Years to avoid
Hyundai Kona Years to Avoid
The 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 model years stand out as the weakest in this Hyundai Kona dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated April 2026
- Weakest year
- 2019
- Model average
- 65/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 224
- Recalls, weakest year
- 4
55/100 reliability
19-point range
13 crash · 6 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2019 Hyundai Kona ranks last
The 2019 scores 55/100, rated mixed, versus a model average of 65/100. NHTSA data contains 224 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Engine (92), Electrical System (55), Power Train (19), Unknown Or Other (16). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2019 Hyundai Kona record →Evidence by year
The weakest Hyundai Kona model years compared
2019 Hyundai Kona
- Complaints
- 224
- Recalls
- 4
- Crash reports
- 13
- Fire reports
- 6
Top issues: Engine (92), Electrical System (55), Power Train (19)
View 2019 details →2020 Hyundai Kona
- Complaints
- 140
- Recalls
- 2
- Crash reports
- 7
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Engine (76), Power Train (16), Unknown Or Other (12)
View 2020 details →2021 Hyundai Kona
- Complaints
- 102
- Recalls
- 1
- Crash reports
- 2
- Fire reports
- 3
Top issues: Engine (51), Unknown Or Other (15), Power Train (13)
View 2021 details →2022 Hyundai Kona
- Complaints
- 115
- Recalls
- 2
- Crash reports
- 3
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Electrical System (33), Engine (19), Unknown Or Other (18)
View 2022 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Hyundai Kona years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Hyundai Kona data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Hyundai Kona research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Hyundai Kona research FAQ
Which Hyundai Kona years should I avoid?
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 score materially below the strongest Hyundai Kona years in this dataset. The 2019 is the weakest at 55/100, with 224 owner complaints and 4 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Hyundai Kona year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Hyundai Kona year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2025 (74/100), 2018 (69/100), 2024 (68/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Hyundai Kona you are considering.