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Model year record

2019 Hyundai Kona recalls & problems

The 2019 Hyundai Kona has 1 safety recall and 198 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (138 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls
Complaints198filed by owners
Crashes · fires11 · 4reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2019 Hyundai Kona in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

EngineApr 28, 2021

Engine

Recall 21V301000158,493 vehicles

Problem
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2019 Hyundai Kona SUV FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk14.1%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2019 Hyundai Kona SUV AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk13.6%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2019 Hyundai Kona NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2019 Hyundai Kona NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Kona FWD

30mpg combined
City / highway28 / 32 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AM7) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,250/year to fuel

Kona FWD

30mpg combined
City / highway27 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,250/year to fuel

Kona AWD

27mpg combined
City / highway26 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AM7) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel

Kona AWD

27mpg combined
City / highway25 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,500/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine13823168,000 mi
Unknown or other21311—
Power train190001,950 mi
Electrical systemInstrument panel › Speedometer/odometer18203—
Fuel/propulsion system100003,677 mi
Forward collision avoidanceWarnings; Automatic emergency braking9100—
Vehicle speed control9103—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Oil/lubrication › Sump/tank › Drain plug; Engine › Oil/lubrication9000109,000 mi
Lane departureBlind spot detection; Assist7000—
Air bags5512—
StructureBody5100—
Exterior lighting4000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations