Known Recalls

Model year record

2021 Hyundai Kona

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 157 owner complaints on file.

Hyundai Kona, 2018–2023 generation
Pictured: the 2018–2023 generation. Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V301000

Engine

Component
Engine
Manufacturer
Hyundai Motor America
Vehicles affected
158,493
Reported to NHTSA
2021-04-28
Owners notified
2021-08-24

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine8023,000 mi
Unknown or other195,331 mi
Power train13—
Electrical system1021,400 mi
Fuel/propulsion system5—
Service brakes4—
Vehicle speed control435,000 mi
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking3—
Forward collision avoidance: warnings3—
Lane departure: blind spot detection3—
Engine and engine cooling235,000 mi
Steering225 mi
Wheels2—
Electrical system: horn160,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights15,052 mi
Power train: automatic transmission196,000 mi
Seats1—
Structure: body1—
Tires: sidewall1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages1170,000 mi

The 2020 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 2022 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Other Hyundai Kona model years

202620252024202320222021202020192018

All Hyundai Kona recalls by year

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.