2020 Hyundai Kona Electric

2020 Hyundai Kona Electric

Electric SUV · FWD

258 mi 5 recalls 170 complaints
55 /100
TrimIndex Score

Based on battery health, build quality, owner data, EPA range, and market pricing

Below average for 2020 EV Compact SUVs (class avg 61)

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TrimIndex Intelligence
Synthesized today · v2.4
143 NHTSA Complaints 2 need attention
2 Active Recalls
3 Reddit Threads r/electricvehicles
23 Forum Excerpts avg -0.11 sentiment

Vehicle caught fire in 2026; recall fire risk confirmed. A 2020 Kona caught fire while parked on 3/29/2026, burning completely in 8 minutes. NHTSA recall 21V301000 lists fire as a consequence, and fire risk complaints span 2021 to 2026.

AEB false activation caused a crash; airbags failed twice. AEB engaged at 20 mph with no obstacle present, causing a crash (complaint 11421832, severity 5). Side curtain airbags failed to deploy in 2 separate collisions with confirmed passenger injuries.

J.D. Power score 26 points above TrimIndex composite. J.D. Power Consumer Verified score of 81 diverges 26 points above TrimIndex composite of 55. This gap suggests independent owner survey data weighs usage experience more favorably than NHTSA complaint density.

Front suspension cracking spans multiple independent forum reports. Front strut cracking appears in 3 independent reports within hyundaikonaforum. At 30,000 miles, 1 owner confirmed both front struts replaced under warranty; others report dealer denial after multiple visits.

Software & Tech leads all dimensions at 88. OTA update capability is confirmed on the 2020 Kona; 3 forum excerpts document successful updates resolving Android Auto connectivity issues. Software & Tech scores 88—highest of all 6 dimensions.

Full Synthesis

The 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric scores 55/100 composite, with two critical flags: a documented vehicle fire in March 2026 tied to an open recall consequence citing fire and stall risk, and AEB false activations that caused a crash with no airbag deployment. Battery health (52) and value (20) are weak dimensions; range efficiency (48) ranks below the 87% class real-world retention benchmark. Software & Tech stands out at 88, with OTA update capability confirmed in owner forums. J.D. Power's 81 Consumer Verified score sits 26 points above TrimIndex, suggesting owner satisfaction in use outpaces the NHTSA complaint record. At KBB fair of $12,800—40% below MSRP—the discount reflects known reliability risk. Verify all open recalls and secure a battery health report before purchase.

Analyzed by TrimIndex Data Engine · Scoring methodology →

Pricing & Market Value

Original MSRP $21,475 When new (2020)
Current Market Value $11,492 – $19,623 Composite from KBB & J.D. Power
▼ 9 – 46% high depreciation loss
KBB
Fair Purchase Price
$12,800
81
J.D. Power
Consumer Verified™
$15,558 Verified Fair Price

Score Breakdown

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Your Score
55
/100
Battery Health
52
Weight25%
Owner Satisfaction
61
Weight20%
Build Quality
72
Weight15%
Value
20
Weight15%
Range & Efficiency
48
Weight15%
Software & Tech
88
Weight10%

Vehicle Specifications

258
miles
EPA Range
27.5
kWh/100mi
Efficiency
FWD
 
Drivetrain

NHTSA Recalls (5)

DO NOT
DRIVE
Feb 2021
Electrical System — Propulsion System — Traction Battery
Campaign #21V127000

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric and 2020 Ioniq Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.

An electrical short in the Li-ion battery increases the risk of a fire.

Check VIN status at NHTSA.gov
DO NOT
DRIVE
Oct 2020
Electrical System — Propulsion System — Traction Battery — Management System — Energy Control Module (Bms — Becm) — Software
Campaign #20V630000

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.

An electrical short in the Li-ion battery increases the risk of a fire.

Check VIN status at NHTSA.gov
Apr 2021
Engine
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.

Check VIN status at NHTSA.gov
Nov 2020
Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Power Assist — Electric — Control Module — Software
Campaign #20V748000

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Nexo Fuel Cell and 2019-2021 Kona Electric vehicles. The Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system may detect an abnormal sensor signal and as a result, may significantly reduce braking performance.

Reduced braking power could lengthen the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Check VIN status at NHTSA.gov
Jan 2020
Equipment — Other — Labels
Campaign #20V022000

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Kona vehicles. The certification label may indicate incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 567, "Certification" and 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

An incorrect GAWR could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.

Check VIN status at NHTSA.gov

NHTSA Complaints (170 total)

109
Battery
27
25
Safety
7
Build Quality

Severity: 1 cosmetic  ·  2 minor  ·  3 repeat visit  ·  4 stranding  ·  5 crash / injury

5
Safety
Mar 31
On 3/29/26 my Kona caught fire while parked in the front left side of the engine and burned completely within eight minutes. This is not an electric car. Prior to that I drove the car all day with no incident. It was later in the evening around 5:40 PM. I had driven from my house to a restaurant which is about 6.8 miles from my house. I parked my car and then my son-in-law noticed that my engine was smoking. My husband went to check to see if it was the radiator, but he noticed that it was fire and we called [XXX] . I know there are no recalls for my car, but I wanted to report it to you. The car only had 44,900 miles on it and was only serviced by West Nyack Hyundai. The last service was on 1/19/26. If you have any questions, you can email me at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
5
Safety
Jun 21
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH, the AEB system inadvertently engaged causing the vehicle to decelerate and accelerate on its own. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated several warning lights were illuminated and there was smoke coming from the hood. The contact sustained injuries on the neck and shoulder but did not seek medical assistance at the time. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, then to the dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not provide assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000. Vehicle is a lease. Consumer had numerous issues.
Crash involved
4
Safety
Oct 13
Car keeps stalling no matter what speed you're driving. Took the car to NTB and they said nothing is wrong with it. It continues to happen even in busy highways where someone almost ran into the back of me. Not safe to drive. Concerned as numerous forums suggest this is a problem with 2019-2021 Hyundai Konas.
4
Safety
Apr 26
I was hearing a weird sound when turning the steering wheel and it reminded me of the same noise that happened before in March 2020 when the column and housing (part number 56390-39000)as well as bolt-safety lock (part number 81919-31000) were replaced at Boulder Hyundai (now called Foundation). This was covered under warranty then as the mileage was 24,928. The notes say: Customer states that there is a sound when turning the wheel. Technician confirmed customer complaint. Sound coming from steering wheel described as “growling”. Found TSB that states if sound is heard to remove and replace steering housing and assembly. Technician removed and replaced steering wheel column and assembly. Test drove to ensure proper operation. All is okay. When this happened again I told Manly Hyundai, and the service advisor said it was the worm gear. However I still had to pay for a diagnosis and repair ($225.09). If this is common, and there is a TSB, I’m very disappointed with what has happened (again I believe). The notes say: Confirmed noise at steering column. Worm shaft bearing noise. Recommend replacing small bearing kit as per TSB 22-ST-005H-1. Replaced worm shaft bearing as per previous diagnosis. Removed old component. Installed new bearing. OK at this time. Noise gone. [Part number ?56359-L1AAAFFF Bearing Kit, also has 84586.] The Kona now has 84,580 + miles. I don’t know how serious the problem is but I knew the sound wasn’t right and I don’t want the steering to fail. I really don’t want this to happen again. Your attention to this is appreciated. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
4
Safety
Mar 24
TRYING TO PULL OFF THE FREE WAY TO THE RIGHT AND IT DECIDED TO GO LEFT IN FRONT OF A TRUCK. IT LIKES TO TAKE CONTROL. SCARY. I HAVE NOT HAD THE CAR EVEN 2 MONTHS.
4
Safety
Nov 10
Felt shudder and felt like transmission not catching, later a “ping” sound, then sounded like something dropped or hit (though didn’t see anything in front of me when driving) and then didn’t look behind as on interstate. Then the oil and engine lights and one other came on and the car lost power.
4
Safety
Oct 12
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact’s granddaughter stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle began to violently shake. The contact’s granddaughter pulled over but was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and was awaiting a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
4
Safety
Dec 10
TL* THE CONTACT'S CLIENT OWNS A 2020 HYUNDAI KONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLIENT WAS GONG THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND ANOTHER DRIVER RAN A RED LIGHT AND BROADSIDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. BOTH THE CLIENT AND HER PASSENGER WERE INJURED AND HAD TO BE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE DRIVER HAD NECK AND BACK PAINS AND HER RIGHT HAND HAD A BUMP. THE PASSENGER HAD HEAD AND NECK INJURIES AND HAD A BRAIN BLEED ISSUE AND HIP INJURIES. THE PASSENGER ALSO HAD A KNOT ON THE SIDE OF HER HEAD. THE OTHER DRIVER HAD A SMALL CUT ON HIS ARM AND DID NOT HAVE TO BE TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE DRIVER;'S SIDE AIR BAG DID DEPLOY ON CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS BROADSIDE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE THEN SPUN AROUND AND HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE CLIENT 'S VEHICLE WAS TOTALED WITH DAMAGE ON THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE ENTIRE TRUNK WAS CRUSHED. THE BACK CORNER ON THE PASSENGER;S SIDE WAS DAMAGED AS WELL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FORM THE CRASH SCENE.THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.*DT
Crash involved
4
Safety
Dec 6
WHILE BRAKING FORWARD OR BACKING UP THEIR IS A CONTINUOUS SCRAPED NOISE AND IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT RAIN ,DRY ,HOT OR COLD WEATHER.IT MY NOISE WHILE BRAKING ALL THE TIME. IT STARTED AT 1,000 MILES AND NOW IT HAS 8,000 MILES.BROUGHT IT IN FEBRUARY 2020.TEST DRIVE ONE 6,000 AND NOISE WAS WORST.THEY SAID ALL OF THEM MAKE SAME NOISE.HELP
4
Safety
Nov 29
2020 HYUNDAI KONA. CONSUMER WAS IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT WHERE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED I AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER WAS SEVERELY INJURED. *JS*DT*JB
Crash involved
4
Safety
Nov 1
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 HYUNDAI KONA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT FLASHED ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT LOOKED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL AND BECAME AWARE OF A FAILURE OF THE ELECTRIC STEERING SYSTEM. THE MANUAL INSTRUCTED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PRIDE HYUNDAI OF SEEKONK (11 TAUNTON AVENUE, SEEKONK, MA 02771, (508) 336-7880 HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. ANOTHER DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE OR RETRIEVE A TROUBLE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,400.
4
Safety
Aug 6
WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR ON THE STREET AND FREEWAY I HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL IN PLACE SO I DON'T GO INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT HYDROPLANES AND SHIFTS ON THE FREEWAY. WHEN TURNING THE CAR SHIFTS AS WELL. THE CAR BOUNCES WHEN DRIVING AND ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP I HAVE TO PULL THE WHEEL SO THE CAR DOESN'T GO INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE CAR LAGS WHEN ACCELERATING. ONE TIRE WASN'T HOLDING AIR SO I TOOK IT TO THE TIRE CENTER TO HAVE IT FIXED. THE CAR DRIVES THIS WAY EVERYDAY.
4
Safety
Jul 28
WHILE DRIVING OVER 40MPH, VEHICLE WANDERS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT. THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING REQUIRES CONSTANT DRIVER INPUT TO CORRECT DIRECTION OF TRAVEL AND IS MOST EVIDENT ON STRAIGHT 4 LANE HIGHWAY, CONDITION WAS SHARED WITH HENDERSON (NEVADA)) HYUNDAI SUPERSTORE ON 20 MILE DRIVE. PURCHASED NEW 6/27/20
4
Safety
Mar 3
ON TUESDAY, MARCH 2020, I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A LOCAL CVS STORE SHORTLY AFTER 5 PM, ABOUT TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND SHIFT INTO PARK, WHEN MY 2020 HYUNDAI KONA SUDDENLY AND INEXPLICABLY ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE POLICEMAN, THEN THE CURB AND RAMMED INTO THE WALL OF CVS STORE. MY AIRBAG WAS ACTIVATED AND THE CAR ROLLED BACK AFTER THE IMPACT. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE WALL AND THE SHERIFFS DEPUTY WHO ARRIVED AFTER THE CAR'S EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED DID NOT MAKE A REPORT SINCE THE EMPLOYEES AT CVS DECLINED TO PRESS ANY CHARGES. MY VEHICLE SUSTAINED MEDIUM DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END, BUT WAS DRIVE-ABLE. I SUSTAINED A VERY STRONG BLOW TO MY UPPER CHEST AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS BREATHING. I TOOK PICTURES OF THE AREA BUT DID NOT GO TO A DOCTOR THE SAME EVENING. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING OVER 12 YEARS AND HAVE NOT HAD A SINGLE ACCIDENT OR EVEN A TICKET IN ALL THIS TIME AND I AM 100% CERTAIN I DID NOTHING WRONG!!! PLEASE RSVP ASAP !!! THANK YOU.
Crash involved
3
Battery
Apr 9
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that during a regular maintenance visit, the contact was informed that there was a leak coming from the front axle transfer case, which was initially unrepaired. The vehicle was subsequently taken to a dealer in Colorado, where the seal was replaced. However, while an oil change service was being performed later, it was discovered that the failure recurred because the previous repair was performed incorrectly. The first failure was for an inoperable seal, and the second failure was due to an improper repair. The third inspection confirmed that the seal had not been installed correctly during the prior service. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000.
3
Battery
Apr 5
Basically normal driving the car stalled. It slowed to a stall. I had to restart the car. This has happened a couple to times.
3
Battery
Mar 24
My car was taken in as a part of recall bulletin 203 for improperly heated piston rings treated pistons rings that result in premature engine failure and possible fire on 12/5/25. The knock sensor test was performed and the KSDS software was installed. On 3/12/26 my daughter who was on the way home from a trip called because her checking engine light started flashing and the engine was knocking. We had it towed to Hyundai and they are denying service under the recall stating improper codes yet one of the codes is P1327 KSDS detection which is related to the rod bearing failure the car currently has. They are trying to make me pay $4600 out of pocket plus the tow bill when this is directly related to the recall.
3
Battery
Mar 18
My 2020 Hyundai Kona (VIN: [XXX] ) has a persistent engine stalling safety defect that matches Recall 203 (22-01-042H, NHTSA Campaign 21V301000 – Nu 2.0L Atkinson Engine Inspection and Replacement). The recall addresses improperly heat-treated piston oil rings causing cylinder bore scuffing, accelerated oil consumption, abnormal knocking, and potential engine stall while driving (increasing crash/fire risk).I first brought the vehicle to Corona Hyundai for repeated stalling while driving. They performed the recall vibration inspection and software update (Campaign 974), stated the test passed, and declared the vehicle "fixed", safe and "good-to-go" Immediately after pickup, the stalling returned worse: approximately 60-80 miles later on XX near the XXX exit (four-lane high-speed highway), the engine completely stalled at 65 mph while merging for an exit. This caused vehicles and semi-trucks behind me to swerve dangerously and very nearly collide with me. The vehicle stalled four more times on the way to my destination in [XXX] .I then took it to the nearest dealer, Carlsbad Hyundai for safety reasons. They performed the vibration inspection again, which also "passed," yet the real-world symptoms would continue unchanged: accelerated oil consumption (I monitor the dipstick and refill regularly), sputtering, knocking noises, and complete engine stalls (dozens of incidents, especially on local roads and turns). The vehicle remains undrivable due to imminent stall risk while moving and putting myself, my passengers and other commuters at high risk of severe injury or death.Both dealers and Hyundai Customer Care (Case #XXX) have refused further action, stating the vibration test passed, they cannot duplicate the concern, and no additional claim can be submitted for engine replacement. Hyundai's TSB [XXX] requires only the vibration inspection; engine replacement is authorized if "NO PASS" – no separate oil consumption test or monitored drive INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.
3
Battery
Mar 10
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. While the contact’s son was driving the vehicle on the highway at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine and the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The gear shifter was shifted into neutral(N) and restarted; however, the engine failed shortly afterwards, and the vehicle was unable to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with piston rings failure and low engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, where it was confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the recall repair was already performed. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
3
Battery
Feb 2
many times a year, without warning, vehicle dash lights turn off and light up like a christmas tree, followed by fca warning sound and lights going off, and a loud mechanical thud. Lose engine throttle going highway speeds. This can occur at nearly any speed without warning. Car must be powered off and back on to get normalcy. This puts me, everyone in the car and everyone on the highway at risk. Dealership was not able to reproduce or pull error codes.
3
Battery
Jan 4
While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle’s dual-clutch transmission (DCT) failed to engage properly, causing a sudden and unexpected loss of propulsion. When the accelerator was pressed, the vehicle hesitated and did not respond as commanded, resulting in delayed or no acceleration. This occurred while driving in traffic at approximately 30 mph while trying to acceletate to merge onto highway and has happened multiple times. In some instances, the vehicle appeared to remain in gear but would not accelerate, and in other instances the transmission disengaged before re-engaging unpredictably. This created an unsafe situation, as the vehicle could not maintain speed or merge safely, significantly increasing the risk of a collision, especially in traffic or at intersections. The issue occurred without sufficient warning and continues to happen intermittently during normal driving.The vehicle was inspected by a dealership, which stated the condition is related to a clutch issue within the dual-clutch transmission and acknowledged it is a known issue affecting this transmission. The dealership further stated the issue would not be repaired because the vehicle is out of warranty.
3
Battery
Nov 16
the headlights in this model Kona keep burning out after 9 months or so. I have replaced them multiple times in the last 5 years on both left and right sides. I use glove to put in the bulbs and are very careful not to let my hands touch the bulb. I have never had this happen with any other car I have owned. I suspect an electrical system issue, or perhaps wiring, but that is speculation. I have not had this inspected by the dealership. The latest date of failure is listed below.
3
Battery
Nov 11
The timing system was repaired in February 2025. After similar symptoms of vehicle stalling, the check engine light came on Found a software update that needed to be completed to determine if engine needed replaced. Dealership has refused for seven weeks to complete the entire job of the update which includes running a diagnostic of codes. Instead, they have been arguing that the timing system needs replaced and not providing the codes from the safety software update. Obviously there's a much deeper issue if the timing system keeps breaking down.
3
Battery
Oct 26
Vehicle suddenly began shutting off upon braking and/or acceleration at any speed, idling very hard, and/or barely starting or dying immediately after starting and making a very loud whining noise while driving on an interstate. A mechanic ran a diagnostic test on it and determined that it was a P1327 code and recommended it be taken to dealership for full engine failure. This particular code was known by Hyundai to occur on certain models and years, including Kona 2019-2021, as early as 2022 and while a recall campaign was initiated, no recall to date has been issued. No warning indicators on dash occurred in advance or even after the vehicle began malfunctioning (i.e., no check engine indicator, etc.). Vehicle is available at dealership upon request.
3
Battery
Oct 26
The vehicle has ~51K miles. It has been maintained according to the manufacturer's recommended repair schedule. At low speeds (<10 mph) or when coming from a full stop the vehicle hard shifts. When driving up inclines at low speeds (<10 mph), the vehicle shakes and stutters on the verge of shutting off. This happened twice on [XXX]. I experienced a full vehicle shut off on [XXX} while the vehicle was stationary, but shifted into drive . In August, the vehicle stuttered and shook before shutting off. I have reported three instances of this issue to my local Hyundai dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
3
Battery
Oct 14
The engine shut down when the car stops at a red light or stop sign. There are metal shavings in the oil due to issues with the pistons.
3
Battery
Oct 2
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the turbocharger was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
3
Battery
Sep 28
I purchased a used 2020 Hyundai Kona with the Nu 2.0L engine. I drove the vehicle regularly without issue for several years, including two days before the incident. On the day of the incident, I attempted to start the vehicle but it ran irregularly. I shut off the vehicle after a few seconds and restarted. The vehicle stalled seconds after starting. On subsequent attempts it failed to start at all. I learned of Recall 203 (defective piston rings), which affects this model year and engine. I contacted Hyundai, who recommended I visit a dealer. Upon inspection, the dealer recommended engine replacement. Hyundai denied engine replacement under Recall 203, on the grounds that the recall was "closed" during an inspection in 2021 (prior to my ownership) despite the defective part not being replaced. This engine, with defective and recalled part, has now experienced sudden and unexpected failure. Hyundai has been uncooperative and I have been without a vehicle for nearly a month.
3
Battery
Sep 19
Ignition, speed and driving halts. I've had this Kona repaired a couple years ago and it took about 6-8mos to get my vehicle back, the this year 2025 the vehicle again is giving me problems. I thought of applying the lemon law however the week of the 6-8months being in the repair shop, I got the vehicle back, and the owner(mr. Crisostomo was very kind and understanding) so it made me be more patience nonetheless there's only so much he could do if he is not the one repairing the vehicle. I was offered carpets for my patience yet still have not gotten them and feel like a bother when I call to inquiry about them and it's not the service manager that I talk to , I feel otherwise. That could just be me, however I know good customer service if it's presence. For the actually year, I would need to check emails and records. But it's probably the year after so 2022 ( almost certain) now, This year, 2025.. I see that there is a recall that the dealership did not inform me. The vehicle is paid of last year, because I was going to relocate but that had changed. I found out about the recall cause my dad had died and step mother is using my other car so I'm using the Kona much more that 3 days a week. I keep dying out in one (1) day.. I died out twice. So I checked if there's a recall and there is. I would like my vehicle repurchased or credit for the amount purchased or I like a jeep 2 door ( is fine) as a recovery vehicle, thank you.
3
Battery
Sep 8
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the turbocharger, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was later examined by an independent mechanic who determined that the pistons were faulty. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 127,000.
3
Battery
Sep 7
2020 Hyundai Kona wirh 22,000 miles, original owner, great condition(except oil usage). First consumption test used 3/4 qt. in 1,000 miles. Seems convenient that Hyundai says 1 qt & the dealership came up with 3/4 so there is no problem. BULL! No oil light came on to warn of low oil.
3
Battery
Sep 7
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated there was a pinging sound inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a multi-point inspection, and it was confirmed that the oil level was extremely low. The contact stated that an oil consumption test was performed. The vehicle had consumed ¾ quarts of oil in a month. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to seek legal assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.
3
Battery
Sep 2
Car has extreme oil consumption and power stalls which are related to a recall in 2021 for bad poston rings which werent properly heat protected. I brought in and they said it was checked for recall but engine was never actually replaced. My warning lights come on for oil when this happens. My engine could either seize or I could lose power on highway. Car dealership laughed in my face when brought and told me id have to fork over 10k for a new engine which doesn't seem accurate considering Hyundai manufactured this vehicle with bad piston rings.
3
Battery
Aug 28
Vehicle showed these warning lights while stalling out at stop signs: FCA, ESC, and DBC. She was able to turn off the car and restart it. We took it to a Hyundai dealership and ran a diagnostic test where they found nothing wrong. They noticed her oil was low, so they topped it off. This was on a Monday. By Saturday, she had this issue again where she stalled out at a stoplight in the center lane of a 4 lane busy road and had to coast to a parking lot where she restarted the car. We then personally checked the oil again, she was almost out of oil!! We added more full synthetic oil. We googled the issue and saw other 2020 Kona's have this issue. I spoke with Hyundai Consumer Affairs to get advice but they said without any open recalls or extended warraties they couldn't help. They suggested the lengthy process of a repeated oil consumption test at the dealership. We are now taking it to an engine shop today (8-29-25) where he will try to put a syntheic blend in after taking out the full syntheic out. The mechanic said sometimes this helps the oil consumption. We will see how the car runs with the blend. He mentioned that his research shows older models had this issue and Hyundai replaced some engines.
3
Safety
Aug 21
The air conditioning system has a drain for condensation. If it gets plugged up, from debris, algae, etc., it accumulates and sprays it into the passenger cabin. In my auto it sprays considerable water onto the floor boards of both the driver side and passenger side. I encountered such spraying onto my right foot making it slip off the accelerator pad while turning left. While turning right it sprays onto the passenger side. This is an actual spray of water. The dealer reports this is an owner maintenance item. This is not addressed in owner manuals. A search of google issues shows this to be a very big issue. To issues exists. Water onto the accelerator and the brake pedal are safety issues. Wet carpeting causes mold. It is a very bad design.
3
Battery
Aug 11
The engine on my 2020 Hyundai Kona failed suddenly while driving, causing complete loss of power. There were no warning lights until after the failure. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership. Initially, the dealership stated the failure was related to an open recall from 2021 and warned that repairs might not be covered because the recall had not been completed. I sent them a written request outlining both NHTSA Recall 21V-301 (federally mandated) and Service Campaign 974, asking for documentation supporting their diagnosis and any communications with corporate. This request was ignored. Afterward, the dealership said they would replace the engine, but upon completion they recommended replacing certain bolts and hoses at my expense ($849), claiming that if I declined, any future related repairs would not be covered. When asked why these parts were not included in the repair or how their condition would void future coverage, I was told they were “normal wear” items not covered under warranty. No documentation or policy basis was provided. When asked whether the repair was processed under Recall 21V-301 or Campaign 974, they stated it was not tied to either and was filed under the powertrain warranty without corporate involvement. Multiple shop personnel had earlier confirmed verbally that the failed part matched the recall defect, but the service manager provided a different explanation and refused supporting documents. The dealership also claimed Recall 21V-301 was “completed” in October 2021 via a software update, despite the vehicle never having been at the dealership since purchase. No proof of recall completion or CNDS software installation was provided. The lack of evidence that Recall 21V-301 was properly remedied, the possibility of an improper closure in Hyundai’s system, and the fact that the failure matched the recall defect raise serious concerns about compliance with federal recall requirements. I am waiting for corporate to contact me also.
3
Battery
Aug 4
Back up camera had not worked since purchase. It is now August been dealing with the dealership and Hyundai National with a case number and zero help to rectify this issue. It is not my fault the sales man who sold me this car left two days later. anyone I speak to at the dealership, is not there again the next week. even hyundai usa are consistently unable to even get a manger to call me back. This is unacceptable. at this point any warranty is expired, this car was sold with a faulty camera.
3
Battery
Jul 31
I am the original owner of a 2020 Hyundai Kona equipped with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine. This engine has been subject to known manufacturing defects, including excessive oil consumption, timing component wear, and premature failure. Hyundai has acknowledged that my specific engine falls within the range of engines affected by this defect and has confirmed that it is part of a recall/service campaign group. However, Hyundai is refusing to repair or replace the engine because it passed a vibration test back in 2021. That test was performed over three years ago, and my vehicle is now experiencing major engine problems, including the activation of check engine light with code P0017, which refers to crankshaft-camshaft correlation issues — a known symptom of the engine defect. Hyundai is denying coverage based on a test that is now outdated and irrelevant, despite the fact that the engine is part of the known defect group and is showing signs of failure consistent with hundreds of similar cases. The vehicle is no longer under powertrain warranty, but the root cause of the failure is clearly related to the previously identified defect. Hyundai’s refusal to act puts me, and potentially others, at risk of sudden engine failure due to timing or lubrication problems. This is a potential safety issue if the engine stalls while driving. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Hyundai’s use of past vibration tests to deny coverage for active and dangerous engine defects. Owners like myself should not be penalized for a test performed years ago when clear evidence of failure now exists.
3
Battery
Jul 27
While driving on the highway, our vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating without warning, forcing us to pull over immediately. There were no warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms before the failure occurred. We had to stop on a narrow shoulder with no guardrails, leaving us exposed to fast-moving traffic and putting our safety at serious risk. The vehicle was inspected by a local dealership, who diagnosed the issue as a failed fuel injector. This component is available for inspection upon request. The problem has not been reproduced, but the diagnosis has been confirmed by the dealer.
3
Battery
Jul 2
I was driving when I heard a rattle below the car. About a mile later, my engine died. Turns out the oil plug fell out causing irreparable damage to my engine. Was fortunate to be able to coast down the bottom side of the bridge I was on to a safe spot off to the side.
3
Battery
Jun 22
Car is losing power. Car is stopping in the middle of the road. Car was towed to my Personal mechanic on June 21,2025 who has ran a diagnostic on vehicle & vehicle is throwing out an Engine Failure Code. Check Engine light is blinking ; car is making odd "knocking type" noises. First appeared June 20, 2025. Car is not safe to drive due to losing power. Vehicle is now being towed to the dealership (after multiple calls) and the loss of power is concerning/dangerous if vehicle looses power with traffic around. I feel I won't be able to get the vehicle and myself off the road safely before an accident/injury/fatality occurs. I will upload a copy of the diagnostic report
3
Battery
Mar 26
Recall 203 was done on vehicle immediately upon purchase in 2021. Recall 974 was done and CNDS software installed in 2022. Engine stalled and check engine light came on at the end of February. Took car in March 11th to the dealership was told that the engine would need to be replaced due to code P1327. Said there was piston noise. Told me none of it is covered and that I would be out of pocket almost $9,000.00 with a car that is 5 years old. Have a case open with Hyundai Consumer Affairs (Case#[XXX]) and have not heard anything back from them. I am needing to know if this should be covered. According to my research it should be. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
3
Battery
Mar 15
While driving the car it stalled and all dash lights came in. After about 20 mins it started back up and I proceeded down the road. After a few minutes the engine light came on blinking. I got the car to a local mechanic who placed it in the diagnostic machine. It came back code engine-pistons. I have a Hyandai 2020 Kona MPI-NU 2.0l engine but it was not included in the recall of the same vehicles.
3
Battery
Mar 9
My vehicle has a very rough idle-vibrating at idle or stopped and not shifting properly-gear slipping. There is sluggish acceleration or jerking and the problem worsens while at a stop light/stop sign or at times when making a turn. The RPM goes between 200-300 when I accelerate to go from a stop and the car revs as it slowly hits 20 mph and then jerks into the 30-40mph on the streets. I took it to the dealer January 2025 where they could not duplicate the concern, and all they did was a TCM judder improvement update for the DCT. The problem was dismissed as being an issue associated with the DCT and was told that unless a warning light turned on or my car broke down on me, they couldn't do anything more. The service representative advised that if I am in stop and go traffic and the car starts vibrating or shaking, I should pull over the side and turn off the car for a few minutes before continuing on my way. It has been less than 2 months and I have to take it back to the dealer so they can run diagnostics on it again. Same issues, no warning lights on the dashboard indicating there is a problem, but I am not comfortable driving the car anymore.
3
Battery
Feb 17
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The driver was unable to restart the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the mechanic had not diagnosed the vehicle; however, an oil change was performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning light remained constantly illuminated. The contact that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer and two software updates were performed as per the manufacturer recalls on the vehicle, but the contact was informed that the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) could not be performed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic related the engine warning light being illuminated with the unrepaired recall. The contact was referred to the dealer again for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
3
Battery
Feb 2
Vehicle has problems shifting between 1st and 2nd gear. Stutters and has issues accelerating. Has almost caused me to be hit while turning left against traffic. Was serviced at Hyundai dealership today and they cannot replicate the issue or find anything wrong and reprogrammed the clutch touch point engagement. It happened again on the way home.
3
Battery
Dec 13
Check engine light came on and car lost power while driving.
3
Battery
Sep 22
When stopped at a light, I hit the gas and the car just sputtered. The car jolted and did not move, finally, hit the gas again it was able to move. It has happen before. My roommate's Dad told me I need to keep track of problem and file a report. I was told the injectors needed to be cleaned. I put injector cleaner into it, It seem to help but it happened again. It seems the dealer just says something needs to be cleaned.
3
Battery
Apr 9
The vehicle shut down while I was driving approximately 40 mph on a major throughway out of town. I was unfamiliar with the area and had to quickly pull over into a resident's driveway. I immediately shut the vehicle down and tried to restart it. It would not turn over, so I waited a few minutes and tried again. The engine then made a noise that almost sounded like "I quit" and would not make any noise when I turned the key after that. I called a local tow company who towed it to Firestone Complete Auto Care which was the nearest open garage. After they ran their diagnostic, they said that the engine had seized and that there was no oil in the reserve. I never had any engine lights light up on the dashboard until the second the car stopped working, when they ALL came on. My mechanic friend says that these engines have computers that time stamp when the warning lights come on, so it will be interesting to know if they use that information. I have contacted Hyundai customer service and because we are not the original owners of the vehicle, they said the powertrain/engine is not covered under the 5 year/60k mile warranty from Hyundai. We do have an extended warranty through a 3rd party company, but they are giving us a difficult time too. We are still waiting to hear if they will cover the replacement of the engine. This is a HUGE safety risk because my vehicle gave no advanced warning that it was needing service/maintenance and just stopped functioning while I was driving. If I had been on a different street or in the middle of a turn, it could have resulted in injury/death of occupants of the vehicle. My oldest son is also just starting to drive. If he were driving this vehicle when this occurred, he may not have known what to do and could have been stranded in the middle of a busy highway, where an accident could have been imminent.
3
Battery
Mar 16
The issue is when I'm decelerating to around 5 mph and go to accelerate again, there is a horrible grinding sound from the transmission and I can no longer accelerate. I then have to stop and re accelerate. This is dangerous if there is a car coming and I pull out and have to stop all of a sudden. I have 2 separate videos of the issue. The dealership won't fix it under warranty because they can't replicate it. The dealership won't even take a look at anything.

Showing top 50 of 170 complaints (sorted by severity, most recent first). Full dataset available via NHTSA ODI search.

What Owners Are Saying

▲ +0.75Satisfaction

"“​I’ve always had a soft spot for the Kona but it’s never wowed me – until now. This new model is leagues ahead, in particular inside, which is now a much nicer place to be. It’s also super quiet and comfy.” “​I'm impressed with all the large car tech Hyundai has packed into the Kona. It comes with a three-pin Vehicle-to-Load socket, which lets you power an array of electrical appliances from your car. Handy for family days out or when you fancy a cuppa!” - Review - Range - Practicality - Performance - Pricing The Hyundai Kona Electric has two battery options, offering an official WLTP range of between 234 and 319 miles, while rapid charging speeds peak at just over 100kW."

— Electrifying · 2026
▲ +0.70Satisfaction

"Real-world tests—like this one from the UK—are far more useful. As are claims based on real-world use scenarios—like Lucid's claim that it can get well over 400 miles of range at California freeway speeds. _Green Car Reports_ likes the Kona Electric, and it was a finalist for our 2019 Best Car To Buy award. It might have been a winner if it would have been more widely available—something that may change for the better as Ioniq sprouts into a standalone EV brand. Electric Cars Hyundai Kona Electric News Hyundai News - Send us a tip - Comment - Contact the editor"

— Greencarreports · 2026
▲ +0.70Software

"The really good news is, that I can now turn off the speed limit dings with a simple press and hold of the volume button! Hopefully everyone else will have trouble free updates. dbrewood **Posts:** 52**Joined:** Wed Feb 14, 2024 3:56 pm**Location:** Manchester, UK - Quote - - Quote Post by **dbrewood** » Mon Sep 02, 2024 11:36 am"

— Konaforums · 2026
▲ +0.60Software

"DaveRus 2d ago Software Version: 26.3.1 OTA Update (Canada)") My 2024 Hyundai Kona just did it's first ever OTA update. I was prompted when I parked my car that it was available and it was able to update successfully. This is the first time my car has been able to perform an OTA update, as I have had to manually update my car through its USB port with a... 672imaddicted2u replied 20h ago Hyundai Kona Forum - the best place to talk about the new Hyundai Kona, the new city SUV and its upcoming Kia twin!"

— Hyundaikonaforum · 2026
▽ 0.80Battery

"Volvo EX30 recall can’t be solved by software It seems that Volvo is currently studying whether a software update will be sufficient to fix this issue or if a battery replacement is needed. What is the issue currently? Volvo has stated that the root cause lies in certain battery cells. Under specific conditions, abnormal lithium plating can occur on the anode surface. Over time, this plating can form dendritic structures, increasing the risk of internal short circuits, which may lead to thermal runaway. What software can do: \- detect internal resistance/impedance \- cell voltage deviation \- cell thermal behavior \- efficiency and charge acceptance \- less intrusive version of this BMS software installed for daily use These tools are effective at detecting cells that have already started to degrade abnormally. What physical inspection can do: \- external module inspection \- electrical insulation \- thermal imaging \- visual inspection However, physical inspection can only confirm observable defects. It cannot guarantee safety for latent, internally developing failures. The key limitation is that software detects manifestations, not root causes. For manufacturing-origin defects, risk cannot be “bandaged” indefinitely by software or monitoring. It is like monitoring a patient’s vital signs, distress can be detected but not congenital defect that can suddenly fail without warning. Chevrolet Bolt and Hyundai Kona went through these stages. \- diagnostic software \- physical inspection \- software monitoring \- module replacement \- entire pack replacement Based on precedents, it seems to cost roughly >$10k usd per vehicle on average for the battery replacement. Despite software mitigations, fires occurred even after updates were installed, leading regulators and manufacturers to conclude that software alone was insufficient."

— r/electricvehicles · 2026
▽ 0.80Build Quality

"I believe the problem is related to a casing where the drive shaft is mounted into the knuckle. Sadly, the dealer charged for all labour and parts. It's not under warranty anymore. Despite repeatedly asking to check, they assured me that they couldn't find any matching TSB for the problem. After reading some of the threads online, I'm not convinced about that. #14· Jan 16, 2025 There are maybe four possibilities in the Kona front suspension - top strut mount, lower balljoint, tie rod end, and the axle CV joint. I suppose the control arm bushings could creak but I don't think that was happening here. Wheel bearing could make a little noise but usually they whine or rumble all the time when they wear out. I would have said the CV joint was binding a little. If the car was low miles I'd say it was tight tolerances, just drive it b/c it'll loosen up. If it was old I'd say replace the axle or the outer CV joint if trying to save money. Top strut mounts usually creak just sitting still while turning the steering side to side. Tie rod ends and balljoints tend to fall by getting loose and the steering will wander. Left long enough and they'll creak and pop. Really dangerous if unaddressed long term."

— Hyundaikonaforum · 2026
▽ 0.80Build Quality

"#17· Sep 16, 2025 Hi. 2018 kona EV here. Same noise as user rn462 when steering left/right, so I asked the dealership to have a look. They couldn't explain it properly, but from their description it seems to be front knuckle assembly. Ordered new part and awaiting for dealer to call me back for replacement. Unfortunately it's a pretty expensive repair, estimated at some 2k euros (about the same in dollars). #18· Oct 15, 2025 Mostly not whole column is necessary for replacement. Cracking comes mostly from column bearing situated at the top of column. But to replace, its necessary to unmount column, release springs, exchange etc. Standard procedure - Arial - Book Antiqua - Courier New - Georgia - Tahoma - Times New Roman - Trebuchet MS - Verdana Post Reply"

— Hyundaikonaforum · 2026
▽ 0.80Satisfaction

"One week with the Volkswagen ID.4 The lease on my Honda Fit was about to run out so I did the research and decided to take the plunge on my first electric car. I test drove a Ford Mach-E (pretty cool), Hyundai Kona electric (absolutely horrible), and the VW ID.4 (winner). I thought I'd collect some thoughts for anyone else who might be considering it. Let me preface this by saying: this is a fantastic car and I totally love it. If you’re considering it, consider it very seriously. I’ve been looking for excuses to drive places for the past week… * **Dealer experience:** Apparently this is the first time this dealership has ever sold one, so there was a bit of a learning curve for everyone. Getting the free Electrify America charging working was a process (they had to call VW to get the activation code), and CarNet wasn't activated until today. They had three 1st Editions on the lot (!!) in white, black, and blue, so all I had to do was select the color (black!). Not much wiggle room during pricing negotiations but they came down on the lease payments a little bit. * **Acceleration:** people seem to be split on this issue. It won't exactly give you a brain hemorrhage but it's smooth, powerful, always a kick when you need it. Even in Sport mode, it will not apply instant full torque from a full stop, only after a split second or two; I think this is a deliberate feature to prevent the tires from losing traction (they never have, under any circumstances). Similarly, it won't let you accelerate hard into a turn, only when you're starting to come out of the turn. In all other circumstances it will apply that electric jolt of speed instantly. I've had no issues whatsoever and I can easily outstrip almost any other non-supercar on the road. * **Handling:** I love driving this thing--it feels totally solid, planted, easy to handle, never feels like it's out of control with all that crazy zero-delay electric torque. I've taken it out on some country roads, and across a muddy partially-washed out dirt road, and had a blast. Setting Eco, Comfort, or Sport modes also adjusts the suspension firmness, which is very useful. Never driven a RWD before but I’ve had zero issues. * **Charging:** Not especially impressed with Electrify America so far. I've fast charged it three times and each time I've had to switch chargers a few times. Either they will fail to start, or charge at something ridiculous like 5 kW, or there will be some annoyance like the NFC reader isn't working. No one taught me how to do this, so I wasn't aware that you first have to sign up for the free Plus plan, and THEN add the VW ID.4 free charging plan. You are also required to have a minimum of $10 in your account, even if charging for free--when I was trying it at first it kept saying "payment declined" for that reason. Fastest speed I've ever gotten is 75 kW, while charging from 35%-80% at 65º F.I live downtown and my (public) garage has three Level 2 chargers, two of which are broken. My"

— r/electricvehicles · 2026

Showing 8 of 75 owner excerpts (sorted by sentiment strength)

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Hyundai Kona Years on TrimIndex

2025 Hyundai Kona 2024 Hyundai Kona 2023 Hyundai Kona 2022 Hyundai Kona 2021 Hyundai Kona All Hyundai Kona → All Hyundai →
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