Owners have reported 4 crashes and 3 injuries to NHTSA for the 2023 Hyundai Kona. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints23
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report frequent issues with the horn on the 2023 Hyundai Kona, noting it often fails intermittently or becomes completely inoperable. These horn failures are mentioned at various mileages, with some reports as early as 3,000 miles and others beyond 10,000 miles. Several owners describe repeated attempts to fix the horn, including multiple replacements, without a permanent resolution. Additionally, there are reports of the radio and GPS screens cutting out, tire pressure sensors displaying incorrect readings, and random activation of safety alerts like collision warnings. These electrical system issues have safety implications, particularly the inoperable horn, which limits the driver's ability to alert others to potential dangers.
Owner complaints10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report recurrent issues with the horn on the 2023 Hyundai Kona, with multiple complaints indicating that the horn fails to work intermittently or stops functioning altogether. Symptoms include the horn not producing sound despite the fuse being intact, and in some cases, the horn resumes working temporarily. This issue appears to occur regardless of weather conditions, though one report notes a possible correlation with freezing temperatures. Owners describe safety implications, as the inability to use the horn has led to near-collisions. Additionally, there are reports of liftgate malfunctions, with one owner unable to open the liftgate from the inside, even with the key fob, necessitating emergency assistance. These problems are reported at various times, with some owners experiencing repeated repairs without permanent resolution.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints10
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2023 Hyundai Kona frequently report power train issues, with several complaints highlighting sudden loss of power and acceleration problems. Symptoms commonly described include the vehicle failing to accelerate, jerking motions, and total power loss, often accompanied by warning lights such as the check engine light and transmission control system alerts. These issues are noted at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 1,500 miles and others at 64,000 miles. Safety implications are evident as multiple owners describe incidents where the vehicle unexpectedly stops or loses power while driving, posing risks of collision. Additionally, some owners mention difficulties in obtaining necessary recall repairs, indicating potential delays in resolving these issues.
Owner complaints6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2023 Hyundai Kona frequently report issues with the vehicle's speed control, particularly involving cruise control malfunctions and unexpected deceleration. Common symptoms include the vehicle losing speed without warning while cruise control is engaged, sometimes followed by sudden reacceleration. These issues often occur during highway driving, with some owners experiencing the problem as early as 1,000 to 2,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as several complaints mention near-miss incidents due to unexpected speed changes, with one case involving the vehicle dropping into neutral at high speed. Buyers should be aware that multiple owners have encountered these issues, and some report difficulty in obtaining a resolution from dealers or the manufacturer.
Owner complaints3
ENGINE
Owners report two main issues with the 2023 Hyundai Kona's engine. First, multiple complaints describe persistent oil leaks, with one owner detailing the need to use a pan to catch daily leaks, starting after the first oil change. Second, the knock sensor appears to malfunction when exposed to water, as noted by owners who experienced engine limp mode shortly after car washes, with error codes indicating potential connection rod failure. These issues occur early in the vehicle's life, as one owner mentions the problem began after the first oil change. Safety implications include sudden loss of acceleration due to the engine entering limp mode, which could affect driving performance.
Owner complaints3
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report issues with the 2023 Hyundai Kona's service brakes, including brake pedal failure and unexpected brake lock-up. Complaints frequently mention a lack of brake pedal tension, leading to crashes, with one incident involving injury when the vehicle failed to stop and collided with a building. Another owner describes a highway crash due to brake failure, indicating a significant malfunction. Additionally, some owners experience brake lock-up in damp conditions, causing sudden stops that could lead to rear-end collisions. These issues occur shortly after routine maintenance or in specific weather conditions, suggesting potential safety risks for drivers.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints3
STEERING
Owners report issues with the steering of the 2023 Hyundai Kona, with complaints frequently mentioning the vehicle pulling to the right despite multiple alignment attempts at 5,000 and 8,000 miles. Another common symptom described is an unexpected, forceful steering maneuver at highway speeds, where the steering system briefly takes control, requiring significant effort to maintain vehicle control. Additionally, some owners describe the car jerking or jumping when pulling out and turning, which can cause difficulty in steering and potential loss of control. These reports suggest potential safety implications, particularly regarding loss of control at higher speeds or during initial acceleration.
Owner complaints3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners of the 2023 Hyundai Kona report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, primarily involving unexpected activation and lack of response. Multiple complaints describe the system abruptly engaging, such as sudden braking without obstacles, causing brief skids and loss of control. One incident involved a crash where the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking failed to activate, contributing to an accident. These issues are reported at various mileage points, including one vehicle with over 22,000 miles. Safety implications include the potential for accidents due to unexpected braking and system failures, which prospective buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints2
LANE DEPARTURE
Owners report issues with the 2023 Hyundai Kona's lane departure and other safety features becoming non-functional. Complaints frequently mention that all vehicle safety alerts are not operational, with one owner noting that the vehicle shut off while driving at approximately 50 mph on the highway. Both complaints indicate that the safety features, including lane departure alerts, are entirely disabled, and one owner mentions that the vehicle cannot be repaired according to their dealership. There is no specific mileage range provided in these reports, but the implications of non-functional safety systems include potential loss of control. This information is crucial for used car buyers considering the safety and reliability of the 2023 Hyundai Kona.
