2021 Hyundai Kona: common problems and reliability

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.

Safety record for the 2021 model year

248
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
5
Crash reports
7
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Hyundai Kona vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
150
electrical system
30
power train
29
vehicle speed control
10
fuel/propulsion system
9

Recalls affecting the 2021 Kona

engine

Campaign 21V301000

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 re…

What owners say across generations

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, including chronic engine probl

  • Chronic engine problems (stalling, rough idle, failure to start, excessive oil consumption) in first-generation gasoline models (approx. 2018-2023). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Transmission issues: "Laggy" or "jumpy" feeling in DCT models; concerns over CVT reliability. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical and infotainment glitches: Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity failures, random warning lights (check engine, collision avoidance), HVAC system malfunctioning. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Cold-weather starting problems: Single click/no-start condition, often related to battery drain or undiagnosed electrical faults. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Power loss while driving: Isolated but severe reports of the vehicle losing throttle response at highway speeds in 2024 N Line models. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Kona.

Typical used price

Used Kona listings typically run $16,590–$24,788 across 2018 to 2026 model years.

Other Kona model years

2025 Kona2024 Kona2023 Kona2020 Kona2019 Kona2018 Kona
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