KnownCarProblems2021 Hyundai Kona Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 120 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Hyundai Kona, most often about the engine (68% of complaints, typically around 23,500 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Kona model year since 2000 and has 1 recall.
Most common 2021 Hyundai Kona problems
Engine
81 complaints · 68%Half of these problems showed up before 23,500 miles.
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-45 MPH, there was a ticking and knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power, stalled, and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where…
The contact stated that she was an insurance company claim adjuster who was calling on behalf of an insured consumer, who owned a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated before the…
Other or unspecified
19 complaints · 16%Headlights are defective! They get full on condensation obstructing the lights and road ahead. They go off an on while you're driving. Hyundai is aware of the problem and send a bulletin to all their dealers not to replace them. This is compromising our view at night since the lights go off unexpectedly. We almost had…
Transmission
14 complaints · 12%Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted unintendedly. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it…
Electrical
11 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: horn.
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly lost motive power and stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as designed. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on four occasions while driving. The vehicle was…
The contact stated that she was an insurance company claim adjuster who was calling on behalf of an insured consumer, who owned a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated before the…
Driver assistance
8 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection, warnings.
Fuel system
5 complaints · 4%Speed control
4 complaints · 3%The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started accelerating slowly. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There was an abnormal dinging sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning lights…
Brakes
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%.
2021 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.
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
Questions about the 2021 Hyundai Kona
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (81 complaints, typically around 23,500 miles); other or unspecified (19 complaints); transmission (14 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Kona have?
- 1 recall 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 2021 a bad year for the Hyundai Kona?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Kona model year since 2000, with 120 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.