Photo: Bull-Doser / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2018 Hyundai Kona: common problems and reliability
One of the better Kona years.
The best Hyundai Kona year. All Kona years
75 owner complaints, most about engine. No recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Kona?The 2018 Hyundai Kona has 75 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag chronic engine problems (stalling: rough idle, failure to start, excessive oil consumption) in first-generation gasoline models (approx. 2018-2023).
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Hyundai Kona vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Kona years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the Kona?
Across the 9 Kona model years we track, complaint volume runs from 74 (2023) to 343 (2020). With 75 complaints, the 2018 Kona sits about the same as the model's median of 75.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by powertrain and generation, with no clear consensus.
- Very frequentChronic engine problems (stalling
Rough idle, failure to start, excessive oil consumption) in first-generation gasoline models (approx. 2018-2023).
Owner insights cover all generations of the Kona. See the full Kona owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Kona listings typically run $16,632–$22,625.
Other Kona model years
Compare every Kona year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Kona against its rivals
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