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2019 Hyundai Kona Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Daniel Wilson
2019 Hyundai Kona Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2019 Hyundai Kona has 206 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve engine and unknown or other.

Powertrain: Battery Electric (BEV).

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

6.9/ 10

Based on 206 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

ENGINE

104 50.5%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

18 8.7%

POWER TRAIN

15 7.3%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

15 7.3%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

9 4.4%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 50.5% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 27 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2019 Hyundai Kona

The 2019 Hyundai Kona has 206 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 50% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2019 Hyundai Kona are ENGINE (104), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (18), POWER TRAIN (15).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 140 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2019 Hyundai Kona?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2018 Kona complaints2020 Kona complaints2021 Kona complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 27 of 27 systems

ENGINE

104 Reports50% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

A COUPLE HUNDRED MILES AFTER PURCHASING A NEW KONA, I HAD STARTED HAVING ACCELERATION ISSUES GOING FROM A DEAD STOP INTO FIRST GEAR .AS THE CAR STARTS TO GO, THIS IS UNDER 5 MPH, THE CAR THEN HESITATES AS IF SOMEONE IS HITTING THE BRAKES. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR ENDED SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THIS. IT IS A SPORADIC ISSUE. I HAVE HAD IT INTO HYUNDAI 3X NOW FOR THIS. ALL 3 X HYUNDAI STATES THEY CAN NOT REPAIR UNLESS IT HAPPENS WHILE TEST DRIVING . OF COURSE THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED. SO THEY HAVE " RESET" MY DRIVING COMPUTER 2X HOPING IT WILL STOP. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND THERE ARE MANY KONA OWNERS OUT THERE DOCUMENTING THIS ISSUE ON BLOGS. I HAVE 3 SERVICE REPORTS CLAIMING THERE IS AN ISSUE, BUT IT IS NOT BEING FOUND. I HAVE WRITTEN TO HYUNDAI TO OPEN A CASE REPORT. I AM REPORTING THIS TO THE NHTSA T WITH HOPES OF EITHER RESOLVING THIS ISSUE OR BRING LIGHT TO A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD FROM HYUNDAI. THANK YOU, [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC

7/22/2020

AS I WAS COMING TO A STOP LIGHT I PRESSED MY BRAKE PEDALS I FELT A SHUDDER THROUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MY CAR DIED. THIS OCCURRED THREE TIMES IN A SHORT. OF TIME. THIS OCCURRED THREE TIMES IN A SHORT. OF TIME I WAS ON A HIGHWAY AND IT WAS VERY DISCONCERTING I WAS ABLE TO FINALLY GET IT BACK HOME.

8/11/2020

102 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

18 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

STARTUP AND DRIVING FOR 15 MINUTES BCW WARNING SYSTEM DISABLED RADAR BLOCKED MESSAGE COMES ON, YIELD SIGN WITH EXCLAIMATION POINT COMES ON, AND THE BUTTON THAT TURNS THE SYSTEM ON/OFF LEFT OF STEERING WHEEL GOES OUT ERROR STAYS APPROX 20-25 MINUTES AND THEN RESETS ITSELF PULLING OFF ROAD, AND RESTARTING THE CAR, IT WILL ALSO CLEAR THE ERROR, WE HAVE WIPED AND CLEANED BUMPER AND SENSOR AREAS, HAVE HAD CAR INTO 2 DEALERSHIPS, THEY SAY SYSTEM IS OPERATING AS IT SHOULD, CAN NOT REPRODUCE PROBLEM. THIS ERROR HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE TIME I DRIVE THE CAR (EARLY MORNING , I HAVE NOT HAD IT HAPPEN AT OTHER TIME, ALTHOUGH HUSBAND HAS TWICE.DEALERSHIPS CLAIM THAT SOME KIND OF RADAR IS INTERFERRING, OR THE SYSTEM TURNS OFF WHEN IT HASNT DETECTED ANOTHER CAR IN THE MIRRORS AFTER 10 MINUTES. MY QUESTION IS, THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE, WHY WOULD IT JUST TURN ITSELF OFF? OTHER THINGS I HAVE NOTICED ARE, IF PULLING OFF ROAD WHEN ERROR OCCURS, AND GOING INTO MENU TO CHANGE ANY CAR SETTINGS, THE BCW FEATURE IS COMPLETELY MISSING FROM THE MENU WHEN THE ERROR IS ON. AND ALSO THE BUTTON TO THE LEFT OF STEERING WHEEL WHICH TURNS SYSTEM ON/OFF. ( IN THE DARK) YOU CAN SEE IT "BLINKING IN A CONSISTANT FASHION. WHEN THE SYSTEM IS ABOUT TO "FAIL/ SEND THE ERROR CODE, I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE BUTTON IS NO LONGER "BLINKING" ( YOU CAN ONLY TAKE NOTICE OF THE BUTTON BLINKING IN THE BACKGROUND WHEN ITS DARK OUT. REPORTED MY PROBLEM DIRECTLY TO HYUNDAI IN CALIFORNIA, THEY CLOSED CASE BECAUSE DEALERSHIPS COULDNT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. LIKEWISE THEY WILL NOT TAKE BUMPER OFF, CHECK SENSORS OR ANYTHING OTHER THAN CAN NOT REPRODUCE PROBLEM, THEY ARE DONE, NOT PULLING BUMPER OFF/ETC HYUNDAI WONT REIMBURSE THEM.GOOGLE PROBLEM, BEEN HAPPENING ON HYUNDAI MODELS SINCE 2015, WITHOUR A FIX, AND THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE? NO OTHER CAR I HAVE DRIVEN WITH A BCW SYSTEM HAS DONE THIS IN AREA IM IN 15 MIN AFTER STARTUP

6/29/2019

UPON COLLISION (FRONT END) AT ABOUT 35 MPH THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES AND CONTINUED TO BURN UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP. IN ADDITION, THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM. DRIVER'S CLAVICLE WAS FRACTURED AND DISPLACED UPON IMPACT.

11/21/2019

16 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

15 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

CAR AT TIMES WILL NOT ACCELERATE FROM A STOP FOR 2 TO 3 SECONDS AFTER ACCLERATER IS PUSH.

7/14/2019

WHEN LEAVING HOME THE VEHICLE HAD LITTLE ACCELERATION AND POOR SHIFTING. TOOK TOO MUCH TIME MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. AFTER CONTACTING THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP THE PROBLEM CLEARED UP AS IT HAD DONE BEFORE. DROVE TO THE LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. OBDII CODE READ P0193.

9/28/2019

13 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

15 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HYUNDAI KONA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM SUDDENLY ACTIVATED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ABRUPTLY SLOW DOWN. ALSO, WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATED AND THE DOORS WOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHEN SWITCHING TO THE DRIVE POSITION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. JIM BURKE HYUNDAI (4445 13TH ST NORTH, BIRMINGHAM, AL) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

11/19/2019

DURING REGULAR DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER, WILL NOT ACCELERATE AND STALLS OUT COMPLETELY. AFTER SITTING A FEW MINUTES THE VEHICLE WILL RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP BUT NOTHING SEEMED WRONG. WITHIN A SIX MONTH PERIOD IT AGAIN OCCURRED TWICE. ONCE AGAIN NOTHING WAS OBSERVED WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE BUT THE SECOND TIME LAST NIGHT THE CAR WAS BROUGHT TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY STATED THE ENGINE HAS LITTLE TO NO COMPRESSION. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AWAITING A DIAGNOSIS FROM HYNDAI

2/3/2021

13 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ONCE IN A WHILE WHEN YOU STEP ON GS PEDAL THE CAR DOES NOT GO FOR ABOUT 3 SECONDS,VERY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING HIGHWAY IN FRONT OF TRAFFIC.ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION DOES NOT ACT OR SOUND FUNNY JUST SEEMS LIKE FUEL SYSTEM DOES NOT KNOW GAS PEDAL HAS BEEN PUSHED.HAPPENS ONLY WHEN YOU STOP TO TURN AND START TO GO AGAIN ON STREET OR HIGHWAY. TOOK IT TO RICK CASE HYUNDAI IN WESTON FLORIDA THEY SAID AJUSTED TRANSMISSION BUT DID NOT FIX PROBLEM,STILL DOING SAME THING EVERY NOW AND THEN. IT HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 15 TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT CAR 3 WEEKS AGO IN EARLY DECEMBER 2018.

12/25/2018

LITTLE TO NO ACCELERATION WHEN GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED WHILE IN MOTION. LOSS OF POWER WOULD SUDDENLY OCCUR. TRANSMISSION WOULD NO LONGER SHIFT PROPERLY. THIS HAS OCCURRED TWICE SINCE NEWLY PURCHASED MAY 31, 2019. FUEL INJECTOR WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED AFTER THE FIRST OCCURRENCE. PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED AFTER THE SECOND OCCURRENCE.

9/10/2019

7 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

8/4/2021

After the recall was corrected, the engine light came on two months later. I noticed the car will not accelerate and now will not start. The engine rumbles on the occasion that it does start.

4/24/2023

3 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

UPON COLLISION (FRONT END) AT ABOUT 35 MPH THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES AND CONTINUED TO BURN UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP. IN ADDITION, THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM. DRIVER'S CLAVICLE WAS FRACTURED AND DISPLACED UPON IMPACT.

11/21/2019

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

11/17/2021

2 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

1/19/2022

11 days after purchasing the vehicle it began shutting completely off in the middle of me driving it, losing all power for no reason I could see and would not turn on for a considerable amount of time. I brought the vehicle back to the dealership on 6 separate occasions, one of the times my car stayed at Jenkins Hyundai for 12 weeks while they tried to find the issue. Finally, it was towed to a Hyundai dealership in Valdosta, GA who kept it for 2 weeks and found two electrical shorts under the front bumper. After this repair it stopped losing power randomly but I still experienced electrical surges, flickering, and consistently blown lightbulbs. It was brought back to my dealership I bought from after this but they claimed nothing was wrong, so I gave up trying. I don't feel like my issues were ever taken seriously and I am now stuck with this vehicle.

2/28/2024

2 more complaints are available in this category.

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

After I had the car for about 10 months, the front collision warning system light came on while I was driving 65mph. There was a huge jolt, as if I'd hit something large and metal, and the engine revved as if stuck. I pulled over and found nothing in the road. It was terrifying, and I can't imagine it's safe to have this keep happening. This has happened numerous times now, at different speeds and in all types of weather, and sometimes accompanied by the blind spot collision warning system light. The dealership has kept my car many times, trying to replicate the problem, which they did-once. They replaced the camera and tcu. The car worked fine for a while, but the problem returned, and again, the dealership could not replicate or fix it. I have seen this problem mentioned on Hyundai forums, and it seems we're all having the same experiences with dealerships finding and fixing the issue. I turn the FCW system off every time I start the car, but now the BSCW (which I have also turned off) is coming on and jolting the car. Both warning systems have done this too many times to count at this point. I can't afford a new car and am scared to drive my Kona, but don't have a choice. This is not right and I do not feel safe in this car.

1/30/2022

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

8/23/2022

2 more complaints are available in this category.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

After I had the car for about 10 months, the front collision warning system light came on while I was driving 65mph. There was a huge jolt, as if I'd hit something large and metal, and the engine revved as if stuck. I pulled over and found nothing in the road. It was terrifying, and I can't imagine it's safe to have this keep happening. This has happened numerous times now, at different speeds and in all types of weather, and sometimes accompanied by the blind spot collision warning system light. The dealership has kept my car many times, trying to replicate the problem, which they did-once. They replaced the camera and tcu. The car worked fine for a while, but the problem returned, and again, the dealership could not replicate or fix it. I have seen this problem mentioned on Hyundai forums, and it seems we're all having the same experiences with dealerships finding and fixing the issue. I turn the FCW system off every time I start the car, but now the BSCW (which I have also turned off) is coming on and jolting the car. Both warning systems have done this too many times to count at this point. I can't afford a new car and am scared to drive my Kona, but don't have a choice. This is not right and I do not feel safe in this car.

1/30/2022

My check engine lights come on and then the front collision lights come on which reduces speed while on highway and then the engine turns off making it very unsafe driving on the highway. I have tried to schedule appts with dealerships to have it checked telling them how unsafe it is and I need my car to get to work. But they never have any openings except months down the road. I am afraid it will cause a terrible accident. I have taken my vehicle to repair shops ... some said it was the spark plugs so I got them changed and other maintenance costing me over $800 and the problem still exists ... still trying to get an appt with the dealership which will cost me another $220 just to get it diagnosed. There need to be a recall if it's happening to alot of people. I am very afraid if this issue isn't fixed and it's gonna cost me to repair it in the thousands that I don't have. Someone is going to get into a bad accident because the engine will turn off while driving.

6/24/2024

2 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

2/8/2022

The paint is peeling right now.

9/3/2023

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2019 HYUNDAI KONA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE BRAKING SYSTEM. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM WAS INOPERABLE. THE SYSTEM DOES NOT RESPOND TO SPEED LIMITS, DOES NOT ALARM, DOES NOT DISPLAY PICTURES, AND DOES NOT APPLY ANY BRAKING FORCE TO AVOID A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE AND ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *JS

4/23/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HYUNDAI KONA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM SUDDENLY ACTIVATED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ABRUPTLY SLOW DOWN. ALSO, WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATED AND THE DOORS WOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHEN SWITCHING TO THE DRIVE POSITION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. JIM BURKE HYUNDAI (4445 13TH ST NORTH, BIRMINGHAM, AL) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

11/19/2019

SERVICE BRAKES

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE CAR BREAKS DOES NOT GET APPLIED INTERMITTENTLY, I HAD A FORWARD COLLISION. THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE / WARNING DID NOT WORK. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AT A BUSY STREET WITH SLOW MOVING TRAFFIC. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THE BREAK DID NOT GET APPLIED, THE FIRST TIME THE ROAD AHEAD WAS CLEAR.

2/29/2020

AS I WAS COMING TO A STOP LIGHT I PRESSED MY BRAKE PEDALS I FELT A SHUDDER THROUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MY CAR DIED. THIS OCCURRED THREE TIMES IN A SHORT. OF TIME. THIS OCCURRED THREE TIMES IN A SHORT. OF TIME I WAS ON A HIGHWAY AND IT WAS VERY DISCONCERTING I WAS ABLE TO FINALLY GET IT BACK HOME.

8/11/2020

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Rad bearing defect. Engine needs to be replaced.

11/25/2022

I have two Hyundai vehicles one is a 2018 Tucson and a 2019 Kona. They both broke down at precisely the same time at 109,000 miles. One was the catalytic converter dealership was going to charge $5,000 for repair found a less expensive place to do it for $2,000. i was told by several of the mechanics at both places that it was a common problem. My point is I just paid the vehicle off it was just out of warranty then your stuck with it. Dealership just shrugged it off as maybe you should buy a new vehicle. The second vehicle Kona had some catalytic damage but not enough to replace the crankshaft positioning sensor failed caused the car to basically shut down on the roadway all of the ADAS systems failed. Again dealership was going to charge $2,000 found aftermarket place to do for $1,000. I'm sure nothing can be done for me but I feel it should be documented if people in the industry are telling me this is a familiar occurrence then maybe someone should look into it.

7/1/2024

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Rad bearing defect. Engine needs to be replaced.

11/25/2022

On multiple occasions the emergency braking system has engaged while making a lane change because the collision warning system thinks the vehicle is getting to close to the vehicle being passed. When this happens in city traffic, it has resulted in near misses from vehicles behind and in the lane for which a legal lane change is being made to avoid stopping or slowing traffic in the initial lane. The driver should ALWAYS have such control. When this happens and the car is trying to be accelerated or at least maintain the current speed as the lane change is made, the brakes very aggressively counter the driver’s actions. Since this has happened more than a dozen times, including within the first few months of ownership, information in follow-on fields will use approximate most recent occurrence.

8/1/2025

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

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.

9/6/2024

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.

12/4/2024

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HYUNDAI KONA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM SUDDENLY ACTIVATED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ABRUPTLY SLOW DOWN. ALSO, WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATED AND THE DOORS WOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHEN SWITCHING TO THE DRIVE POSITION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. JIM BURKE HYUNDAI (4445 13TH ST NORTH, BIRMINGHAM, AL) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

11/19/2019

SEAT BELTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

UPON COLLISION (FRONT END) AT ABOUT 35 MPH THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES AND CONTINUED TO BURN UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP. IN ADDITION, THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM. DRIVER'S CLAVICLE WAS FRACTURED AND DISPLACED UPON IMPACT.

11/21/2019

STEERING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

AT ABOUT 8300 MILES I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. TOOK TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. 1ST VISIT THEY WERE CLOSED DUE TO POWER OUTAGE. 2ND TRIP. MECHANIC COULDN'T HEAR NOISE. HAD ANOTHER MECHANIC ALONG. HAD TO PLAY A VIDEO I RECORDED ON MY CELL PHONE. MECHANIC PULLS BACK INTO SHOP. HALF HOUR LATER, I GET TOLD THEY HAD TO ORDER A STEERING COLUMN. CAR NOW HAS JUST OVER 8600 MILES. THE NOISE SOUNDS LIKE A BAD BEARING. CAN BE HEARD PARKED AND TURNING STEERING WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT. *TR

6/10/2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:SUMP/TANK:DRAIN PLUG

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated she was informed at the service inspection that her vehicle was low on engine oil however, the oil had recently been refilled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the oil plug was loose. The dealer refilled the engine oil. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring and the vehicle was using a third of the engine oil every 1,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer (Texoma Hyundai 2500 Texoma Pkwy, Sherman, TX 75090) who test drove the vehicle and diagnosed that no issues were found. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 58,200.

8/31/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

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.

10/21/2021

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Oil consumption!! No low oil lamp!! Just cuts off. Then there is no oil. The engine can blow up and catch fire!! Having a oil consumption test now. First 1000 miles it's already burned half quart!!

1/31/2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

See attached document for complaint

3/12/2024

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Sunglass holder overhead near rear view mirror opens when the car hits a bump, obscuring rear view 30-40% suddenly and sometimes the sunglasses fall out onto the driver or passenger. Latch will not stay engaged due to hot and cold temperature condition changes.

3/30/2024

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I have two Hyundai vehicles one is a 2018 Tucson and a 2019 Kona. They both broke down at precisely the same time at 109,000 miles. One was the catalytic converter dealership was going to charge $5,000 for repair found a less expensive place to do it for $2,000. i was told by several of the mechanics at both places that it was a common problem. My point is I just paid the vehicle off it was just out of warranty then your stuck with it. Dealership just shrugged it off as maybe you should buy a new vehicle. The second vehicle Kona had some catalytic damage but not enough to replace the crankshaft positioning sensor failed caused the car to basically shut down on the roadway all of the ADAS systems failed. Again dealership was going to charge $2,000 found aftermarket place to do for $1,000. I'm sure nothing can be done for me but I feel it should be documented if people in the industry are telling me this is a familiar occurrence then maybe someone should look into it.

7/1/2024

SEATS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

1-The turn lights(right and left turn)died too quickly.i change my bulb every month .I went to independent service center and they told me the car must have some wrong wire that doesn't support bulb.Even if I change my bulb ,it doesn't take long and a warning signal come out and stated that I need to check my light.it is so annoying. This happened one year after I start driving the car. 2- The passenger seat is too low that you don't feel comfortable seating inside.It is not possible to bring it up.I went to the dealer but they wasn't at the same location anymore. 3- The windshield wipers fails to operate properly, component can't wipes properly.After one year driving the car i noticed that wipers are loosing their components. 3-Defective straps by passenger side,I noticed it when I start to give ride to a friend after a year owned this car. 4-My engine symbol is showing.I went to an independent center ,nobody can fix it . I sent the car to Hyundai ,they told me I have to spend $10000 to have the engine fix. I don't understand i was doing all my oil changes on time.now I have to drive this car with my engine light on.i am still fixing it but it is costing me too much.

2/19/2025

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger’s door latch did not unlatch as intended. In addition, the passenger's side front door latch failed to unlock using the key. The contact had to exit the vehicle using the front driver's side door. The contact sustained anxiety issues due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not diagnosed, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was required to pay a diagnostic fee to diagnose the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred, and the contact was locked inside the vehicle for 45 minutes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed trunk latch assembly. The contact was informed that the trunk latch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was due to a previous crash which caused damages to the trunk latch assembly. The contact stated the vehicle was not in a crash. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 10,228.

5/21/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2019 Hyundai Kona?

The most reported complaint category for the 2019 Hyundai Kona is ENGINE, with 104 owner reports. That is about 50% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, POWER TRAIN.

Are complaints about the 2019 Hyundai Kona a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 140 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2019 Hyundai Kona?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2019 Hyundai Kona severe?

140 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Hyundai Kona: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
206
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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