How common are engine problems in the 2018 Hyundai Kona?

Engine complaints make up 44 of the 75 total complaints filed for the 2018 Kona, or 59% of all complaints for that year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Hyundai Kona engine?

NHTSA's data shows no related recall listed for the engine problem area on the 2018 Kona.

At what mileage do 2018 Kona engine problems typically occur?

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2018 Kona is 72,000 miles, though some owners reported issues as early as 17,000 miles.

Are engine fires a concern for the 2018 Kona?

Yes, NHTSA complaint data for the 2018 Kona's engine problem area includes 7 fire reports and 1 crash among the 44 engine complaints.

Does the engine issue affect other Kona model years too?

Yes, engine complaints represent an even larger share of total complaints in 2019 (73%), 2020 (72%), and 2021 (68%), before dropping in later years.

2018 Hyundai Kona Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 44 of 75 complaints (59%) on the 2018 Hyundai Kona, including 7 fires and 1 crash. NHTSA lists no related recall for this engine issue on this model year, and median mileage at failure is 72,000.

Engine complaints: 44; 59% of 75
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 7
Injuries reported: 4
Median mileage: 72,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine compartment catches fire or emits smoke while driving or shortly after parking, sometimes escalating from a burning smell to visible flames within a few minutes.
Vehicle stalls or shuts off unexpectedly while driving, occasionally recurring multiple times after dealer repairs such as ignition coil replacement.
Owners report piston ring failure leading to excessive oil consumption and eventual need for full engine replacement.
Loss of oil pressure triggers oil and battery warning lights along with loss of acceleration, forcing the driver to pull over.
A knocking noise from the engine appears during acceleration along with an illuminated check engine light.
Some owners describe repeated stalling events tied to timing control and camshaft position sensor issues before an engine fire occurred.

When 2018 Hyundai Kona engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 20, 2020, latest Sep 19, 2026.

44 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Mar 2023 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Kona

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Kona model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201844 (59%)
2019140 (73%)
2020113 (72%)
202179 (68%)
202241 (42%)
202313 (20%)
202410 (20%)
20255 (18%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2018 Hyundai Kona?: Engine complaints make up 44 of the 75 total complaints filed for the 2018 Kona, or 59% of all complaints for that year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Hyundai Kona engine?: NHTSA's data shows no related recall listed for the engine problem area on the 2018 Kona.
At what mileage do 2018 Kona engine problems typically occur?: The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2018 Kona is 72,000 miles, though some owners reported issues as early as 17,000 miles.
Are engine fires a concern for the 2018 Kona?: Yes, NHTSA complaint data for the 2018 Kona's engine problem area includes 7 fire reports and 1 crash among the 44 engine complaints.
Does the engine issue affect other Kona model years too?: Yes, engine complaints represent an even larger share of total complaints in 2019 (73%), 2020 (72%), and 2021 (68%), before dropping in later years.