2023 Hyundai Kona: common problems and reliability

The 2023 Hyundai Kona has 70 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and forward collision avoidance. 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 2023 model year

70
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
4
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2023 Hyundai Kona vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
28
forward collision avoidance
12
power train
11
engine
9
vehicle speed control
7

Recalls affecting the 2023 Kona

power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:pump

Campaign 23V526000

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical c…

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump:control/drive module

Campaign 24V528000

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.

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 Kona2021 Kona2020 Kona2019 Kona2018 Kona
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