2021 Hyundai Kona problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (61) · Power Train (12) · Vehicle Speed Control (4)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Hyundai Kona model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
29 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (1)
Engine 2021-04-28 · campaign 21V301000 · 158,493 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (71)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2026-10-27 · 26-GI-003H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin provides information related to the navigation and head unit software changes introduced in the 2026 2nd navigation map and software update. the changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system. refer to the 2026 2nd navigation map and software update key improv
Back Over Prevention: Warnings 2026-10-15 · 26-GI-004H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some hyundai vehicles may be equipped with a parking distance warning (pdw) sensor(s) that may trigger various dtcs and display warning messages on the instrument cluster, resulting in the pdw sensor(s) failing to detect nearby objects or triggering multiple false alarms. this condition may be a res
Engine 2026-10-08 · 26-EM-016H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. this bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles diagnosed with this condition. all internal combustion engines consume some engine oil during normal operatio
Engine 2026-10-07 · 26-EM-015H TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. this bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles exhibiting this condition. all internal combustion engines consume engine oil as part of normal engine operatio
Engine 2026-09-22 · 9D1 OL · Service Campaign
hyundai has become aware that certain kona vehicles equipped with 1.6t-gdi engines may not meet engine-out nox (nitrogen oxides) and particulate matter (pm) emission standards.
Engine 2026-08-21 · 26-01-027H DN · Service Campaign
certain kona (os) vehicles equipped with the 1.6t-gdi engine may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions that may not meet engine-out nox (nitrogen oxides) and particulate matter (pm) emission standards.
Showing the 6 most recent of 71 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-10-13 · Unknown Or Other“my 2021 kona has undergone five separate oil consumption checks. the engine is depleting oil at an abnormal rate, creating a clear risk of sudden catastrophic engine failure and highway stalling. dealership service personnel have repeatedly dismissed consumption data despite documented top-offs between 500 and 1,000 miles. furthermore, this vehicle…”
2026-10-05 · Fuel/Propulsion System“all 4 fuel injectors failed. they were replaced but the check engine light came back on. crank shaft sensor was then replaced and now the check engine light is back on. driving the car waiting for something to fail is not safe…”
2026-10-02 · Engine“my exact engine was as in a recall but not my car which failed prematurely at 84,000. i have taken extensive maintenance in the car in the for the past 2 years. hyundai made me pay to tow my car to a dealership denied me for a goodwill replacement with the same exact problems as the same exact recalled engine and stuck me with the bill. …”
2026-09-30 · Engine“ my 2021 kona limited 1.6l turbo is consuming oil so rapidly that the low oil pressure light has activated on the highway, creating a sudden risk of stalling and engine failure, that the dealership and hyundai are declining service. according to research, when your oil pressure light flashes, your engine is moments away from locking up. if that ha…”
2026-09-11 · Engine“"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 absolutely no external leaks …”
2026-08-21 · Engine“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 leakage. the original failed eng…”
2026-08-18 · Engine“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 added. vehicle restarted and was …”
2026-07-22 · Electrical System:horn · 60,000 mi“the contact owns a 2021 hyundai kona. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the horn button was depressed but was inoperable. the dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. the contact was informed that the horn needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the…”
2026-07-09 · Engine · 85,000 mi“the contact owns a 2021 hyundai kona. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 mph while making a turn, the vehicle stalled. several warning lights illuminated but turned off after the vehicle was restarted. the contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. the contact stated that several independent mechanics were notifi…”
2026-06-30 · Fuel/Propulsion System“low speed hesitancy and shuddering. car has lost power when driving at 55 mph. car does not want to move at very slow speeds as in a parking garage. it hesitates and starts to roll backwards. …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.