NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Hyundai Kona. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
Engine burn oil excessively about 1.5 quarts every 5000 miles. Car has roughly 60000 miles.
Vehicle is burning oil at a rapid pace. Vehicle could catch fire or stall out due to the burning oil inside the engine. Problem is consistent with adding oil regularly in between changes. Vehicle has not been inspected, but will be in the near future. No warning lamps, but oil dip stick is always low
Rad bearing defect. Engine needs to be replaced.
The contact’s mother owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that her mother was able to restart the vehicle; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle stalled again. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Check engine light came on, then went away. Check engine light came on 2 months later, then went away. Car completely dead 1 month later without any dashboard lights warning anything. Replaced battery and car died again 1 month after installing new battery. After jumping the car, alternator test read 12 at local repair shop.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle then stalled. The contact pulled over and waited approximately 20 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had occurred at various speeds. The contact stated that the check engine warning light only recently illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had to be taken for an oil change monthly. The contact stated that there was no indication of an oil leak on the driveway. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Driving down the highway going about 65 mph, I get a quick warning that flashed on my screen about the blindspot collision warning, too quick to actually read. Then the car jolts like I hit a giant pot hole, which I haven't, and the gears on my car drop and I am unable to accelerate or change gear until I pull over and turn the car off. This issue has occurred over 5 times and has been reported to Hyundai every time, with no success in getting the issue fixed and it keep occurring. Happened again today friving home on the highway, and now my check engine light is on.
while driving, oil began to pour into the exhaust system and the engine stopped starting
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated during acceleration and a burning odor was detected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
1: car stopped abruptly without vehicle lights or warnings , stopped while driving 39 mph without any warning. 2: car engine smoking -fire d/y motor seize and oil leaking 3: motor seized piston bore hole in engine block appears to be of concern with other vehicles same year same model unsafe vehicle
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking and clicking sound. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced engine hesitation intermittently, and the failure became permanent. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact had noticed that the oil level was significantly low, and the oil was significantly black at 500 miles after an oil change. The contact stated that on other occasions, the oil was significantly black while at the normal full. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 20 MPH uphill, the vehicle stalled and started rolling backwards. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle then slowly rolled back off the road and struck a small tree. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was restarted after an hour and half. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving 10 MPH on another occasion and was able to restart after 15 minutes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the fault codes were cleared; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where DTC: P0301 was retrieved. The dealer diagnosed that cylinder #1 had a misfire due to the valve cover gasket leaking oil into cylinder #1. The dealer determined that the valve cover gasket, the spark plugs, and the oil filter needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer recommended an engine restoration and fuel induction service. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Chatter or transmission slips from full stop only when engine reaches operating temperature. Does not seem to happen when cold. Vehicle was serviced by Hyundai dealership and said it could be a software fix. They updated software but still have problem. My brother was an auto mechanic and suggested the problem could be related to the transmission oil pump and or defective parts associated with clutch..
The vehicle has started stalling about a week ago. It will just stop and all the lights go on for motor and oil and everything else. There’s a sound as well that seems to be from the engine. This is scary. It tends to be happening during slower traffic. I commute with children and this is not ok. Some of this model have been recalled for the same issue. I believe it’s irresponsible that no one has bothered to contact owners of this model. So we figure out the problem and then something is done. Not ok. It has happened at least 9 times today. I’m scared for my safety and that of my children that commute with me to the city daily on weekdays and at times weekends too.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption and while driving the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated that the engine was faulty, and the top of the engine and part of the engine lubricated by the engine oil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was previously inspected under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced that failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 55,000. The contact stated the repairs were made at the tune of $1885, but would like to know if the damage done to the vehicle was in relation to oil ring not being replaced as part of the recall.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted the vehicle safely to a stop on the side of the road. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated after restarting the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the timing chain needed to be replaced, and the engine had an internal failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred. The contact researched online and determined that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
IN THE LAST WEEK MY CAR HAS STALLED OUT WHILE I HAVE BEEN DRIVING...THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THEY CANT GET ME IN UNTIL FRIDAY...NO WARNING LIGHTS AT ALL ARE COMING ON...I FEEL COMPLETELY UNSAFE DRIVING MY CAR AND IT SEEMS LIKE THE DEALERSHIP DONT CARE...
When I purchased my Hyundai Kona I was over the moon excited. It checked all or the boxes for me and my family. Now I live in fear every single day that the ongoing car theft in my area is going to flip my entire world upside emotionally and financially. I want to know what Hyundais solution is to support the families that put trust in them when purchasing a vehicle from them.
My 20year old daughter had gone to a dealership to get her first vehicle and they have her a recalled vehicle without knowing about it. She was financed a 2019 Hyundai Kona with a high monthly fee. She was told the vehicle had no issues but then 3 days ago (1/26/22) we received a call regarding recall from the dealer. The dealership called with the manager apologizing profusely and stating that they were unaware of recall from (4/2021) and that the vehicle should not have been allowed for sale / finance/ lease. They said it was a big mistake. They told us that because they are not the manufacturer, we had to take it to the a Hyundai dealership. She took it yesterday (1/27/22) and they said to bring it back on Monday to fix despite the danger♀️. They refused to even provide a rental car for free.
Car will stall while driving, coming to a stop and slowing down. Loud clanking and knocking noise in engine, massive oil consumption, engine light illuminated, bad acceleration then stalling, rough idle and stalls while backing up. I am terrified of driving this car and it stalls when turning and coming to a stop or just slowing down. I can smell oil burning and no one at hyndai wants to help me at all. Driving it out of the dealership when I had it checked for the recall and it died 2 times. I am going to lose everything I have worked for all because this car is not working properly. Dealership allowed me to drive away knowing the car stalls while driving and wanted me to pay for another engine diagnostic test even though they stated they did one.this makes no sense and I am severely frustrated!!! I will never buy another hyundai!!!
I was in a bad wreck on November 15th 2021 about 8pm I have pictures of car and air bags did not deploy was wondering because I thought as much damage they should have
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer for the recall repair. The vehicle was inspected, and no repairs were needed at the time. The contact stated on January 1, 2023, while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed there was no oil in the engine. Additionally, the contact was informed that the timing chain and engine needed to be replaced. The mechanic performed an oil change. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the timing chain and engine replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
My vehicle was stolen in November of 2021, (many have been in Milwaukee). I had a steering wheel lock (they had broken the back rear window in April 2021 in a thwarted attempt to steal, and the police recommended this), and the vehicle was parked under security cameras. They broke the window, disabled the ignition and took it for a ride and crashed it. My vehicle repair has not been completed due to the high volume of thefts, and delay by insurance companies making claims. It is now February 8, 2022.
As the reported recall has described, the engine in my 2019 Kona failed on November 6th, 2021. The dealership (Hyundai) has not repaired my vehicle and has had my vehicle in their possession since that date. I was denied a loaner vehicle due to inavailability. Hyundai has made minimal progress on repair despite the federal recall. Does the NHSTA require Hyundai to act within a certain time frame to have repairs effected once it's been identified and the problem has occurred? Can you help?
Speedometer is not measuring correctly to the actual speed of car. Was actually driving about 15 mph faster than found on the analog gauge without knowing. The dealer confirmed that speedometer was reading 15 MPH under the actual speed of the car. Do not now if the car component was inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance or others. There was no warning presented by the car of the defect. Only that my son told me that according to the digital speed signs on the street we were going to fast. the car was turned in for repair of speedometer R.O. OPENED date 26MAY20 and returned fixed on READY,12JUN20. Now I have returned the car for repair with same problem 2 weeks from today approximate. CAR still not repaired, no reply from dealer.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I was driving the vehicle. All of a sudden, all the lights went out on the vehicle. This includes the instrumentation panel, interior lights, brake lights, etc. I drove the car to a safe location and stopped the engine. I then restarted the car and everything started normally.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph a knocking noise and burning odor was present coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The VIN look-up confirmed the vehicle was listed in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21v301000 (engine).The failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred three times while driving that same day. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with a rental. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and a loud sound was heard before the vehicle stalled. The contact shifted the vehicle into neutral and was able restart the vehicle and drive to her residence. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,874. Parts distribution disconnect.
Yesterday my car, Hyundai Kona 2019, stalled out for no reason while the vehicle was in motion. There were no warning signs on the panel. I change the oil regularly, but the car keeps burning oil very quickly before the next planned oil change, however, I never have any warning signs that my oil level is low. I could have gotten into an accident, and now I am afraid of driving because the car can stall at any moment, and cause an accident. The manufacturing company doesn't s solve this problem in a timely manner!
I brought my car to the Pride Hyundai dealership in Lynn, MA on Friday, 7/30. They confirmed that I need a new engine and still have my car and Hyundai corporate has not gotten back to them. I am elderly and a one car family and I have no car. I also do not want to drive the car until it is fixed.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk. The dealer was made aware of the recall and failure but informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,285. Parts distribution disconnect.
Vehicle only has 30000 miles was driving on the highway. When the engine started making a loud clapping, tapping noise pulled of the exit and the car totally turned off. So I thought the starter failed. But after further inspection saw that a metal rod from inside the engine broke through and sheared off the cables behind the starter as well.. its the same description that other kona owners with the 2.0L version describe " catastrophic engine failure " same noise same everything but I owe the 1.6L version. In the photos you see the back of the starter and the cut cables to the left of the pic. And to the right rear of the pic you see the sheared metal rod that broke through the engine. And cut the cables that go into the starter.... We were going to the hospital to see my son when it happened. He was in the hospital for 1yr since then he has passed. I finally was able to send in my car to the dealership. Where it has been for the last 4 1/2 months with no resolve.
This vehicle has stalled five (5) times while driving, twice at highway speeds and three times at neighborhood speeds. The warning light comes on, the car stalls but then will restart normally. Have been lucky in that there have been no accidents. The dealer had the car for a week and can diagnose no problem or replicate the stall event. We have opened a case with Hyundai as well.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V301000 (Engine). The contact stated while driving 25 mph, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled. However, the contact was able to restart the vehicle after several minutes and continued driving to the residence. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was concerned that the failure would recur. The contact wanted to know if the engine was taken apart during the inspection. The contact was informed that the engine was not taken apart. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 7,500.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The contact stated while driving approximately 25-35 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
CAR LOST SPEED ON GOING UPHILL. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THEY FOUND NOTHING RELATED. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THIS RECALL. THE LENGTH OF TIME IT HAS TAKEN TO REPAIR AND THE FACT THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO REPAIR THESE PISTON RINGS.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the vehicle loss motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of roadway with grayish smoke coming from the engine. The vehicle failed to restart. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer however, he was informed that he would be placed on a list for the recall repair. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall but offered no assistance. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 10,300. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer as well as Sansone Hyundai (90-100 US-1, Avenel, NJ 07001, (833)376-7829) and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph, the oil level warning light illuminated. The vehicle started to jerk, and the contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 9,600. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but was unable to provide a timeline for parts availability. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact's son leases a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated upon receiving a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE). the vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact's son that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. However, the dealer advised they would be refilling the engine oil every 500 miles. The contact stated his son had been taking the vehicle to the dealer to get the engine oil refilled, however the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated the engine had been making ticking abnormal sounds while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact's son that they could only refill the engine oil as the remedy for the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the remedy was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with a misfire. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer Safford Hyundai of Springfield (7615 Loisdale Rd A, Springfield, VA 22150, (703)776-9040) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the service light needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) after the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was 20,000.
While slowing down car would make a whining sound and eventually started grinding. Car also stalled and died while coming to a stop. After that unable to drive or move the car in neutral.
From mid-May, my wife noticed the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) illuminate on the dashboard. The MIL light would intermittently illuminate and not display at times. 1) In June, I went on Hyundai's website using my log on account to request for service. A specific date was requested but not response was provided. 2) on June 17 at 10:39 AM HST, I called Hyundai Service center and a left a message to request service for the MIL issue. 3) on June 18 at 08:52 AM HST, I called Hyundai Service center and a left a message to request service for the same issue. On July 05, 2021 , I just opened a letter from Hyundai for an important Safety recall regarding our vehicle involving defective piston oil rings that could result in abnormal knocking or stalling. I believe this is a serious issue that needs immediate attention, however, we are unable to receive any service here. My wife at this time is very afraid to drive the vehicle unless this issues is resolved. Please advise us what steps can be taken from NHTSA. The service level for Hyundai is extremely poor , at this point we want to somehow terminate our lease . Best Regards
I was notified of a recall by Carfax on May 9th, 2021. On May 10th, 2021, I took my vehicle to Lehigh Valley Hyundai in Pennsylvania. I have been back and forth trying to get in contact with my case manager and he has not responded as to what is going on with my vehicle. It is now July 5th and there is still no remedy for my car. My car has been in the shop almost 2 months now.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The recall for my 2019 Hyundai Kona was issued 28 Apr 2021. It is now the middle of July 2021. How long should Hyundai owners need to wait for a remedy? I feel unsafe even driving this vehicle knowing it could possibly blow up. As of 7/12/2021, no remedy is listed. I have called my local dealer and they say the same, no remedy yet.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The car used extremely amounts of oil yet showed no signs of a leak and the car would shut off randomly while driving. Took it to the first dealership and they refused to acknowledge any problem while we had it towed into them. They had it for 2 months and we showed them problems noted about faulty piston rings in these cars. They made us take the car back and we continued to drive it with the extremely dangerous issue of shut downs with the car and still heavy oil usage. We took it to an independent mechanic who stated scored cylinders due to oil problems from bad rings then towed it to a different dealership that also stated same and recommended engine replacement. Hyundai is refusing the dealer’s recommendations even though these cars are noted as having these problems and yes each time the engine light comes on. Extremely dangerous to continue to drive this car. Car is still at San Tan Hyundai in Gilbert Az for second week waiting for approval of necessary recall repair have also contacted Hyundai corporate and they deny any problems with this car. We first took this car into dealer 2021 now we have it back with continuous problems