How common are engine problems in the 2021 Hyundai Kona?

Engine issues make up 79 of the 116 total complaints filed for the 2021 Kona, or 68% of all complaints, the highest share of any component that year.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Hyundai Kona engine?

Yes. Recall 21V301000 covers 2019-2021 Kona vehicles with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, where piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, and Hyundai will inspect and replace the engine or piston rings free of charge.

At what mileage do 2021 Kona engine problems typically occur?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 23,700 miles at the time of engine failure complaints.

Have there been fires linked to the 2021 Kona engine?

NHTSA complaint data for the 2021 Kona engine lists 3 fires, 1 crash, and 1 injury among the reported cases.

How does the 2021 Kona compare to other model years for engine complaints?

The 68% share of engine-related complaints in 2021 is lower than 2019 (73%) and 2020 (72%), but higher than 2022 (42%) and later years, which dropped to 20% or below.

2021 Hyundai Kona Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 79 of 116 complaints (68%) on the 2021 Hyundai Kona, with a median failure mileage of 23,700 miles. NHTSA recall 21V301000 covers defective piston oil rings on the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, tied to 3 fires and 1 crash.

Engine complaints: 79; 68% of 116
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 23,700 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Some owners report the engine stalling suddenly while driving, including at highway speeds around 60 mph, sometimes with the check engine light on.
Several complaints describe engine fires, including one where the vehicle was parked and unoccupied and another where dash lights came on and the vehicle shut down before flames appeared.
Owners report low or depleted oil levels at low mileage, with the dealer determining the engine was defective and needed replacement.
Multiple owners report receiving recall notice 21V301000 for the piston ring issue but say replacement parts were unavailable for an extended period.
One owner reports hesitation during acceleration, needing to press the gas pedal sharply to get the vehicle moving.
One complaint describes a loud explosion sound followed by the engine stalling multiple times, with a dealer unable to fix the issue despite an open safety recall.

When 2021 Hyundai Kona engine complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 21, 2021, latest Sep 11, 2026.

79 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Apr 2026 (5).

Engine recalls for the 2021 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

How common are engine problems in the 2021 Hyundai Kona?: Engine issues make up 79 of the 116 total complaints filed for the 2021 Kona, or 68% of all complaints, the highest share of any component that year.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Hyundai Kona engine?: Yes. Recall 21V301000 covers 2019-2021 Kona vehicles with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, where piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, and Hyundai will inspect and replace the engine or piston rings free of charge.
At what mileage do 2021 Kona engine problems typically occur?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 23,700 miles at the time of engine failure complaints.
Have there been fires linked to the 2021 Kona engine?: NHTSA complaint data for the 2021 Kona engine lists 3 fires, 1 crash, and 1 injury among the reported cases.
How does the 2021 Kona compare to other model years for engine complaints?: The 68% share of engine-related complaints in 2021 is lower than 2019 (73%) and 2020 (72%), but higher than 2022 (42%) and later years, which dropped to 20% or below.