YearToAvoid

2019 Hyundai Kona Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2019 Hyundai Kona has a complaint index of 86, the second-worst among 8 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Engine problems make up 73% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 70,000, plus one engine recall covering piston oil rings.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
86/100
#2 of 8 Kona years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
191
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
11
reported in complaints
Fires
4
Injuries
6
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2018
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
28.5
26.5 city / 31 hwy
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Top 2019 Hyundai Kona problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine140 (73%)
  2. Electrical System20 (10%)
  3. Other20 (10%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain18 (9%)
  5. Fuel System10 (5%)
  6. Collision Avoidance & Cameras9 (5%)
  7. Structure & Body8 (4%)
  8. Lane Departure6 (3%)
  9. Airbags5 (3%)
  10. Brakes3 (2%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Engine knocking noises and a burning odor often precede a stall or complete engine failure.
  • Some owners report ongoing excessive oil consumption, exceeding a quart weekly, along with power loss.
  • Smoke and flames have come from the engine compartment while the vehicle was stopped or idling.
  • Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in some crashes despite significant impact damage.
  • Forward collision warning and automatic braking reportedly failed to engage before a crash.
  • Vehicles under the piston-ring recall reportedly still jerked at various speeds while awaiting parts.
2019 Hyundai Kona complaints: complaints filed per quarter202018 Q42020 Q12021 Q22022 Q22023 Q22024 Q22025 Q22026 Q2
191 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2021 Q3 (20).

2019 Hyundai Kona recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 21V301000Apr 28, 2021Engine158,493 vehicles

    Engine

    Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.

    Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

2019 Hyundai Kona fuel economy and fuel cost

City
26.5 MPG
Highway
31 MPG
Combined
28.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,275
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2019 compared with other Kona years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020182019202020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2018Best075028.5
2019Avoid86191128.5
2020Avoid100158229
2021Caution71116128.5

All Hyundai Kona years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona reliable?
The 2019 Kona ranks 2nd worst out of 8 model years based on NHTSA owner complaints, with a complaint index of 86 and an Avoid verdict. Engine problems account for 73% of its complaints.
What is the main problem with the 2019 Hyundai Kona?
Engine issues dominate, making up 73% of complaints (140 of 191), including knocking, stalling, oil consumption, and fires. Median mileage at failure for engine complaints is 70,000.
Does the 2019 Hyundai Kona have an engine recall?
Yes. Recall 21V301000 covers 2019-2020 Elantra and 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines, where piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated. Dealers inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine.
How does the 2019 Kona compare to other model years?
The 2019 Kona's complaint index of 86 is worse than the 2018 (0, Best), 2021 (71, Caution), 2022 (14, Best), 2023 (29, Caution), 2024 (57, Caution), and 2025 (43, Good) model years, but slightly better than the 2020 model (100, Avoid).
How many complaints does NHTSA have for the 2019 Hyundai Kona?
NHTSA lists 191 complaints for the 2019 Kona, including 11 crashes, 4 fires, and 6 injuries, with one recall campaign.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.