2021 Hyundai Kona Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Hyundai Kona has a complaint index of 71, ranking 3rd-worst among 8 model years, with 116 complaints and one engine recall. It earns a Caution verdict, driven mainly by engine problems (68% of complaints) including reported fires.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 71/100
- #3 of 8 Kona years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 116
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 28.5
- 26.5 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2021 Hyundai Kona problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine79 (68%)
- Other18 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain14 (12%)
- Electrical System12 (10%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (3%)
- Fuel System4 (3%)
- Brakes3 (3%)
- Lane Departure3 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (3%)
- Steering2 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engines stall, run loud, or fail with almost no oil present at low mileage, sometimes requiring full engine replacement.
- Vehicles have caught fire, in some cases while parked and unoccupied, with no warning light illuminated beforehand.
- Automatic Emergency Braking has engaged unexpectedly at speeds under 40 mph and over 60 mph, leading to sudden stops and at least one rear-end collision.
- Steering pulls to one side from very low mileage, with the wheel off-center even after dealer alignment.
- Headlamps let in rainwater during wet weather, dimming illumination.
- Transmission has bucked and overheated during sustained climbs, triggering a warning light.
2021 Hyundai Kona recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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.
2021 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.
2021 compared with other Kona years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2021 Kona a complaint index of 71 and a Caution verdict, ranking 3rd-worst out of 8 model years for this model. Engine problems account for 68% of its complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
- The engine is the top problem area, making up 79 of 116 complaints (68%), including reports of stalling, low oil, and fires. Median mileage at failure for engine complaints was 23,700 miles.
- Does the 2021 Hyundai Kona have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 21V301000) covers the 2.0L Nu MPI engine's piston oil rings, which may not have been properly heat-treated. Hyundai will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine free of charge.
- How does the 2021 Kona compare to other Kona years?
- The 2021 Kona's complaint index of 71 is better than 2019 (86) and 2020 (100), both rated Avoid, but worse than 2018, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.