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NHTSA Vehicle Research

2021 Hyundai Kona Research

Free safety data straight from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Recalls, consumer complaints, and crash test ratings — everything you need before you buy.

1 Recalls
108 Complaints
5★ Safety Rating
FREE Gov Data

🛡️ NCAP Crash Test Safety Ratings

Year Overall Front Crash Side Crash Rollover
2021

⚠️ NHTSA Recalls (1)

The following safety recalls have been issued by NHTSA for the Hyundai Kona. If you own this vehicle, check your VIN at our VIN lookup tool or NHTSA.gov to see if your vehicle is affected.

2021 Model Year (1 recall)

Campaign #21V301000 28/04/2021
ENGINE

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 result in engine damage.

Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

💬 Consumer Complaints (108)

Real complaints filed with NHTSA by Hyundai Kona owners. These reports help identify common issues and potential safety concerns.

Most Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ENGINE 53
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 11
POWER TRAIN 7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 4
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2
WHEELS 2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE 2
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 1
2021 model • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE • 04/30/2026

The automatic emergency braking system brakes way too hard causing the car to stop too fast and risks causing a rear end collision. This is not fixed by adjusting settings. It is a common complaint and the system needs to be calibrated to brake more smoothly.

2021 model • UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE • 12/05/2023

I purchased a 2021 Hyundai Kona in 2023. I own it outright. 2 weeks later my engine seized on the CA 118 in the middle lane & I lost steering & power. I don’t know how I made it to the side w cars doing 80. I was shaking. The dealer refurbished my engine no cost , it was due…

2021 model • SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM • 04/08/2025

I have already replaced the transmission out of pocket 7k its began to do the same thing immediately was flushed a 2nd time and told it could be the motor. Also my battery i have bought 2 new batteries in 2 yrs now to find out its a false warning.

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