What engine problems do 2019 Hyundai Kona owners report?

Owners report knocking noises, stalling, loss of power, excessive oil consumption, and in some cases smoke or fire from the engine compartment. Engine complaints make up 140 of the 191 total complaints filed for this model year, or 73%.

Is there a recall for the 2019 Hyundai Kona engine?

Yes. NHTSA 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 will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine free of charge.

At what mileage do 2019 Kona engine problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 70,000 miles at the time engine failures were reported.

Are 2019 Kona engine problems more common than other model years?

Yes. The 2019 model year has the highest share of engine complaints among all Kona years listed, at 73%, compared to 59% for 2018 and 42% for 2022.

Have there been any crashes or fires linked to the engine issue?

NHTSA data lists 3 crashes, 3 fires, and 4 injuries associated with engine-related complaints on the 2019 Kona.

2019 Hyundai Kona Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 140 of 191 complaints (73%) filed on the 2019 Hyundai Kona, the highest share of any model year. NHTSA recall 21V301000 covers faulty piston oil rings that can cause engine failure, and the median mileage at failure was 70,000.

Engine complaints: 140; 73% of 191
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 4
Median mileage: 70,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report loud knocking noises and burning odors from the engine bay, sometimes followed by stalling or complete engine failure.
Some vehicles reportedly consumed more than a quart of oil per week alongside a loss of power and knocking.
Several owners describe the engine stalling or losing power intermittently at low speeds, especially with the A/C running or in hot weather, with no fault found by the dealer.
A cluster of complaints describes jerking or hesitation when accelerating from a stop, sometimes tied to delayed availability of recall parts.
Multiple owners reported smoke or flames coming from the engine compartment while driving or stopped, in some cases resulting in a total loss of the vehicle.
Some owners recount waiting for the piston ring recall repair only to be told replacement parts were unavailable, leaving the stall/jerk issue unresolved.

When 2019 Hyundai Kona engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 22, 2020, latest Sep 16, 2026.

140 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2020 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2021 Q3 (19).

Engine recalls for the 2019 Hyundai Kona

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.

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

What engine problems do 2019 Hyundai Kona owners report?: Owners report knocking noises, stalling, loss of power, excessive oil consumption, and in some cases smoke or fire from the engine compartment. Engine complaints make up 140 of the 191 total complaints filed for this model year, or 73%.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Hyundai Kona engine?: Yes. NHTSA 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 will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine free of charge.
At what mileage do 2019 Kona engine problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 70,000 miles at the time engine failures were reported.
Are 2019 Kona engine problems more common than other model years?: Yes. The 2019 model year has the highest share of engine complaints among all Kona years listed, at 73%, compared to 59% for 2018 and 42% for 2022.
Have there been any crashes or fires linked to the engine issue?: NHTSA data lists 3 crashes, 3 fires, and 4 injuries associated with engine-related complaints on the 2019 Kona.