Hyundai Kona years to avoid and best years
Newer Hyundai Kona years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2020 has the most complaints per year, at 29 (158 complaints). 2019 through 2024 are in that same range. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 5 (from 75 complaints), 2019 at 15 (from 191 complaints), and 2024 at 17 (from 51 complaints). The Hyundai Kona 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2020 Hyundai Kona, 84 of 158 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
2018
2019
2024
2025–26
Hyundai Kona reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Hyundai Kona. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | 28.5 |
| 2025 → Too early | 14 | 28 | 1 | Electrical system | 56.4 |
| 2024 → Fewest | 17 | 51 | 4 | Electrical system | 50.6 |
| 2023 → | 18 | 65 | 1 | Electrical system | 44.3 |
| 2022 → | 21 | 98 | 0 | Engine | 44.3 |
| 2021 → | 18 | 116 | 1 | Engine | 46.8 |
| 2020 → Most | 29 | 158 | 2 | Engine | 47 |
| 2019 → Fewest | 15 | 191 | 1 | Engine | 46.8 |
| 2018 → Fewest | 5 | 75 | 0 | Engine | 28.5 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.0L); 5W-30 (1.6L turbo where equipped) · 4.2 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 215/55R17 to 235/45R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 21V301000. 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. 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. 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.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.0L and turbo where equipped)
- Tire size
- 215/60R17 to 235/45R19 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 23V650000. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Kona vehicles. The seat belt assemblies in the right and left rear seats may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupation Crash Protection" and 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies." A seat belt that does not function properly may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 21, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 250.
Frequently asked questions
Which Hyundai Kona years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2018 at 5 (from 75 complaints), 2019 at 15 (from 191 complaints), and 2024 at 17 (from 51 complaints).
Which Hyundai Kona year has the most owner complaints?
2020 has the most complaints per year, at 29 (158 complaints). 2019 through 2024 are in that same range. On the 2020 Hyundai Kona, 84 of 158 complaints name Engine.
How do Hyundai Kona owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Hyundai Kona years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Hyundai Kona years are too early to compare?
The Hyundai Kona 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a Hyundai Kona take?
OS (2018-2023): 0W-20 for the 2.0L; 5W-30 for the 1.6L turbo where equipped. SX2 (2024-on): 0W-20 for 2.0L and turbo where equipped. Confirm the manual.
What does NHTSA campaign 21V301000 cover on the Kona?
Certain 2019-2021 Kona (with Elantra and Veloster) with 2.0L Nu MPI engines: piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
When did the second-generation Kona start in the US?
Model year 2024 (SX2 generation on this site).