2021 Hyundai Kona Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.
Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- The engine is the primary concern, with 50% of complaints related to this system, including failures and oil consumption.
- A recall for the engine's piston oil rings (21V301000) impacts models with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine; confirm this has been addressed.
- NHTSA awarded the Kona a 5-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars for frontal and side crashes.
- Fuel economy is rated at 27 MPG combined for the All-Wheel Drive model.
2021 Hyundai Kona
Critical Failure Risk
Significant and recurring engine failures, including complete seizure and potential fire risk, have been reported. This is linked to improper heat treatment of piston oil rings as per recall 21V301000.
Early detection can help you avoid a $3,000-$7,000 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
- Horsepower
- 147–175HP
- Torque
- 132–195 lb–ftLB-FT
Reliability
Practicality
Who This Car Is For
Best for
Buyers prioritizing strong safety ratings in a compact SUV.
+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Buyers seeking a low-maintenance, worry-free used vehicle.
+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2021 Hyundai Kona Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2021 Hyundai Kona.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Seating Capacity
- 5
- Horsepower
- 147-175 hp
- Torque
- 132-195 lb-ft
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Suv
- MSRP Range
- $20,400 - $28,050
- EPA Combined MPG
- 27
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Most Common Issues
1. ENGINE
Most reportedUsage: 57 reports
2. Powertrain
Usage: 10 reports
First Service Interval
- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes
Est. shop cost: $75 - $125
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FAQ
Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2021 Hyundai Kona is 8.1/10. Reliability score is 8.1/10. NHTSA recalls: 1. Owner complaints: 114.
How practical is the 2021 Hyundai Kona for daily use?
Practicality score is 5.2/10. EPA combined economy is 27 MPG. Seating capacity is 5. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 374 litres.
What is the overall score for the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2021 Hyundai Kona is 7.0/10. Overall score is 7.0/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.2/10. Practicality 5.2/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2021 Hyundai Kona?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $600 - $900. Repair prediction highlight: Engine (typical at 50,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $3,000 • Max: $7,000).
What is the MSRP range for the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
MSRP range is $20,400 - $28,050.
What engine is in the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
Engine specs list Inline-4 • 4 • 1.6. Output is 147-175 hp • 132-195 lb-ft.
What transmission does the 2021 Hyundai Kona use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Hyundai Kona, transmission is Automatic. The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
EPA combined estimate is 27 MPG.
What kind of powertrain does the 2021 Hyundai Kona use?
Powertrain classification is Battery Electric (BEV).
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
13 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.
What is the fuel economy range for the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Hyundai Kona, fuel economy range is 27-33 mpg combined.
How many people fit in a 2021 Hyundai Kona?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Hyundai Kona, seating capacity is 5.
What body style is the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Hyundai Kona, body style is suv.
What drivetrain does the 2021 Hyundai Kona use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Hyundai Kona, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic.
What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.
What are the most common engine problems on the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
Top complaint category: engine (57 reports, 50% of complaints).
Are there open safety recalls on the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
This model year has 1 official safety campaigns listed.
Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
Alternatives listed in this guide: 2021 Honda HR-V and 2021 Mazda CX-30.