Owners have reported 2 crashes, 3 fires and 3 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Hyundai Kona. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints52
ENGINE
Owners report persistent engine issues with the 2021 Hyundai Kona, primarily involving stalling, excessive oil consumption, and engine failure. Complaints frequently mention the engine unexpectedly shutting down while driving, often accompanied by illuminated check engine lights, and in some cases, loud noises or smoke. These issues appear at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 8,000 miles and others over 80,000 miles. Several owners describe safety concerns, including loss of power at high speeds and challenges with vehicle control, but no crashes or fires are explicitly reported. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring engine problems and the associated safety implications.
Owner complaints22
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Kona frequently report issues related to engine and transmission problems, with symptoms such as loss of power, shaking, and stalling, often occurring around 78,000 to 80,000 miles. Several complaints highlight concerns with the vehicle's electrical components, including defective headlights that intermittently turn off and horn failures. Safety implications are evident, with reports of an engine fire and instances of transmission malfunction leading to loss of vehicle control, including one case where the vehicle rolled back, causing injury. Additionally, some owners describe problems with the vehicle's antenna and rear camera, affecting functionality and visibility. These issues may present significant safety risks and potential repair costs for used car buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Kona frequently report issues with the electrical system, including sudden loss of power while driving and battery-related failures. Symptoms often include the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly, flickering dashboard lights, and failure to charge properly. Complaints about these issues typically occur around 14,000 to 38,000 miles. Additionally, two reports involve fires, one originating in the engine compartment and the other during charging, raising safety concerns. Buyers should be aware of potential electrical system malfunctions and the associated risks when considering this model.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 2 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints14
POWER TRAIN
Owners report several power train issues with the 2021 Hyundai Kona, with common complaints about unintended downshifting, hard shifting, and transmission disengagement. Symptoms frequently include engine vibration, stalling, delayed acceleration, and grinding noises, often occurring at various speeds or when coming to a stop. These issues are noted at mileages ranging from 18,000 to over 90,000 miles, with some incidents leading to sudden loss of propulsion in traffic, posing safety risks. Additionally, transmission overheating and failure are reported, particularly under challenging driving conditions like steep inclines. Buyers should be aware of these potential problems, especially those related to the transmission's performance and reliability.
Owner complaints4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Kona report issues with vehicle speed control, with multiple complaints describing sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate. One owner mentions the vehicle being stuck in 3rd gear and unable to reach highway speeds, while another describes a sudden loss of drive power while using cruise control, requiring a restart to regain function. A severe incident involves an accelerator pedal sticking, leading to a crash, fire, and serious injuries. Additionally, one report describes unintended acceleration when releasing the brake. These issues occur at varying mileages and include significant safety risks, such as potential crashes and loss of vehicle control.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints3
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Kona frequently report issues with the braking system, particularly involving brake fluid leaks and regenerative brake warnings. Symptoms include brake lights activating unexpectedly, the need to press the brake pedal hard to slow the vehicle, and warnings about the regenerative brakes. Some complaints mention brake fluid leaks at multiple points, including pinhole leaks and at connections where brake lines attach. Additionally, owners describe dashboard warnings for the brake system and instances where the emergency brake applies while driving. These issues often occur shortly after starting the vehicle and can clear temporarily when the car is restarted. Safety implications are noted, as malfunctioning brakes pose a risk, though no crashes or loss of control are reported in these complaints.
Owner complaints2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Kona report issues with the vehicle's exterior lighting, specifically the headlamps. Complaints frequently mention that rainwater enters the headlamps during inclement weather, reducing illumination, with one owner experiencing this issue at around 5,052 miles. Additionally, multiple owners describe problems with the LED headlights, noting a poor beam pattern with dark spots and a low mounting position that causes glare to oncoming traffic, even after dealer inspection. These lighting issues may affect visibility and pose a potential safety risk while driving.
Owner complaints2
STEERING
Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Kona report issues related to steering, with complaints frequently mentioning a persistent pull to the right even after alignment adjustments. One owner notes that the steering wheel is off-center and encounters more resistance when turning left compared to right. Another complaint highlights noise from the steering column, potentially linked to a bearing or rack and pinion issue, with the vehicle having only 16,000 miles. Safety implications are suggested by descriptions of the vehicle bucking and accelerating unexpectedly at stops, although no crashes or loss of control are reported. These issues may be pertinent to potential buyers considering vehicles with low mileage.
Owner complaints2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Kona report issues related to stalling and excessive oil consumption. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle stalling at low speeds, particularly when turning or after driving over a speed bump, with one owner noting a rough revving sound when the accelerator is depressed. Both reports highlight excessive oil consumption, requiring the addition of oil every other week. These issues are reported at mileages around 35,000 and 60,000. No crashes or fires are mentioned, but the stalling could potentially lead to safety concerns in traffic situations.
Owner complaints2
WHEELS
Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Kona report issues related to the vehicle's wheels, particularly concerning the age of tires and problems with the emergency spare tire. One complaint highlights that the vehicle was sold with tires manufactured two years prior, raising concerns about their reduced safe service life, especially in harsh winter conditions. Another owner describes an incident where using the Hyundai-supplied emergency spare tire resulted in damage to the vehicle's transfer casing, causing smoke after only 10 miles of driving. Both complaints emphasize safety implications, with owners worried about potential hazards such as vehicle fires or loss of control, particularly during longer drives or adverse conditions. These issues are reported regardless of the vehicle's mileage, focusing instead on the original equipment and emergency situations.
