Verdict
2021 Hyundai Kona: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2021 Hyundai Kona — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
More reported complaints than most SUV.
Owners filed 138 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 71% of 2021 SUVs. Engine leads the reports (41%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2021 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
138
Reports to NHTSA, 2021
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
30
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 71% of 2021 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2021 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Engine issues lead owner complaints (41% of 138 reports), followed by unknown or other (17%).
+ 9 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 138 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11749283, ODI 11747397, ODI 11729419, ODI 11728721, ODI 11728953.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Engine · 21V301000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
1 NHTSA investigation on record
Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.
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.
Crash-test ratings
2021 Hyundai Kona SUV AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2021 Hyundai Kona SUV FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kona Electric | — | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 132 | 108 | 120 |
| Kona FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 27 | 33 | 30 |
| Kona FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM7) | 28 | 32 | 30 |
| Kona AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 25 | 30 | 27 |
| Kona AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM7) | 26 | 29 | 27 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2021 Hyundai Kona: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
Owners filed 138 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Kona — more complaints than 71% of comparable 2021 SUVs, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
The most-reported problem areas are Engine (41% of complaints) and unknown or other (17%).
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Kona have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2021 Hyundai Kona, covering components such as engine. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Hyundai Kona get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Hyundai Kona between 27 and 120 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.