YearToAvoid

2021 Hyundai Kona Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

71/100

#3 most-complained of 8 Kona years

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

The 2021 Hyundai Kona has 116 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 71 out of 100 — #3 highest of 8 Kona model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is engine (79 complaints, 68% of the total). Complaints report 2 crashes, 3 fires, and 3 injuries.

Complaints
116
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
2 / 3
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
28.5
26.5 city / 31 hwy

Top 2021 Hyundai Kona problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine79 (68%)
  2. Other18 (16%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain14 (12%)
  4. Electrical System12 (10%)
  5. Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (3%)
  6. Fuel System4 (3%)
  7. Brakes3 (3%)
  8. Lane Departure3 (3%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (3%)
  10. Steering2 (2%)
2021 Hyundai Kona complaints: complaints filed per quarter162021 Q22022 Q12022 Q42023 Q32024 Q22025 Q12025 Q42026 Q3
145 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2021 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2026 Q1 (16).

2021 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.

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

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
2019Avoid86191128.5
2020Avoid100158229
2021Caution71116128.5
2022Best1498030
2023Good2965130

All Hyundai Kona years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Hyundai Kona ranks #3 of 8 among Kona model years (Complaint Index 71/100, verdict: Caution). It has 116 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
The most reported problem areas are engine (79 complaints), transmission & powertrain (14 complaints), and electrical system (12 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 23,700 miles.
Does the 2021 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2021 Hyundai Kona, most recently reported 2021, covering engine.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
EPA rates the 2021 Hyundai Kona at 28.5 MPG combined (26.5 city / 31 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,275. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

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.