2021 Hyundai Kona Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 80about this part
- Share
- 67%of 120 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 23,350miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 80 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Hyundai Kona, 67% of the 120 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,350 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My exact engine was as in a recall but not my car which failed prematurely at 84,000. I have taken extensive maintenance in the car in the for the past 2 years. Hyundai made me pay to tow my car to a dealership denied me for a goodwill replacement with the same exact problems as the same exact recalled engine and stuck me with the bill.”
NHTSA complaint #11768574, filed 2026-10“The vehicle has 82.000 miles on it, and the engine started to rattle as I entered the street to my house, and the motor quit running. I had the vehicle hauled to a repair garage for analysis, and they said the piston rings failed. The vehicle is in perfect shape except for the broken engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11726081, filed 2026-03“At a stop sign, or red light, car bucks, then accelerates. Steering column is making noise. Took car to dealership..stated they can't look at my car until October 31st, 2023! My car only has 16k miles. If this is a dangerous issue, especially the steering colum noise (possibly a bearing issue or rack and pinion problem)..why am I having to wait until October??”
NHTSA complaint #11546966, filed 2023-09“I have experienced the same issues with a known recall for my year, make and model. I am not sure why my VIN is not showing. Have records from a mechanic that there was a fire hazard. I have experienced stalling on several occasions. Could I have help getting my VIN recognized so Hyundai will help me?”
NHTSA complaint #11682180, filed 2025-08“I have already replaced the transmission out of pocket 7k its began to do the same thing immediately was flushed a 2nd time and told it could be the motor. Also my battery i have bought 2 new batteries in 2 yrs now to find out its a false warning.”
NHTSA complaint #11730099, filed 2026-04Related recalls
- 21V301000Apr 28, 2021Hyundai 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…Covers: Hyundai Kona 2019–2021, Veloster 2019–2021, Elantra 2019–2020
Related service bulletins
- 11038458Oct 8, 2026Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure…
- 11038456Oct 7, 2026Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures…
- 11037496Sep 22, 2026Hyundai has become aware that certain Kona vehicles equipped with 1.6T-GDI engines may not meet engine-out NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) and Particulate Matter (PM) emission standards.
- 11036623Aug 21, 2026Certain Kona (OS) vehicles equipped with the 1.6T-GDI engine may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions that may not meet engine-out NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) and Particulate Matter…
- 11036622Aug 21, 2026Certain Kona (OS) vehicles equipped with the 1.6T-GDI engine may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions that may not meet engine-out NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) and Particulate Matter…
- 11031400Apr 18, 2026Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 10% |
| 2025 | 2 | 7% |
| 2024 | 9 | 17% |
| 2023 | 8 | 12% |
| 2022 | 33 | 33% |
| 2021 | 80 | 67% |
| 2020 | 109 | 67% |
| 2019 | 138 | 70% |
| 2018 | 42 | 56% |
Other parts of the 2021 Hyundai Kona
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsLane departure
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Hyundai Kona
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology