KnownCarProblems2020 Hyundai Kona Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 161 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Hyundai Kona, most often about the engine (70% of complaints, typically around 14,500 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Kona model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2020 Hyundai Kona problems
Engine
112 complaints · 70%Half of these problems showed up before 14,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact had received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was making an abnormal sound and the vehicle hesitated…
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, knocking noises were heard and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer performed an oil change…
Transmission
20 complaints · 12%While on the highway, a message "collision detection system failure" flashed on the instrument panel, and the brakes slammed on full, followed by the transmission stuck in 4th gear. I had to leave the highway, and power off the engine - effectively rebooting the car. I continued on to work but I shut off the collision…
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving the vehicle stalled. The gear shifter was stuck in reverse and drive. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to a…
Other or unspecified
17 complaints · 11%My 6 month old, Hyundai 2020 Kona that I bought in july of 2020 with only 7000 miles on it had its engine fail as I was driving multiple times before I was able to get it to a mechanic. No indication lights came on telling me that there was something wrong with the car before the engine failed. The car is now at…
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH, the aeb system inadvertently engaged causing the vehicle to decelerate and accelerate on its own. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated…
Electrical
11 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: 12v/24v/48v battery, instrument cluster/panel, propulsion system.
Got a notice about engine control system to take car to dealership. Previous we were having poor gas mileage. Was told by dealership it had to break in. We purchased it at the end of may. First notice came in early march and called dealer for appt. Was told to wait as mileage was not yet 6,000 miles, too early for…
Driver assistance
8 complaints · 5%Parts named most often: warnings, assist, adaptive cruise control, warning.
While on the highway, a message "collision detection system failure" flashed on the instrument panel, and the brakes slammed on full, followed by the transmission stuck in 4th gear. I had to leave the highway, and power off the engine - effectively rebooting the car. I continued on to work but I shut off the collision…
Front-collision warning light kicks on while going 45-50mph. No obstructions. Brakes engage, stuck in 4th gear. Must pull over and restart car to reset. Occurs intermittently, but has happened at least weekly for the last 6 weeks. In and out of dealer several times. Brand new vehicle.
Speed control
7 complaints · 4%On tuesday, march 2020, I pulled into a parking space at a local cvs store shortly after 5 pm, about to come to a complete stop and shift into park, when my 2020 Hyundai Kona suddenly and inexplicably accelerated, jumped the policeman, then the curb and rammed into the wall of cvs store. My airbag was activated and…
Steering
7 complaints · 4%The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, an unknown warning light flashed on and off intermittently. The contact looked in the owners manual and became aware of a failure of the electric steering system. The manual instructed that the vehicle should not be driven. The vehicle was…
Fuel system
4 complaints · 3%
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2020 Hyundai Kona recalls
Engine
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: labels
Risk: An incorrect gawr could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install new label stickers displaying the correct gawr over the affected areas of the certification label, free of charge. The recall began march 2, 2020. Owners may contact hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 187.
Full defect summary
Hyundai motor america (hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 kona vehicles. The certification label may indicate incorrect gross axle weight rating (gawr). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) numbers 567, "certification" and 110, "tire selection and rims."
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
Pedestrian alert sounds
Summary
Nhtsa received a petition on or about july 18, 2022, requesting that federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the united states. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under odi number 11486072. Fmvss 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 kg or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after march 1, 2021.on january 27, 2023, NHTSA opened defect petition (dp) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matt
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 2020 Hyundai Kona
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Hyundai Kona?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (112 complaints, typically around 14,500 miles); transmission (20 complaints); other or unspecified (17 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Kona have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 28, 2021 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2020 a bad year for the Hyundai Kona?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Kona model year since 2000, with 161 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.