Photo: Bull-Doser / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2020 Hyundai Kona: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Kona years.
One of the Hyundai Kona years to avoid. All Kona years
343 owner complaints, most about engine. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2020 Kona?The 2020 Hyundai Kona has 343 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 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 2020 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 Hyundai Kona vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Kona years only. How we score it
Is 2020 a good year for the Kona?
Across the 9 Kona model years we track, complaint volume runs from 74 (2023) to 343 (2020). With 343 complaints, the 2020 Kona sits above 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
Recalls affecting the 2020 Kona
engine
Campaign 21V301000Hyundai 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.
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 20V022000Hyundai 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."
electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Campaign 21V127000Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric and 2020 Ioniq Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.
electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery:management system/energy control module (bms/becm):software
Campaign 20V630000Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.
Show 1 more recall
service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:electric:control module:software
Campaign 20V748000Hyundai 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.
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 2020 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Kona against its rivals
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