KnownCarProblems2018 Hyundai Kona Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 75 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Hyundai Kona, most often about the engine (59% of complaints, typically around 72,000 miles). It is 5th of 9 Kona model years by number of complaints.
Most common 2018 Hyundai Kona problems
Engine
44 complaints · 59%Half of these problems showed up before 72,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai koa. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving the vehicle began to sputter and jerk before stalling. During the failure the oil warning light flashed off and on. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed due to carbon buildup. The…
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the contact heard a loud knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, a diagnostic result was not disclosed; however, the dealer stated that…
Other or unspecified
25 complaints · 33%Half of these problems showed up before 11,500 miles.
3rd time now concerning bcw (blind collision warning) shutting off at highway speeds , no grime/mud/snow/bad weather to be the blame. The system just shuts down automatically leaving a orange safety triangle illuminated on dash. Button was never touched even if it was there would again be no error message and…
Bcw (blind collision warning) now for the second time about 3000 miles apart from the first time at 8960 and now at 11246 automatically shut off while driving in perfect weather, no grime or mud anywhere near or on the sensors in rear bumper. Turns off warning triangle turns on for approx 15 minutes then turns on…
Transmission
11 complaints · 15%Was driving Hyundai Kona down the freeway. I smelled a burning smell, I saw the check engine light blink once. The car went into limp mode and I started pulling over to the shoulder. Stopping on the shoulder, I noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. I evacuated the car and within a few minutes, flames were…
Electrical
8 complaints · 11%When car she starts car and in morning and night , when I puts in gear and and steps on gas the headlights flicker off and on until she gets on road about a mile. Had this check at Hyundai dealer and they said nothing is wrong but it still continue to do this. This could be hazard when I drive in the dark.
The contact own 2018 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle experienced unstated failures with the interior lighting, headlights and rear tail lights. Additionally, there was an unknown steering failure with the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to fort mill Hyundai (805 gold hill…
Driver assistance
4 complaints · 5%Parts named most often: warnings, blind spot detection.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that "blind spot has been disabled" illuminated on the instrument panel. Shortly after, the blind spot monitors turned off and failed to work. The contact had to turn the vehicle on and off for the blind spot monitors to work properly again. The vehicle was…
Fuel system
4 complaints · 5%Body and structure
3 complaints · 4%Parts named most often: body.
Car antenna broke off while driving on the interstate. Possible projectile that can cause an accident. Airconditioning system in the car smells like mildew. Possible prolong exposure that can cause a health hazard. It only happens when the car starts every time.
Visibility and wipers
3 complaints · 4%The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that "blind spot has been disabled" illuminated on the instrument panel. Shortly after, the blind spot monitors turned off and failed to work. The contact had to turn the vehicle on and off for the blind spot monitors to work properly again. The vehicle was…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2018 Hyundai Kona recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Loss of motive power
Summary
The national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated july 13, 2022, petitioning the agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain hyundai motor america, inc. And kia america, inc. Vehicles spanning model years (my) 2005-2021. The petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are
Questions about the 2018 Hyundai Kona
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Kona?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (44 complaints, typically around 72,000 miles); other or unspecified (25 complaints, typically around 11,500 miles); transmission (11 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Kona have?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Kona. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
- Is the 2018 a bad year for the Hyundai Kona?
- It is 5th of 9 Kona model years by number of complaints, with 75 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.