repaired · 2023 Q2
Engine
Risk. A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
2020 Hyundai KonaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 162 owner complaints about the 2020 Hyundai Kona, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-301 the manufacturer reports only 80% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 22, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Hyundai Kona has problems
162 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
109Engine3 crash/fire/injury
20Power train1 crash/fire/injury
11Electrical system
7Vehicle speed control
7Steering
7Forward collision avoidance
4Engine and engine cooling
4Fuel/propulsion system
3Service brakes
1611 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 109 | 3 |
| Power train | 20 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 3 |
| Steering | 7 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 7 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 1 |
| 11 other systems | 16 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2020 Hyundai Kona recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q2
Other: labels
Risk. An incorrect GAWR could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hyundai.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
12kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 31 engine complaints. 87% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 30% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
23under 30k miles27under 100k miles4100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2020 vs. every other Kona year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Kona median. How we score
'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2020 Hyundai Kona safety ratings
2020 Hyundai Kona SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (13.6% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2020 Hyundai Kona, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
In owners' words
What Kona owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
My 2020 Kona 2.OL failed an oil test losing 2.5 quarts in 960 miles, stalled on the highway, and blows oil out the tailpipe. Hyundai (Case #43141313) is denying repair coverage because my VIN was excluded from Recall 21V301000. This recall needs to be expanded to include my VIN.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle hesitated, and there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was advised to take the…
COMPONENT THAT FAILED: The engine short block piston rings (related to NHTSA recall 203) failed, causing severe cylinder wall scoring. The vehicle is currently located at an authorized Hyundai dealership and is available for manufacturer or NHTSA inspection. SAFETY RISK; The defective piston rings…
Own a 2020 Kona?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.