repaired · 2023 Q2
Engine
Risk. A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 Hyundai KonaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 120 owner complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Kona, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, 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 13, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Hyundai Kona has problems
120 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
80Engine2 crash/fire/injury
14Power train
11Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
5Forward collision avoidance
5Fuel/propulsion system
4Vehicle speed control
4Service brakes
3Lane departure
2Wheels
97 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 80 | 2 |
| Power train | 14 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 5 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 |
| 7 other systems | 9 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2021 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.
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?
23kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 22 engine complaints. 95% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 24% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
12under 30k miles21under 100k miles1100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2021 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
2021 Hyundai Kona safety ratings
2021 Hyundai Kona SUV FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (14.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Hyundai Kona, and the recalls they led to.
- 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.
All 4 fuel injectors failed. They were replaced but the check engine light came back on. Crank shaft sensor was then replaced and now the check engine light is back on. Driving the car waiting for something to fail is not safe
My exact engine was as in a recall but not my car which failed prematurely at 84,000. I have taken extensive maintenance in the car in the for the past 2 years. Hyundai made me pay to tow my car to a dealership denied me for a goodwill replacement with the same exact problems as the same exact…
My 2021 Kona Limited 1.6L Turbo is consuming oil so rapidly that the Low Oil Pressure light has activated on the highway, creating a sudden risk of stalling and engine failure, that the dealership and Hyundai are declining service. According to research, when your oil pressure light flashes, your…
Own a 2021 Kona?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.