Are engine problems common on the 2020 Hyundai Kona?

Yes. NHTSA lists 113 engine-related complaints out of 158 total complaints for the 2020 Kona, or 72% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2020 Hyundai Kona engine?

Yes. Recall campaign 21V301000, reported April 28, 2021, covers 2019-2020 Elantra and 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines whose piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated. Hyundai will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine.

At what mileage do 2020 Kona engine problems usually appear?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 12,000 miles at the time engine failures were reported.

How does the 2020 Kona compare to other Kona years for engine complaints?

The 2020 Kona's engine complaint share of 72% is close to the 2019 model's 73% and higher than the 2022 model's 42%, the 2023 model's 20%, and the 2024 model's 20%.

2020 Hyundai Kona Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 113 of 158 complaints (72%) filed on the 2020 Hyundai Kona, with a median failure mileage of 12,000 miles. A related recall, campaign 21V301000, covers piston oil rings on the 2.0L Nu MPI engine.

Engine complaints: 113; 72% of 158
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 5
Median mileage: 12,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report a loud ticking or knocking noise from the engine that dealers initially dismissed as normal before later diagnosing internal engine damage.
Some describe sudden unintended acceleration while stopping or parking, in some cases leading to a crash into a wall or structure.
Several owners report full engine failure with no warning lights, occurring while driving at low mileage, sometimes requiring a full engine replacement.
One report describes the engine catching fire and burning the vehicle down to the frame shortly after the vehicle was parked and shut off.
Owners describe a rapping or diesel-like knocking sound that grows progressively louder over weeks, tied to oil pump or piston ring issues.

When 2020 Hyundai Kona engine complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 4, 2020, latest Sep 9, 2026.

113 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Jul 2021 (12).

Engine recalls for the 2020 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

Are engine problems common on the 2020 Hyundai Kona?: Yes. NHTSA lists 113 engine-related complaints out of 158 total complaints for the 2020 Kona, or 72% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Hyundai Kona engine?: Yes. Recall campaign 21V301000, reported April 28, 2021, covers 2019-2020 Elantra and 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines whose piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated. Hyundai will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine.
At what mileage do 2020 Kona engine problems usually appear?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 12,000 miles at the time engine failures were reported.
How does the 2020 Kona compare to other Kona years for engine complaints?: The 2020 Kona's engine complaint share of 72% is close to the 2019 model's 73% and higher than the 2022 model's 42%, the 2023 model's 20%, and the 2024 model's 20%.