEN. IT HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 15 TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT CAR 3 WEEKS AGO IN EARLY DECEMBER 2018.

• 12/22/2025· ENGINE

  The car's engine stuttered after pressing on gas pedal when engine is cold. When pressing on gas pedal from idle position at STOP sign, engine does not switch from 1st -> 2nd gear.

• 12/22/2023· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  For about a month, the car is pausing for a second or two during acceleration. The car was brought for service to Great Lakes Hyundai of Columbus (Ohio) on 12/19/2023. This is diagnosis and remediation that was offered: Needs immediate attention 1 of 5 services Related requested service [Primary]: 10HYZ06 - C/S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CHECK AND ADVISE: C/S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CHECK AND ADVISE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT - DIAGNOSIS - CUSTOMER STATES THE CAR IS DRIVING ROUGH WHEN CHANGING GEARS, DOES NOT WANT TO ACCELERATE, HAS TO PUT THE PEDDLE ON THE FLOOR. [Other]: Transmission control unit update Speak with your service advisor for more information on this recommended service. There were no warnings. I just noticed to the problem, and it was getting worse.

• 12/20/2019· POWER TRAIN

  WHEN I COME TO A SLIGHT UPHILL INCLINE, SLOW DOWN WITHOUT FULLY STOPPING, AND THEN ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE, THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FEELS AS IF IT IS IN NEUTRAL. THE ENGINE WILL REV UP TO APPROXIMATELY 2000 RPM BUT THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 SECOND. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE CAR WILL ACCELERATE FORWARD AT A RAPID PACE. IT SEEMS AS IF THE TRANSMISSION IS IN BETWEEN GEARS AND THE TRANSMISSION THEN SUDDENLY REALIZES THAT IT NEEDS TO ACCELERATE AND THEN WILL ACCELERATE USUALLY AT A FAST PACE. THE FEELING IS THAT OF A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WHEN THE CLUTCH IS RELEASED WHILE THE ENGINE IS AT A HIGHER RPM. MY CAR HAS THE TRADITIONAL 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC AND NOT THE DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION. THIS IS AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE AND THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE TECH STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS WORKING FINE AND THERE WERE NO NEW SOFTWARE UPDATES FOR THE TRANSMISSION.

• 12/18/2025· ENGINE

  I believe that I’m leaking oil somewhere and that it’s due to the recall with the piston oil rings that’s on my car

• 12/18/2025· ENGINE

  Vehicle Safety Complaint Narrative On Saturday, December 6, 2025, I brought my 2019 Hyundai Kona to Millennium Hyundai in Hempstead, New York, the dealership where the vehicle was purchased, for evaluation due to engine safety concerns. While driving the vehicle, we heard a knocking sound coming from the engine. One week earlier, on November 29, 2025, we brought the vehicle to our local mechanic after noticing the noise. The mechanic advised that the engine oil level was low and refilled the oil. Despite this, the knocking sound continued. Due to ongoing concerns about potential engine failure and because the vehicle is still under warranty, we scheduled an appointment with Millennium Hyundai for further diagnosis. The knocking noise raised serious safety concerns. On December 6th, we contacted the service manager, who advised us that the pistons were bad and they would need to replace the engine. On Monday, December 8th, we called the dealer and they then told us, that before any work could be done, that we would have to do an oil change for $90, drive the car for 1,000 miles and come back for an oil consumption test for $600 before they could make the repairs under the warranty. We are submitting this complaint to report a potential safety defect related to engine performance and reliability in the 2019 Hyundai Kona, as unexpected engine failure could pose a significant safety risk and, their requirement that we have to drive an unsafe car for 1,000 miles could be dangerous to the driver, passengers, and others on the roadway.

• 12/14/2024· ENGINE

  It seems to be an issue with the camshaft and/or timing. It has a permanent diagnostic trouble code for p0017 and p0014 (two issues that they have claimed to have fixed twice now by replacing my engine). Due to this issue, I was stranded on the side of a busy road for multiple hours at night way back in March. This issue has been repeatedly “fixed” but the code readers keep showing it and the check engine light has never turned off. Hyundai of Danbury has looked at it multiple times and has replaced the engine twice in an attempt to fix it. However, both times I got engines with the same issue. Both times I brought it to a Hyundai Dealership to be fixed. There was no warning when my car broke down the first time. It just stopped in the middle of a busy road. No noise or smell or smoke. Once I got it towed to Danbury Hyundai, they replaced the engine (March 3 - April 24) and it started up again but the check engine light was on. It has been replaced twice and both times the light was on. It was replaced a second time between July 3rd and October 20th. I only have one car and needed friends and family to bring me to and from work (1 hour away) every day while the dealership worked on my car. A camshaft or timing issue should not take 5 months to fix.

• 12/13/2022· ENGINE

  Engine burn oil excessively about 1.5 quarts every 5000 miles. Car has roughly 60000 miles.

• 12/04/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking and clicking sound. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced engine hesitation intermittently, and the failure became permanent. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact had noticed that the oil level was significantly low, and the oil was significantly black at 500 miles after an oil change. The contact stated that on other occasions, the oil was significantly black while at the normal full. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 20 MPH uphill, the vehicle stalled and started rolling backwards. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle then slowly rolled back off the road and struck a small tree. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was restarted after an hour and half. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving 10 MPH on another occasion and was able to restart after 15 minutes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the fault codes were cleared; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where DTC: P0301 was retrieved. The dealer diagnosed that cylinder #1 had a misfire due to the valve cover gasket leaking oil into cylinder #1. The dealer determined that the valve cover gasket, the spark plugs, and the oil filter needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer recommended an engine restoration and fuel induction service. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

• 12/02/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  I am reporting a recurring safety issue involving engine stalling in active traffic due to excessive oil loss and internal component failure. This has occurred three times within approximately 12,000 miles and has created dangerous conditions for my family, including my 2.5 year old child who rides in the vehicle. Summary of incidents: • May 15, 2025 – 61,736 miles: Vehicle stalled in traffic and lost acceleration. Dealership confirmed abnormal noise and low oil, but no oil consumption test was ordered. • Fall 2025 – 66,448 miles: Vehicle stalled and died on the highway. Diagnosis showed broken camshaft timing components. Service invoice states the engine oil system was too low and caused internal failures. Major timing components replaced. • October 30, 2025 – 69,175 miles: Vehicle stalled in traffic again. Oil was low after only 2,727 miles since previous repair. Dealer advised oil consumption test after another 1,000 miles, but I do not feel the vehicle is safe to drive due to repeated stalling and internal failures. At the most recent incident the dealership confirmed the oil level was again low, but did not identify the cause or perform consumption testing until after repeated failures. These repeated stall events are serious safety hazards and could result in a collision or injury. I have lost confidence in the safety of the vehicle. Based on consultation with an experienced engine mechanic, underlying internal damage from oil starvation is likely and may indicate piston ring or engine defect consistent with known Hyundai/Kia oil consumption issues. Hyundai has declined to provide a buyback or full repair solution and the vehicle continues to demonstrate dangerous conditions. We have purchased a full warranty for the engine but warranty company will not cover it as they are saying this is a pistons issue - wear and tear. I am requesting NHTSA investigation and assistance to ensure this defect is addressed before someone is injured.

• 12/02/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Sunroof on Hyundai Kona spontaneously exploded in cold weather driving on the freeway early in the morning after being parked in the warm garage overnight. Read about a class action lawsuit for Hyundai panoramic sunroofs but Kona is a standard sunroof; however, cases seem the same in terms of spontaneous explosion.

• 12/01/2025· ENGINE

  I'm the owner of a 2019 Hyundai Kona (US spec) imported to Poland. The VIN is included in recall 21V-301 (fire risk). The engine showed symptoms consistent with this defect and failed at 44,000 miles. Photos confirm cylinder damage. Following Hyundai Motor America (HMA) instructions, I completed diagnostics at an authorized Hyundai service center in Poland. Results: error P0366, compression 2–3 bar. HMA refused to accept these documents, demanding a specific “Repair Order” format, which European dealers cannot issue. No real coordination with regional offices occurred, making compliance impossible. HMA then issued a warranty-related denial (not requested), citing salvage status, although it is irrelevant to the mandatory recall remedy. HMA also stated diagnostics must be done in the USA, which is impossible for a non-operational vehicle located in Poland. At the same time, Hyundai Motor Poland provided incorrect information (claiming two total-loss incidents instead of one) and advised dealers not to perform any work. As a result, Hyundai service centers in Poland refused further diagnostics and repairs, blocking access to the recall remedy. The manufacturer provided no feasible path to obtain the remedy and created barriers that made the recall effectively inaccessible. I also incurred unnecessary diagnostic costs. I request that NHTSA review HMA’s actions under campaign 21V-301 regarding my VIN, assess the creation of barriers preventing remedy access, evaluate Hyundai’s refusal to provide a feasible solution, and determine whether Hyundai fulfilled its obligations to ensure remedy accessibility for an owner located outside the USA. Additional evidence and a detailed timeline are attached. Details are provided in the attached file COMPLAINT.pdf.

• 11/29/2021· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred three times while driving that same day. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with a rental. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000. The VIN was not available.

• 11/25/2022· ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  Rad bearing defect. Engine needs to be replaced.

• 11/21/2019· AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrashFire

  UPON COLLISION (FRONT END) AT ABOUT 35 MPH THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES AND CONTINUED TO BURN UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP. IN ADDITION, THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM. DRIVER'S CLAVICLE WAS FRACTURED AND DISPLACED UPON IMPACT.

• 11/19/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HYUNDAI KONA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM SUDDENLY ACTIVATED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ABRUPTLY SLOW DOWN. ALSO, WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATED AND THE DOORS WOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHEN SWITCHING TO THE DRIVE POSITION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. JIM BURKE HYUNDAI (4445 13TH ST NORTH, BIRMINGHAM, AL) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

• 11/17/2021· AIR BAGSCrash

  I was in a bad wreck on November 15th 2021 about 8pm I have pictures of car and air bags did not deploy was wondering because I thought as much damage they should have

• 11/13/2022· ENGINE

  Vehicle is burning oil at a rapid pace. Vehicle could catch fire or stall out due to the burning oil inside the engine. Problem is consistent with adding oil regularly in between changes. Vehicle has not been inspected, but will be in the near future. No warning lamps, but oil dip stick is always low

• 11/09/2022· ENGINE

  The contact’s mother owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that her mother was able to restart the vehicle; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle stalled again. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

• 11/02/2024· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  As I was driving home, my Kona started slowing down until it totally stopped. I tried the the gas pedal again but it didn’t move, electrical was on, no warning lights. I turned my Kona off, turned it back on again and drove the rest of way home. I was lucky I was on an empty road no other cars behind me as I drive everyday to and from work. I called Hyundai dealer next morning about the problem ,he did asked if I had heard a knocking sound. I said yes ,the week or so I heard a knocking sound twice but not for long, seemed to have disappeared. I didn’t want to drive the car to the dealer afraid it would stop on the highway so I had it towed. Service person said he would check if it is under warranty but there is no recall on my Kona.

• 11/01/2024· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  One day after I filled my gas tank, I noticed a strong gasoline smell outside the car. The next morning, I noticed a huge puddle on the pavement under the fuel tank. At least a gallon of gasoline must have leaked out overnight while the car was parked. I also noticed that gasoline continued to drip down from the fuel tank to the ground. I then had the car towed to the mechanic and they discovered a crack in the mounting flange on the top of the plastic fuel pump. The car was not in a collision and there was no external force that could have caused the fuel pump to crack and leak.

• 10/31/2024· ENGINE

  In line with NHTSA recall notice 21V301000, affecting 2019 Hyundai Kona's for piston oil ring defects, I believe the Date of Manufacture (DoM) range should be extended. Currently, the recall notice indicates vehicles manufactured between 11/2/2018 and 9/1/2020 are impacted, however my vehicle, with the indicated VIN, was manufactured 10/31/2018, two days before the indicated start date on this recall notice. My vehicle has been experiencing many of the same indicated symptoms of the faulty piston oil ring, such as abnormal knocking/rattling from the engine during acceleration, hesitation and engine dying randomly (while in motion), and significant oil consumption (half of the engine's capacity in just 2-3K miles. Given the symptom matches and the fact that my vehicle's DoM is within 2 days of the indicated recall start point, I believe it should be included in the above mentioned recall notice.

• 10/26/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  My Kona has been stalling/hesitating when accelerating. It has been happening for a little over a year. It got very bad and the check engine light came on. I had it towed to Hyundai dealership and they said it was the fuel injectors so I paid to have those replaced, they said my warranty didn’t cover it. Replacing the fuel injectors made the car drivable but it was still stalling/hesitating but Hyundai said it was working properly. So I took it home. I have been driving it and it just keeps stalling and hesitating more and more. It is stalling and hesitating and has lack of power when I try to accelerate. I am afraid one day I’ll stall in traffic and get hit or cause an accident. I have also just realized my Kona has been using excessive oil. I just had an oil change mid August and today had to add at least 3 quarts. Even when I had my oil changed, the shop said I barely had maybe a quart in there, when it was just changed in May. We do not see any oil leaking out from anywhere. I have no choice but to use it to get around and Hyundai said it was working properly. I have recently looked online and I seen a lot of other owners reported the same issues. I have contacted Hyundai but they say theres nothing they can do. I am not sure where to go from here.

• 10/21/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  Speedometer is not measuring correctly to the actual speed of car. Was actually driving about 15 mph faster than found on the analog gauge without knowing. The dealer confirmed that speedometer was reading 15 MPH under the actual speed of the car. Do not now if the car component was inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance or others. There was no warning presented by the car of the defect. Only that my son told me that according to the digital speed signs on the street we were going to fast. the car was turned in for repair of speedometer R.O. OPENED date 26MAY20 and returned fixed on READY,12JUN20. Now I have returned the car for repair with same problem 2 weeks from today approximate. CAR still not repaired, no reply from dealer.

• 10/19/2022· ENGINE

  Vehicle only has 30000 miles was driving on the highway. When the engine started making a loud clapping, tapping noise pulled of the exit and the car totally turned off. So I thought the starter failed. But after further inspection saw that a metal rod from inside the engine broke through and sheared off the cables behind the starter as well.. its the same description that other kona owners with the 2.0L version describe " catastrophic engine failure " same noise same everything but I owe the 1.6L version. In the photos you see the back of the starter and the cut cables to the left of the pic. And to the right rear of the pic you see the sheared metal rod that broke through the engine. And cut the cables that go into the starter.... We were going to the hospital to see my son when it happened. He was in the hospital for 1yr since then he has passed. I finally was able to send in my car to the dealership. Where it has been for the last 4 1/2 months with no resolve.

• 10/18/2025· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  The fuel system appears to have a small leak from either a bad seal or a problem fuel line.

• 10/15/2022· ENGINE

  while driving, oil began to pour into the exhaust system and the engine stopped starting

• 10/12/2025· ENGINE

  My vehicle turns off while driving, which has almost cost mine and my child's life twice on the highway and once inside a roundabout. It often happens after acceleration and slight braking soon after, RPM goes to zero and a few dash lights come on. I am completely unable to accelerate, have to coast to a full stop until I can brake and put it into park and then push to start again. I'm sure you can see how absolutely life threatening this situation is when it happens in moving traffic! I have replaced spark plugs, ignition coils, all fuel injectors, camshaft sensor. The mechanic cannot get it to replicate the problem when he has it as it does not happen every time but I see that this is a COMMON problem with Hyundai. After all above repairs, this problem persists and I have no direction as to how to remedy this, but driving this vehicle now has me completely anxiety ridden and terrified for my life.

• 10/12/2025· ENGINE

  Burning oil faster than normal

• 10/09/2025· ENGINE

  I own a 2019 Hyundai Kona with around 110,000 miles. The vehicle has been consuming an excessive amount of engine oil, approximately one quart every 1,000 miles. I first noticed the issue around 80,000 miles when oil levels began dropping significantly between oil changes. The problem has worsened over time, and during a long family road trip, I had to add a total of about 8 quarts of oil just to keep the engine from running dry. I took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership for an official oil consumption test, which confirmed the loss rate (1 quart per 1,000 miles). However, Hyundai Motor America stated that this level of oil consumption is "within factory specifications" and denied any repair or assistance. This seems unreasonably high for a modern engine and creates both a safety concern (risk of running low on oil during travel) and a financial burden (frequent oil top-offs between changes). I am concerned this may indicate a defect similar to oil consumption issues seen in other Hyundai and Kia engines.

• 10/06/2021· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

• 09/30/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  Check 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.

• 09/29/2023· AIR BAGSCrash

  The air bags didn’t deploy

• 09/28/2019· POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  WHEN LEAVING HOME THE VEHICLE HAD LITTLE ACCELERATION AND POOR SHIFTING. TOOK TOO MUCH TIME MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. AFTER CONTACTING THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP THE PROBLEM CLEARED UP AS IT HAD DONE BEFORE. DROVE TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. OBDII CODE READ P0193.

• 09/10/2019· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  LITTLE TO NO ACCELERATION WHEN GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED WHILE IN MOTION. LOSS OF POWER WOULD SUDDENLY OCCUR. TRANSMISSION WOULD NO LONGER SHIFT PROPERLY. THIS HAS OCCURRED TWICE SINCE NEWLY PURCHASED MAY 31, 2019. FUEL INJECTOR WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED AFTER THE FIRST OCCURRENCE. PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED AFTER THE SECOND OCCURRENCE.

• 09/09/2025· POWER TRAIN

  Engine light blinking. Code P1327

• 09/09/2021· ENGINEFire

  The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph a knocking noise and burning odor was present coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The VIN look-up confirmed the vehicle was listed in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21v301000 (engine).The failure mileage was 70,000.

• 09/07/2026· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  My 2019 Hyundai Kona SE (2.0L Nu MPI/Atkinson engine) was previously subject to NHTSA Recall 21V301000 (Hyundai Recall 203) for defective piston oil rings that can chip and cause accelerated oil consumption, engine knocking, and stalling. That recall's remedy was performed under a prior owner in December 2021. In November 2025, a Hyundai dealership installed a Cylinder Noise Diagnostic System (CNDS) software update (Service Campaign 974) specifically meant to detect this defect's vibration signature before it causes engine damage. Approximately 7,000-8,000 miles and about nine months after that software update, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly while being driven on two separate occasions, with no check-engine light or other warning beforehand. A third stall left the vehicle unable to restart. It was towed to a service station, which found no engine oil and no external leak. A Hyundai dealership subsequently diagnosed cracked valves that allowed approximately 5 quarts of oil to burn through the engine, and determined the engine requires complete replacement. This is the same failure mode (oil consumption/engine damage leading to stalling) that the original recall and the 2025 software update were both meant to prevent, and the software gave no advance warning before the stalling occurred. The vehicle and dealership diagnosis are available for inspection upon request.

• 09/07/2023· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and accelerating to merge onto the highway, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled off the road and was able to restart the vehicle on the first attempt. The contact continued driving but became aware that the engine was making an abnormal sound and was laboring while attempting to accelerate. The contact checked the oil level after arriving to his destination and became aware that the oil level was low. The vehicle was taken for an oil change and then taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic found no failure or an oil leak. The contact called another independent mechanic who related the engine failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

• 09/06/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle then stalled. The contact pulled over and waited approximately 20 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had occurred at various speeds. The contact stated that the check engine warning light only recently illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had to be taken for an oil change monthly. The contact stated that there was no indication of an oil leak on the driveway. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

• 09/05/2022· LANE DEPARTURE

  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.

• 09/03/2023· STRUCTURE

  The paint is peeling right now.

• 09/02/2025· AIR BAGSCrash

  I would like to file a complaint regarding a major problem with our 2019 Hyundai Kona. We currently have Case #[XXX] opened with Hyundai Corporate Customer Care [XXX] ) but are having major problems getting this air bag issue resolved as it is currently an “unrecalled vehicle,” but having the same issue with air bags as a very recent recalled vehicle list and there is a current class action lawsuit. The car was in a minor rear end accident when major air bag issues were discovered not due to the accident. We were told to file a supplemental claim with our insurance company but as to no surprise to us it was denied because it had nothing to do with this car’s air bag issues. I have included the timeline and pertinent info on this car. It is currently outside the warranty period by date only. The vehicle has less than 58,000 miles on it. The vehicle’s air bag light was not illuminated until after the accident otherwise we would have resolved the issue right away The car has been at Hyundai Glassman in Southfield, Mi., for over 2 months while we have tried to get this resolved as the repair estimate is close to $9000.00. Please review attached. Thank you! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 08/31/2021· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated she was informed at the service inspection that her vehicle was low on engine oil however, the oil had recently been refilled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the oil plug was loose. The dealer refilled the engine oil. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring and the vehicle was using a third of the engine oil every 1,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer (Texoma Hyundai 2500 Texoma Pkwy, Sherman, TX 75090) who test drove the vehicle and diagnosed that no issues were found. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 58,200.

• 08/30/2024· ENGINE

  My engine seems to have failed due to bad oil piston rings and Hyundai/ the dealership refused to look at it for that and denied my claim. Almost 3 weeks ago, my check engine light came on after (solid) after getting gas. It was running fine and I had an oil change appointment that Saturday so it should be good (I had a coupon expiring, so I was taking it in like 400 miles early for it's oil change). The car started losing a little bit power throughout the week- it didn't have the get up and go it usually does. On Saturday, first thing in the morning, on my way to my 8 am oil change, my car started a little rough (it had never done that before). I drive like 5 miles, then all of a sudden my car stutters, 2 blocks later dies, it restarted fine, but made a horrible noise. I drove it the block to the oil change place and my car was completely out of oil. No oil light ever came on and I have never been less than a quart (more than acceptable) at an oil change. There was no visible oil leak in my parking spot. It was towed to the dealership and the engine is blown. There has never been any visible oil leak and I have all records on carfax imputed by the mechanics.

• 08/28/2024· ENGINE

  My vehicle starting stalling when driving at low speeds. It goes completely idle, I have to put it in park and restart the car. This happens when I am turning, have to slow down for traffic, etc. No engine light came on when this first started happening a few months ago, but now an engine light has popped on. It is available for inspection.

• 08/26/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  Transmission need to be replaced.

• 08/23/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE

  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

• 08/20/2021· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with a misfire. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer Safford Hyundai of Springfield (7615 Loisdale Rd A, Springfield, VA 22150, (703)776-9040) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the service light needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) after the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was 20,000.