The 2021 Hyundai Kona has 248 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag chronic engine problems (stalling, rough idle, failure to start, excessive oil consumption) in first-generation gasoline models (approx. 2018-2023). frequency: very frequent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Hyundai Kona vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 7 Kona model years we track, complaint volume runs from 27 (2025) to 331 (2020). With 248 complaints, the 2021 Kona sits abovethe model's median of 72.
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.
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 re…
Sentiment is sharply divided by powertrain and generation, with no clear consensus. Long-term owners of first-generation (approx. 2018-2023) gasoline models report a high frequency of significant mechanical and electrical issues,…
Owner insights cover all generations of the Kona. See the full Kona owner picture and every model year.
Used Kona listings typically run $16,590–$24,788 across 2018 to 2026 model years.
Compare every Kona year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.