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Hyundai Kona

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2020 Kona has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2020 Hyundai Kona owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Alarm or security system (excluding aftermarket systems)

""My key fob doesn't work, so I cannot set the alarm. I refuse to pa $800 to fix the problem when it should be under the extended warranty I purchased.""

Anonymous A., CA (2020 Hyundai Kona Ultimate 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"Drivers front turn signal light went out and I replaced the bulb. Then a couple of months later it stopped working again. Checked the bulb and its fine. I have to now take it for repair."

Anonymous A., MD (2020 Hyundai Kona Limited 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Keyless entry

""The key fob does not communicate with the car. The dealer wants $800 to fix it, so I left it alone.""

Anonymous A., CA (2020 Hyundai Kona Ultimate 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"New battery in key fob but still difficult to activate"

Anonymous, VT (2020 Hyundai Kona Limited 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"Two times they had to replace my engine"

Anonymous, FL (2020 Hyundai Kona SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

""My car had an engine replacement due to a blown head gasket. This was a recall that was supposed to have already been fixed by a different dealership. The company had my vehicle for over eight months. They did supply a rental vehicle. The entire time I was stressed because Hyundai would never say if the issue would be covered under warranty and would give me rental agreements with prices on it. They told me it would probably be covered so I should just sign. After eight months, I contacted Hyundai corporate as I was unable to get an answer about what was happening with my car. During the time in, my vehicle surpassed its warranty time, in years. I requested a conversation about a buy back, since this was the 2nd major safety issue with this vehicle. The previous time a different dealership had it for a month and put 1000 miles on it to try to recreate the other issue, which they never did. The other dealership also did not fix the recall but said they did. The other dealership did not agree to pay for a rental car because they could not recreate the issue. Corporate told me they could not help me. They told me I needed to talk to the dealership. The dealership that had my car for 8 months told me they could not do anything but did have a brand new engine in my car within 2 weeks after the request. However, they threatened to charge me 2 days of rental after they told me they wouldnt, once I told them that I would be naming them in a buy back case. They are one of the 2 nearest dealerships and now I dont feel like I can take my car back without retribution. I also cant take my car to the original dealership because I dont trust they will actually do what they say they would do. They are an hour and a half away. Now I will need to go an hour and a half a direction I never need to travel or go 3.5 hours to the next dealership. Awful customer care. I would never buy another Hyundai.""

Anonymous A., (2020 Hyundai Kona SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine knock or ping

"Engine light stayed on"

Anonymous, FL (2020 Hyundai Kona SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Would not pair with phone on occasion. Became annoying after several times."

Anonymous, CA (2020 Hyundai Kona Ultimate 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Starter did not work sporadically. Starter had to be replaced."

Anonymous, (2020 Hyundai Kona Unsure Unsure)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Replaced the transmission because of intermittent jerking while gear changing."

Anonymous, (2020 Hyundai Kona Limited 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

""All of the colored plastic pieces (spoiler, hatch cover, etc.) faded dramaticly just after the 5 year warranty period""

Anonymous, SC (2020 Hyundai Kona SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Tailgate, hatch or trunk

"Latch button failed after warranty period"

Anonymous, SC (2020 Hyundai Kona SEL 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

2020 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ENGINE
Apr 28, 2021
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V301000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 158493
EQUIPMENT
Jan 17, 2020
An incorrect GAWR could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Kona vehicles. The certification label may indicate incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 567, "Certification" and 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
What should you do:
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install new label stickers displaying the correct GAWR over the affected areas of the certification label, free of charge. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 187.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V022000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 477
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