2020 Hyundai Kona Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2020 Hyundai Kona has 167 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve engine and unknown or other.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 167 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
ENGINE
88 52.7%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
15 9%
POWER TRAIN
15 9%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
7 4.2%
STEERING
6 3.6%
Quick Insights
The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 52.7% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 28 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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What owners keep reporting on the 2020 Hyundai Kona
The 2020 Hyundai Kona has 167 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 53% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2020 Hyundai Kona are ENGINE (88), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15), POWER TRAIN (15).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 115 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 2020 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.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 28 of 28 systems
ENGINE
88 Reports53% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
IN JUNE I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE OF A LOUD TICKING NOISE. I THEN THOUGHT IT WAS THE OIL LEVEL WAS LOW... WHEN THEY CHECKED TO SEE IT I NEEDED AN OIL CHANGE THEY STATED I NEED TO HAVE AT LEAST 7500 MILES ON THE VEHICLE BEFORE I CAN GET AN OIL CHANGE. THEY STATED THAT MY OIL LEVEL WAS GOOD AND TO COME BACK , I EXPLAINED TO THE ADVISOR THAT THIS SOUND (TICKING) WAS NOT NORMAL HE STATED THAT ALL THE 2020 KONA HAS THAT SOUND... SO THEY RELEASED THE CAR BACK TO US THEN 2 WEEKS LATER THE CLICKING NOISE GOT LOUDER WE MADE ANOTHER APPT THE CHANGED THE OIL AND STATED ALL KONA SOUND THE SAME 1 WEEK LATER TRAVELING ON I4 THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE LIGHT THE CAR SHUT DOWN AND I WAS STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY 4 AM.... FOR 2 HOURS.. I WAS LIVID.... I HAD THE CAR TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THEN THEY FOUND OUT THAT MY OIL SENSOR WAS BAD... THAT'S WHERE THE CLICKING NOISE WAS COMING FROM SO I WANT TO INFORM ANYONE THAT HAS THAT TYPE OF CAR IF THE ENGINE IS CLICKING THAT MEANS THE OIL SENSOR IS BAD.
10/29/2020
BOUGHT NEW CAR JULY 2020, WAS GOOD FOR A LITTLE WHILE THEN STARTED TO HAVE LOUD TICKING NOISE UNDER HOOD. BROUGHT CAR IN FOR SERVICE AT 3100 (APPROX) MILES HAD A FEW ISSUES AT THIS SERVICE, MAIN WAS NOISE. WAS TOLD MECHANIC LOOKED UNDER HEARD NOISE (AS DID FRONT DESK REP) AND MECHANIC SAID IT WAS NORMAL ON THIS CAR. I TOOK CAR BACK AGAIN FOR SAME ISSUES APPROX 2 WEEKS LATER (THEY HEAR NOISE DONT KNOW WHERE ITS COMING FROM I WAS TOLD, THEY HAVE TECH ADVICE LOOKING INTO IT NOW). THEY NOW HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 6 DAYS. 6TH DAY I GET CALL TELLING ME THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MOTOR, EVERYONE IS INVOLVED NOW, HYUNDAI MOTOR CORP, TECHNICAL SERVICE AND DEALERSHIP, TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF ITS JUST A REPLACEMENT PART OR NEEDS WHOLE NEW MOTOR. REP SAID THEY WERE GOING TO BE RUNNING 3 MORE TESTS AND WOULD LET ME KNOW WEDNESDAY. NOISE IS CONSTANT WHILE IN PARK OR DRIVE DOES NOT MATTER.
11/18/2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
15 Reports9% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
MY 6 MONTH OLD, HYUNDAI 2020 KONA THAT I BOUGHT IN JULY OF 2020 WITH ONLY 7000 MILES ON IT HAD ITS ENGINE FAIL AS I WAS DRIVING MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO A MECHANIC. NO INDICATION LIGHTS CAME ON TELLING ME THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR BEFORE THE ENGINE FAILED. THE CAR IS NOW AT HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT MY NEW CAR NEEDS A NEW ENGINE AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT STARTED IT OR IF REPLACING THE ENGINE WILL FIX IT. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT, WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY, WHILE I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND AGAIN PULLING INTO THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AND THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT DOING ANYTHING TO MAKE THIS RIGHT.
2/7/2021
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH, the AEB system inadvertently engaged causing the vehicle to decelerate and accelerate on its own. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated several warning lights were illuminated and there was smoke coming from the hood. The contact sustained injuries on the neck and shoulder but did not seek medical assistance at the time. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, then to the dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not provide assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000. Vehicle is a lease. Consumer had numerous issues.
6/22/2021
POWER TRAIN
15 Reports9% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, A MESSAGE "COLLISION DETECTION SYSTEM FAILURE" FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND THE BRAKES SLAMMED ON FULL, FOLLOWED BY THE TRANSMISSION STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. I HAD TO LEAVE THE HIGHWAY, AND POWER OFF THE ENGINE - EFFECTIVELY REBOOTING THE CAR. I CONTINUED ON TO WORK BUT I SHUT OFF THE COLLISION DETECTION SYSTEM, WHICH HAS TO BE SET AT EACH POWER CYCLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY CAR 3 TIMES, TWICE ON THE HIGHWAY. DEALER SERVICE DOWNLOADED LOGS WITH NO INDICATION OF THE PROBLEM.
3/9/2021
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving the vehicle stalled. The gear shifter was stuck in reverse and drive. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but, the failure recurred. The vehicle failed to turn on and there was an abnormal odor of fire. Additionally, The vehicle failed to start. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000. The contact mentioned a complaint was filed with the BBB.
1/24/2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
7 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
BOUGHT NEW CAR JULY 2020, WAS GOOD FOR A LITTLE WHILE THEN STARTED TO HAVE LOUD TICKING NOISE UNDER HOOD. BROUGHT CAR IN FOR SERVICE AT 3100 (APPROX) MILES HAD A FEW ISSUES AT THIS SERVICE, MAIN WAS NOISE. WAS TOLD MECHANIC LOOKED UNDER HEARD NOISE (AS DID FRONT DESK REP) AND MECHANIC SAID IT WAS NORMAL ON THIS CAR. I TOOK CAR BACK AGAIN FOR SAME ISSUES APPROX 2 WEEKS LATER (THEY HEAR NOISE DONT KNOW WHERE ITS COMING FROM I WAS TOLD, THEY HAVE TECH ADVICE LOOKING INTO IT NOW). THEY NOW HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 6 DAYS. 6TH DAY I GET CALL TELLING ME THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MOTOR, EVERYONE IS INVOLVED NOW, HYUNDAI MOTOR CORP, TECHNICAL SERVICE AND DEALERSHIP, TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF ITS JUST A REPLACEMENT PART OR NEEDS WHOLE NEW MOTOR. REP SAID THEY WERE GOING TO BE RUNNING 3 MORE TESTS AND WOULD LET ME KNOW WEDNESDAY. NOISE IS CONSTANT WHILE IN PARK OR DRIVE DOES NOT MATTER.
11/18/2020
GOT A NOTICE ABOUT ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM TO TAKE CAR TO DEALERSHIP. PREVIOUS WE WERE HAVING POOR GAS MILEAGE. WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP IT HAD TO BREAK IN. WE PURCHASED IT AT THE END OF MAY. FIRST NOTICE CAME IN EARLY MARCH AND CALLED DEALER FOR APPT. WAS TOLD TO WAIT AS MILEAGE WAS NOT YET 6,000 MILES, TOO EARLY FOR SERVICE. LATE MARCH BLUE LINK AGAIN NOTIFIED ME ABOUT THIS DTC PROBLEM. THEN HAD ENGINE LIGHT COME ON PLUS IT STALLED OUT WHILE DRIVING. CALLED SERVICE DEPT AGAIN AND WAS TOLD APRIL 9TH WAS EARLIEST APPT. ON MARCH 29TH WAS ON RTE 495 AND CAR STALLED AGAIN. MARCH 30 TH I CALLED AND SPOKE TO SERVICE MANAGER. HE TOLD ME TO DROP OFF CAR FOR A WEEK AND THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT. I WAS TO RENT A CAR FROM HERTZ AND IF THEY FELT IT WAS NECESSARY THEY WOULD REIMBURSE ME. I CALLED HYUNDAI CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY SAID I SHOULD FILE A COMPLAINT WHICH I DID. IT IS CASE NUMBER 18115897. WE NOW ARE HAVING IT CHECKED OUT AT ANOTHER HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. FEEL IT IS NOT HANDLED PROPERLY FOR THE PROBLEM OF STALLING WHICH COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. AT THIS TIME YOU LOSE CONTROL OF CAR DUE TO LACK OF POWER.
3/30/2021
STEERING
6 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHILE DRIVING OVER 40MPH, VEHICLE WANDERS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT. THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING REQUIRES CONSTANT DRIVER INPUT TO CORRECT DIRECTION OF TRAVEL AND IS MOST EVIDENT ON STRAIGHT 4 LANE HIGHWAY, CONDITION WAS SHARED WITH HENDERSON (NEVADA)) HYUNDAI SUPERSTORE ON 20 MILE DRIVE. PURCHASED NEW 6/27/20
7/29/2020
WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR ON THE STREET AND FREEWAY I HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL IN PLACE SO I DON'T GO INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT HYDROPLANES AND SHIFTS ON THE FREEWAY. WHEN TURNING THE CAR SHIFTS AS WELL. THE CAR BOUNCES WHEN DRIVING AND ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP I HAVE TO PULL THE WHEEL SO THE CAR DOESN'T GO INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE CAR LAGS WHEN ACCELERATING. ONE TIRE WASN'T HOLDING AIR SO I TOOK IT TO THE TIRE CENTER TO HAVE IT FIXED. THE CAR DRIVES THIS WAY EVERYDAY.
8/7/2020
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ON TUESDAY, MARCH 2020, I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A LOCAL CVS STORE SHORTLY AFTER 5 PM, ABOUT TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND SHIFT INTO PARK, WHEN MY 2020 HYUNDAI KONA SUDDENLY AND INEXPLICABLY ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE POLICEMAN, THEN THE CURB AND RAMMED INTO THE WALL OF CVS STORE. MY AIRBAG WAS ACTIVATED AND THE CAR ROLLED BACK AFTER THE IMPACT. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE WALL AND THE SHERIFFS DEPUTY WHO ARRIVED AFTER THE CAR'S EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED DID NOT MAKE A REPORT SINCE THE EMPLOYEES AT CVS DECLINED TO PRESS ANY CHARGES. MY VEHICLE SUSTAINED MEDIUM DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END, BUT WAS DRIVE-ABLE. I SUSTAINED A VERY STRONG BLOW TO MY UPPER CHEST AND HAVE HAD PROBLEMS BREATHING. I TOOK PICTURES OF THE AREA BUT DID NOT GO TO A DOCTOR THE SAME EVENING. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING OVER 12 YEARS AND HAVE NOT HAD A SINGLE ACCIDENT OR EVEN A TICKET IN ALL THIS TIME AND I AM 100% CERTAIN I DID NOTHING WRONG!!! PLEASE RSVP ASAP !!! THANK YOU.
3/4/2020
WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR ON THE STREET AND FREEWAY I HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL IN PLACE SO I DON'T GO INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT HYDROPLANES AND SHIFTS ON THE FREEWAY. WHEN TURNING THE CAR SHIFTS AS WELL. THE CAR BOUNCES WHEN DRIVING AND ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP I HAVE TO PULL THE WHEEL SO THE CAR DOESN'T GO INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE CAR LAGS WHEN ACCELERATING. ONE TIRE WASN'T HOLDING AIR SO I TOOK IT TO THE TIRE CENTER TO HAVE IT FIXED. THE CAR DRIVES THIS WAY EVERYDAY.
8/7/2020
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
5 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, A MESSAGE "COLLISION DETECTION SYSTEM FAILURE" FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND THE BRAKES SLAMMED ON FULL, FOLLOWED BY THE TRANSMISSION STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. I HAD TO LEAVE THE HIGHWAY, AND POWER OFF THE ENGINE - EFFECTIVELY REBOOTING THE CAR. I CONTINUED ON TO WORK BUT I SHUT OFF THE COLLISION DETECTION SYSTEM, WHICH HAS TO BE SET AT EACH POWER CYCLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY CAR 3 TIMES, TWICE ON THE HIGHWAY. DEALER SERVICE DOWNLOADED LOGS WITH NO INDICATION OF THE PROBLEM.
3/9/2021
FRONT-COLLISION WARNING LIGHT KICKS ON WHILE GOING 45-50MPH. NO OBSTRUCTIONS. BRAKES ENGAGE, STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. MUST PULL OVER AND RESTART CAR TO RESET. OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY, BUT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST WEEKLY FOR THE LAST 6 WEEKS. IN AND OUT OF DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. BRAND NEW VEHICLE.
3/29/2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
When stopped at a light, I hit the gas and the car just sputtered. The car jolted and did not move, finally, hit the gas again it was able to move. It has happen before. My roommate's Dad told me I need to keep track of problem and file a report. I was told the injectors needed to be cleaned. I put injector cleaner into it, It seem to help but it happened again. It seems the dealer just says something needs to be cleaned.
9/23/2024
While driving on the highway, our vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating without warning, forcing us to pull over immediately. There were no warning lamps, messages, or prior symptoms before the failure occurred. We had to stop on a narrow shoulder with no guardrails, leaving us exposed to fast-moving traffic and putting our safety at serious risk. The vehicle was inspected by a local dealership, who diagnosed the issue as a failed fuel injector. This component is available for inspection upon request. The problem has not been reproduced, but the diagnosis has been confirmed by the dealer.
7/28/2025
WHEELS
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
NEXEN NPRIZ AH8 215/55R17 94V NEW CAR AND TIRES LESS THAN 800 MILES. DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ABOUT 65 MPH , SUDDEN EXTREME DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING CAR WITHOUTY WARNING, PULLED OVER. LEFT FRONT FLAT NOTED. TOWED TO DEALER. NO SCREW OR OTHER ITEMS FOUND IN TIRE, NO RIM DAMAGE DETECTED PER DEALER. NO DAMAGE TO CAR NOTED. NEW TIRE ORDERED.
8/17/2020
Accident due to recall
6/23/2021
AIR BAGS
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
2020 HYUNDAI KONA. CONSUMER WAS IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT WHERE THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED I AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER WAS SEVERELY INJURED. *JS*DT*JB
11/30/2020
TL* THE CONTACT'S CLIENT OWNS A 2020 HYUNDAI KONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CLIENT WAS GONG THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND ANOTHER DRIVER RAN A RED LIGHT AND BROADSIDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. BOTH THE CLIENT AND HER PASSENGER WERE INJURED AND HAD TO BE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE DRIVER HAD NECK AND BACK PAINS AND HER RIGHT HAND HAD A BUMP. THE PASSENGER HAD HEAD AND NECK INJURIES AND HAD A BRAIN BLEED ISSUE AND HIP INJURIES. THE PASSENGER ALSO HAD A KNOT ON THE SIDE OF HER HEAD. THE OTHER DRIVER HAD A SMALL CUT ON HIS ARM AND DID NOT HAVE TO BE TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE DRIVER;'S SIDE AIR BAG DID DEPLOY ON CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS BROADSIDE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE THEN SPUN AROUND AND HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE CLIENT 'S VEHICLE WAS TOTALED WITH DAMAGE ON THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE ENTIRE TRUNK WAS CRUSHED. THE BACK CORNER ON THE PASSENGER;S SIDE WAS DAMAGED AS WELL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FORM THE CRASH SCENE.THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.*DT
12/11/2020
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated there was a pinging sound inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a multi-point inspection, and it was confirmed that the oil level was extremely low. The contact stated that an oil consumption test was performed. The vehicle had consumed ¾ quarts of oil in a month. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to seek legal assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.
9/8/2025
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the turbocharger, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was later examined by an independent mechanic who determined that the pistons were faulty. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 127,000.
9/9/2025
SUSPENSION
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR ON THE STREET AND FREEWAY I HAVE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL IN PLACE SO I DON'T GO INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT HYDROPLANES AND SHIFTS ON THE FREEWAY. WHEN TURNING THE CAR SHIFTS AS WELL. THE CAR BOUNCES WHEN DRIVING AND ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP I HAVE TO PULL THE WHEEL SO THE CAR DOESN'T GO INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE CAR LAGS WHEN ACCELERATING. ONE TIRE WASN'T HOLDING AIR SO I TOOK IT TO THE TIRE CENTER TO HAVE IT FIXED. THE CAR DRIVES THIS WAY EVERYDAY.
8/7/2020
VISIBILITY
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 HYUNDAI KONA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, MOISTURE ON THE INSIDE OF THE PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S WINDOWS OBSTRUCTED HIS VISION AND CAUSED HIM TO LOSE VISION IN BOTH SIDE MIRRORS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO ROLL BOTH WINDOWS DOWN TO CLEAR THE WINDOWS HOWEVER, HIS VISION REMAINED OBSTRUCTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HYUNDAI OF NEW PORT RICHEY (3936 US-19, NEW PORT RICHEY, FL 34652) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AS WELL AS TWO OTHER VEHICLES, AND WAS INFORMED THAT HIS COMPLAINT WAS A PART OF NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. THE CONTACT THEN NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE AND WAS OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160.
9/17/2020
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
VEHICLE WANDERS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT; REQUIRING CONSTANT CORRECTION WHILE TRAVELING ON A STRAIGHT 4 LANE HIGHWAY. CONDITION WAS PRESENTED TO DEALER. FOLLOWING A TEST DRIVE BY DEALER SERVICE MANAGER WITH MY DEMONSTRATION OF WANDER, SERVICE MANAGER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE WITH ME AS A PASSENGER. HE DECLARED THE WANDER CONDITION AS "NORMAL" FOR ELECTRONIC ASSIST POWER STEERING. HE DID, HOWEVER, CHANGE THE STEERING DEGREE WIT A MARGINAL IMPROVEMENT BUT CONDITION HAS CONTINUED. HYUNDAI MOTORS AND HENDERSON (NEVADA) SUPERSTORE HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED IN WRITING ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE.
9/21/2020
SERVICE BRAKES
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
WHILE BRAKING FORWARD OR BACKING UP THEIR IS A CONTINUOUS SCRAPED NOISE AND IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT RAIN ,DRY ,HOT OR COLD WEATHER.IT MY NOISE WHILE BRAKING ALL THE TIME. IT STARTED AT 1,000 MILES AND NOW IT HAS 8,000 MILES.BROUGHT IT IN FEBRUARY 2020.TEST DRIVE ONE 6,000 AND NOISE WAS WORST.THEY SAID ALL OF THEM MAKE SAME NOISE.HELP
12/7/2020
STRUCTURE:BODY
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
I found the shark fin cover of antenna located on rear roof area was no longer there exposing the antenna and base to the elements. There appeared to be no damage surounding the area to show how cover might have come off. I have not taken the vehicle through any automated car washes and have not been in any accidents. I took the vehicle to the dealership to see if the warrantee would cover replacement but they determined that it was theft. I am wondering if this is a common problem for other Kona owners.
7/7/2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
2020 Hyundai KONA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BATTERY DEFECT. THE CONSUMER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIR,
7/16/2021
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
I was getting onto the highway the other night and all of a sudden my whole instrument panel went completely black, speed,rpm, fuel level, and water temperature were not registering on the panel. I tested my turn signals and noticed those werenât working as well. I also lost my lane keep assist in the process. I pulled off to a safe spot turned the car off, let it sit for 5 minutes. Turned it back on and the instrument panel was still black and nothing was reading. I shut the vehicle off for 20 minutes locked/unlocked the car. Started the car back up and the instrument panel came back on but now have the check engine light on. The check engine light had never been on prior to this incident. I have reached out to Hyundai USA as well to find a solution to the issue.
10/10/2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
I was getting onto the highway the other night and all of a sudden my whole instrument panel went completely black, speed,rpm, fuel level, and water temperature were not registering on the panel. I tested my turn signals and noticed those werenât working as well. I also lost my lane keep assist in the process. I pulled off to a safe spot turned the car off, let it sit for 5 minutes. Turned it back on and the instrument panel was still black and nothing was reading. I shut the vehicle off for 20 minutes locked/unlocked the car. Started the car back up and the instrument panel came back on but now have the check engine light on. The check engine light had never been on prior to this incident. I have reached out to Hyundai USA as well to find a solution to the issue.
10/10/2021
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
I was getting onto the highway the other night and all of a sudden my whole instrument panel went completely black, speed,rpm, fuel level, and water temperature were not registering on the panel. I tested my turn signals and noticed those werenât working as well. I also lost my lane keep assist in the process. I pulled off to a safe spot turned the car off, let it sit for 5 minutes. Turned it back on and the instrument panel was still black and nothing was reading. I shut the vehicle off for 20 minutes locked/unlocked the car. Started the car back up and the instrument panel came back on but now have the check engine light on. The check engine light had never been on prior to this incident. I have reached out to Hyundai USA as well to find a solution to the issue.
10/10/2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Since the October 2020 recall requirements, I have been told not to park in my garage (thereby exposing my car exterior paint and plastic to the elements) and I have not been able to use my battery at 100% (forced to change limit to 80%). I would not have bought this car if I was going to be limited to 80% of the estimated mileage and gone with a Tesla instead. I live in a desert climate so exposing my car each day to sand and sun is aggravating when I normally park in my garage to protect my car's plastic elements and paint. It has been 16 months without a resolution to the issue and no reasonable compensation for loss of use of vehicle and increased damage to exterior of car since October 2020. Hyundai sold 2020 Kona EV owners a defective car. Had I known I would have been limited to about 200 miles, I would have chosen a different car.
1/16/2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
2020 HYUNDAI KONA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO OIL CONSUMPTION SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE WOULD MAKE A TAPPING SOUND. A MALFUCNTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONSUMER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE 1,000 MILES THEN RETURN IT.
1/28/2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
For the last 2 weeks Iâve been hearing weird engine noises. Like metal pieces being grinded. The car has issues accelerating. Will not change gears properly causing the car to redline on the tachometer. Just today I hear noises a lot more frequently and as Iâm driving and coming to a slow turn the car stalled out on me. I quickly put the car in park and started the car and it started back up. But now I feel a loss in power In the car. The car stalled on me more than six times. Every time I came to a complete stop the car would stall. So every stop sign and red light the car was stalling. The car is still under warranty but I do hope this can be resolved. I know itâs the engine thatâs definitely having internal mechanical issues and transmission as well. Also the 2 lower headlights are also out as well. This is with the car having 34705 miles only. Wast expecting to have this many issues. I have a video of the car stalling out as well and another showing a rough idle on the car.
12/13/2022
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
UNKNOWN I was backing out of a parking space using the back up camera when I bumped a vehicle behind me. Also, when driving on the highway, the cruise control doesn't always respond properly I just want to know if my car has the latest safety updates available for insurance purposes
8/21/2023
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
UNKNOWN I was backing out of a parking space using the back up camera when I bumped a vehicle behind me. Also, when driving on the highway, the cruise control doesn't always respond properly I just want to know if my car has the latest safety updates available for insurance purposes
8/21/2023
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Loud beep then a warning that collision warning had been disabled and the side mirrorsno longer indicated someone was beside me. . First time it's done this and I was on the way to the dealer for service. I mentioned to him and he said it was probably the light rain we had and it had blocked the camera. On the way home it did the same thing and now it was sunny, clear and they had just washed my car. So back to the dealer to have them actually check the sensor.
9/2/2023
SEATS
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The Hyundai Kona was struck head-on by another vehicle. There was one driver and one minor passenger in the right rear seat in the Hyundai Kona. The driver had minor injuries while, unfortunately, the accident was fatal to the passenger. The impact of the collision caused the right rear seat to snap forward, fracturing the passenger's neck. The cause of death for the passenger was blunt force trauma caused by the neck fracture. If the seat had stayed in place during the impact, the passenger's neck would not have been fractured. The vehicle is no longer available for inspection. To our knowledge, the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle was inspected after the accident by the police. There was no symptom of the problem prior to the accident.
3/1/2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the turbocharger was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
10/3/2025
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Kona?
Are complaints about the 2020 Hyundai Kona a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2020 Hyundai Kona?
Are complaints about the 2020 Hyundai Kona severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Hyundai Kona: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 167
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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