Hyundai Kona Best and Worst Years (2018–2025)
Hyundai Kona years to avoid: 2019 and 2020. Best years: 2018 and 2022. Based on 782 NHTSA owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns across 8 model years (2018–2025).
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 8
- 2018–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 782
- Recall campaigns
- 7
- Crashes reported
- 44
- Fires reported
- 20
- Top problem area
- Engine
Kona Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Hyundai Kona problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Best | 0 | 75 | 9 | 10 | 0 | Engine | 28.5 | — |
| 2019 | Avoid | 86 | 191 | 11 | 4 | 1 | Engine | 28.5 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Avoid | 100 | 158 | 8 | 3 | 2 | Engine | 29 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Caution | 71 | 116 | 2 | 3 | 1 | Engine | 28.5 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Best | 14 | 98 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 30 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Good | 29 | 65 | 4 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 30 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Caution | 57 | 51 | 5 | 0 | 4 | Electrical System | 28 | 4★ |
| 2025 | Good | 43 | 28 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 28 | 4★ |
Kona years to avoid: what went wrong
2020 Hyundai Kona Index 100 · 158 complaints · 2 recalls
Owners filed 158 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Hyundai Kona, led by engine (113), transmission & powertrain (20), and electrical system (12). NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this year. Complaints mention 8 crashes and 3 fires.
2020 engine problems →2020 transmission & powertrain problems →
2019 Hyundai Kona Index 86 · 191 complaints · 1 recalls
Owners filed 191 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Hyundai Kona, led by engine (140), electrical system (20), and transmission & powertrain (18). NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this year. Complaints mention 11 crashes and 4 fires.
2019 engine problems →2019 electrical system problems →2019 transmission & powertrain problems →
Most common Hyundai Kona problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine445 (57%)
- Electrical System145 (19%)
- Other134 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain97 (12%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras60 (8%)
- Brakes33 (4%)
- Fuel System29 (4%)
- Structure & Body23 (3%)
- Steering20 (3%)
- Lane Departure18 (2%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Hyundai Kona should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2019 and 2020 Hyundai Kona have the highest Complaint Index among 8 model years and are the years to avoid. The 2020 model year ranks worst with 158 complaints and 2 recalls.
- What is the best year for the Hyundai Kona?
- The 2018 and 2022 Hyundai Kona have the lowest Complaint Index of the years we track, with the 2018 at 75 complaints and 0 recalls. Complaint counts are adjusted for how long each model year has been on the road.
- What are the most common problems with the Hyundai Kona?
- Across all model years, the most reported problem areas in NHTSA complaints are engine (445, 57%), electrical system (145, 19%), and transmission & powertrain (97, 12%).
- How many recalls does the Hyundai Kona have?
- NHTSA lists 7 distinct recall campaigns covering Hyundai Kona model years 2018–2025. Recalls are repaired free of charge by dealers; check any specific vehicle by VIN before buying.