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2020 Hyundai Kona

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Kona years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Kona are substantially higher than the model-year median of 74.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

47 reports with mileage · 111 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 105 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports3 fire reports7 injury reports

Engine complaints

105 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2021
EngineSteeringWheelsCrash

Accident due to recall

NHTSA ODI #11421941

Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2021
Engine

My engine is consuming more engine oil than it should be. It is consuming 1.5 quarts every 1,000 miles due to a manufacturers defect. I have attempted to reach out to the dealership service department for a resolution in which they have been unable to provide. I purchased this vehicle 05/25/2020 with 18 miles on it. The servic…

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My engine is consuming more engine oil than it should be. It is consuming 1.5 quarts every 1,000 miles due to a manufacturers defect. I have attempted to reach out to the dealership service department for a resolution in which they have been unable to provide. I purchased this vehicle 05/25/2020 with 18 miles on it. The service department is wanting to charge a total of $1,000 to “test” for the defect. However, said defect is directly related to the recall that I was informed of on 05/03/2021. I noticed the defect in March 2021 when I realized there was no oil in my car. I had it serviced prior to that in late January and do not commute more than 8 miles round trip for work. The defect was experienced again on 06/09/2021 when my engine made a ticking noise while driving it. I again checked my oil to find there was none in it.

NHTSA ODI #11421446

Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2021
Engine

A recall has been issued some time back and said it was possible for engine to catch fire. Still to this date no resolution and they’re dragging their feet. People need their vehicles and we still paying for these vehicles that are basically useless. I can’t take my new vehicle on business trips because it’s unsafe so I’m having…

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A recall has been issued some time back and said it was possible for engine to catch fire. Still to this date no resolution and they’re dragging their feet. People need their vehicles and we still paying for these vehicles that are basically useless. I can’t take my new vehicle on business trips because it’s unsafe so I’m having to rent vehicles. I’ve called and emailed them and it seems to be no rush for them. Ridiculous and sad….

NHTSA ODI #11421152

Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2021
Engine

Our car stalled out multiple times within a 5 min increment. We took it to the shop and it has been there for over 30 days. We have no case manager from Hyundai and no estimated time for a fix. We're getting charged out of pocket for a rental that is going on for 30+ days and Hyundai will not: 1. Call us back and give us a case …

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Our car stalled out multiple times within a 5 min increment. We took it to the shop and it has been there for over 30 days. We have no case manager from Hyundai and no estimated time for a fix. We're getting charged out of pocket for a rental that is going on for 30+ days and Hyundai will not: 1. Call us back and give us a case manager 2. Tell us how to be reimbursed for these expenses 3. Provide a timeline or estimate on fixes

NHTSA ODI #11421013

Mileage unknown · May 31, 2021
EngineVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

On 30 May 21, I was getting ready to pull into my driveway, stopped the vehicle to let a passenger out of car, when suddenly the vehicle accelerated at a high speed crashing into my house. I nor the braking assist could stop the vehicle, resulting in the collision with house. I and my passengers sustained seat belt injuries.

NHTSA ODI #11419113

Mileage unknown · May 18, 2021
Engine

Dears, I have been contacting both the dealership and the manufacturer to assist with the recall, no help whatsoever. I had this issue before the recall and the car still has a similar issue, I cannot drive it and in the same time I don't have another car. and I cannot risk my life or my daughter's being in the car. both parties…

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Dears, I have been contacting both the dealership and the manufacturer to assist with the recall, no help whatsoever. I had this issue before the recall and the car still has a similar issue, I cannot drive it and in the same time I don't have another car. and I cannot risk my life or my daughter's being in the car. both parties have been the worst to handle this issue as I was informed the remedy will not be out until end of June. this is a cost damage on me. please advise as I would really appreciate your help. Best, Haya

NHTSA ODI #11417598

10,000 miles · May 13, 2021
Engine

CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN IN NUMEROUS TIMES FOR EMMISIIONS RELATED ISSUES TO VENT PIPE AND CHARCOAL CANISTER. STILL GETTING SAME CHECK ENGINE CODES. FRUSTRATING SINCE INSPECTION IS DUE. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI CORPORATE.

NHTSA ODI #11416444

9,500 miles · May 11, 2021
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 HYUNDAI KONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ENGINE OIL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, WITH AN ABNORMAL GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 HYUNDAI KONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ENGINE OIL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, WITH AN ABNORMAL GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LINWOOD MOTORS PADUCAH (3345 PARK AVE, PADUCAH, KY 42001) WHERE THE MECHANIC PERFORMED AN ENGINE CLEANING HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V301000 (ENGINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET 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, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,500. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #11416149

3,478 miles · May 7, 2021
Engine

IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A RAPPING NOISE, FROM THE TIME I START IT AND DRIVE TILL ITS PARKED AND SHUT OFF. THE RAPPING IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER. I HAD THE OIL CHANGED AT THE DEALERSHIP IN JANUARY AND IS NOT DUE FOR ANOTHER YET. I BOUGHT THE KONA IN AUGUST OF 2020 AND IT HAS LESS THAN 3800 MILES ON IT.…

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IN THE LAST 3 WEEKS THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A RAPPING NOISE, FROM THE TIME I START IT AND DRIVE TILL ITS PARKED AND SHUT OFF. THE RAPPING IS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER. I HAD THE OIL CHANGED AT THE DEALERSHIP IN JANUARY AND IS NOT DUE FOR ANOTHER YET. I BOUGHT THE KONA IN AUGUST OF 2020 AND IT HAS LESS THAN 3800 MILES ON IT. I AM DRIVING TO CHARLOTTESVILLE VIRGINIA WITH THREE FAMILY MEMBERS SO I WILL BE TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE ASAP.

NHTSA ODI #11415579

Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2021
Engine

ON 2/22/21 MY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN DUE TO NEEDING MY OIL PUMP REPLACED. ABOUT A MONTH LATER MY KONA STARTED MAKING NOISES. IT SOUNDED LIKE A DIESEL TRUCK. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND NOW THEY HAVE TOLD ME MY ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. DUE TO THE ENGINES BEING ON BACKORDER I WILL NOT GETTING MY VEHICLE BACK ANYTIME SOON.

NHTSA ODI #11406862

Official recalls

2

21V301000 · Engine

Apr 28, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

20V022000 · Equipment:other:labels

Jan 17, 2020

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."

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install new label stickers displaying the correct GAWR over the affected areas of the certification label, free of charge. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 187.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System

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.

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.