Some big problems have prompted multi-year recalls of the Hyundai Kona, potentially requiring replacement of the entire engine in 2.0L models, or the battery pack in electric variants. However, minimal owner complaints indicate the Kona will be reliable for most owners, especially those with the 1.6-liter turbo engine.
Key Points
- Examples of the Hyundai Kona produced between 2019 and 2021 were recalled for improperly machined piston oil rings. This required replacement of the entire engine in 2.0-liter models.
- The battery pack in electric models was prone to short circuiting, prompting two separate recalls of more than 11,000 vehicles total.
- Brake system malfunction could also occur in the Hyundai Kona Electric, which prompted another multi-year recall.
- Unexpected blind-spot warning system failure or front collision warning activation are common in owner complaints across all model years.
- The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine option is the only one not affected by any recalls, nor a common attractor of complaints from owners.
2.0-liter Hyundai Kona Models were Recalled to Address Piston Oil Ring Failure That Warranted Engine Replacement
The Hyundai Kona launched in the U.S. in 2018 and has been problem-free for the most part. For gas-powered models, no year has been subject to more than two recalls or 98 complaints – that year being 2020.
However, one common issue has plagued models powered by the 2.0-liter ‘Nu MPI’ engine. 2019 to 2021 models were all recalled for improperly heat-treated piston oil rings. 125,840 vehicles were affected.
From owner complaints, the smell of engine oil burning is a clear indicator of the problem. Oil leaks and excessive oil consumption are also telltale signs.
These faulty piston oil rings could cause engine damage that manifests into unexpected stalling or even a fire in extreme cases. The only fix for the problem, as the recall prescribes, is replacement of the entire engine.
The Battery in the Hyundai Kona Electric Could Short Circuit When Fully Charged, Prompting Two Recalls
While gas-powered Hyundai Konas, particularly 1.6-liter turbo models, were largely free of issues, the same can’t be said for the Kona Electric.
Two separate recalls have been issued for 2019 and 2020 Kona Electric models due to the potential for its lithium-ion battery pack short circuiting after being fully charged.
The first recall in October 2020 affected 6,707 vehicles; the second, in March 2021, included 4,696.
These EV battery issues are commonly cited in owner complaints, although difficulty having the necessary recall work completed is an even more common complaint than the problem itself occurring.
Many owners lament having to limit battery charging to just 80 percent while awaiting battery pack replacement, making their vehicle less useable than it should be if fully functioning.
Hyundai Kona Electric was Also Prone to Brake System Malfunction that Could Reduce Braking Performance
Battery issues were not all that affected the Hyundai Kona Electric, as brake system malfunction was another issue it faced that prompted a recall.
The source of the problem, which was reported to the NHTSA in December 2020, was the Integrated Electronic Brake system.
The system could detect an abnormal brake sensor signal, which may then significantly reduce braking performance. This reduced braking ability would increase the risk of a crash occurring.
The 2019 to 2021 models were affected, with the recall including 8,176 vehicles.
Owners Report the Hyundai Kona’s Blind-spot Warning System Intermittently Failing, and its Front Collision Warning System Unexpectedly Activating
Few common complaints have been made by owners for problems beyond those the Hyundai Kona has been recalled for. However, some of the vehicle’s active safety systems have been troublesome for some owners.
The blind-spot warning system is one of the most commonly cited, with owners reporting the system disabling itself unexpectedly. This is accompanied by a warning light in the instrument cluster, and a message saying the system’s radar is blocked. Car Complaints also cites this as being the most common complaint for the Kona, particularly 2018 models.
Owners have also reported the front collision warning system activating unnecessarily. Some also claim the related autonomous emergency braking system would activate as well, causing the car to jolt due to the brakes having been automatically applied.
Owners report the blind-spot warning issue fixing itself, but the front collision warning system issues seem to be more persistent. However, the number of complaints reported to the NHTSA has been relatively low, although consistent across all model years.
1.6-liter Turbo Hyundai Kona Models Will Likely Be Trouble-free, but 2.0-liter and Electric Variants are Best Avoided
Although piston oil ring issues in 2.0-liter gasoline models and battery issues in electric models have plagued the Kona for many years now, the true failure rate does not appear to be that high in reality.
Most complaints pertain to the difficulty of getting recall work completed, rather than to the issue itself occurring. The only other issues cited appear to be common across all model years, but uncommon in terms of the total number of cases reported.
Although the Hyundai Kona Electric looks to be best avoided due to its ongoing battery concerns, those looking at the 1.6-liter turbocharged gas model are unlikely to encounter any problems, making models with this engine the pick of the range and most likely to last in the long haul.
Photos: Hyundai
