2021 Hyundai Kona Owner Complaints

BOUGHT THE CAR IN AUGUST 2020. IN FEBRUARY 2021 THE CAR BEGAN TO STALL FREQUENTLY AND IT WAS RUNNING VERY LOUD. I DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS ALMOST NO OIL IN THE CAR WITH LESS THAN 5,000 MILES ON IT. BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY DETERMINED THE ENGINE WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT MY CAR (BUT STILL PAYING FOR IT MONTHLY) SINCE MID-FEBRUARY. IT IS NOW LATE APRIL.

4/21/2021

VEHICLE HESITATES TO ACCELERATE EASILY AND GAS PEDDLE MUST BE SHARPLY APPLIED TO MOVE FORWARD. SYMPTOMS OCCUR DAILY WHEN DRIVING ON CITY STREETS.

5/6/2021

HEADLIGHTS ARE DEFECTIVE! THEY GET FULL ON CONDENSATION OBSTRUCTING THE LIGHTS AND ROAD AHEAD. THEY GO OFF AN ON WHILE YOU'RE DRIVING. HYUNDAI IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND SEND A BULLETIN TO ALL THEIR DEALERS NOT TO REPLACE THEM. THIS IS COMPROMISING OUR VIEW AT NIGHT SINCE THE LIGHTS GO OFF UNEXPECTEDLY. WE ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT! HELP

4/27/2021

I had a flat tire (passenger side right front tire). Triple AAA removed tire and replaced with my spare tire. While driving to the Hyundai dealership, massive clouds of smoke poured out of my exhaust pipe in rear of car. I also had trouble steering the car. The result of using the spare tire burned the transmission fluid (also contained metal shavings). The transmission had to be replaced along with the fluids in my car.

6/22/2021

While driving up a steep mountain road in heavy traffic and snow the transmission on my Hyundai Kona overheated and failed. The car began to buck back and forth and a transmission light came on. Unfortunately I was on a mountain interstate in heavy traffic with no real shoulder due to snow. I attempted to limp the car to the top but moved towards the right lane in case. The transmission did it's bucking thing 3 times total and then I noticed smoke coming from the powertrain area. At this point I pulled over and put my car basically into a snow bank so as not to get run over by semi trucks. I called AAA but was able to get the car up the hill after letting the transmission cool for around an hour. This entire situation was completely unsafe and had I been informed I would not have purchased the car because I know that I spend most of the winter in traffic on a mountain interstate. What's even more concerning, this issue is documented heavily online yet the sales reps for Hyundai are not aware. The service department is aware and told me that they couldn't do anything because it was working as it is designed. See here an additional forum which outlines the same issue for another driver. https://www.hyundaikonaforum.com/threads/dct-shifting-annoyances.2428/ Best, Greg

9/9/2022

The car has never been good on gas or changing gears when drive mode was changed to sport from the beginning. It would say 200 miles to drive I will drive 30 miles and it will go down to 130. Recently the engine light has come on the car stalls when going a very low speeds and appears to have problems changing gears. Now I am receiving a crankshaft position camshaft powertrain system code P0017. Not even a year old 28k miles. I understand there are recalls on this make model and year yet my VIN is not registered.

12/31/2022

I’ve had this car since end of September 2021. The blind spot monitor on the right side of the vehicle lights up and beeps at random times, even when there is nothing in the blind spot itself. Happens mostly while driving on the highway.

5/9/2022

Driving 60mph on I-5 in May 2021. Dry roads, no wind. Vehicle suddenly surged (as if we ran over a speed bump at 60mph) despite there being no debris nor damage on the road surface. The surge felt like the ABS system triggered a single pulse, and then car completely turned off: no engine power, no radio power, no cabin lightning power, no dash lighting nor warning lights. Toggling the ignition to accessory didn't help. I had steering authority and brake authority. With no engine power, I pulled over to the side of the road. I inspected the exterior of the vehicle and there was no damage. I entered the vehicle and I was able to restart the vehicle normally. I drove it to a dealership and described the problem, they didn't know what it could be and were 30 days out on booking appointments, so I gave up.

12/26/2022

The contact’s father owned a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while her father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was stuck and the seat belt did not lock the contact’s father into his seat during impact. The vehicle crashed into a traffic light pole, went uphill, and then flipped before stopping. The air bags deployed, but the steering wheel air bag caught fire. The contact’s father was able to exit the vehicle. The contact’s father suffered fractured back, chest, ribs, and lumbar spine injuries, as well as head injuries with a brain bleed. The contact’s father was transported to the hospital by ambulance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a police tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

12/8/2021

Vehicle will not go out of 3rd gear when on the interstate. The vehicle will go pass the redline and hit the fuel cut off and will not accelerate. Have to slow the car down and attempt to speed up again. Vehicle has almost been in accident multiple times due to almost being rear ended because can not get the vehicle up to speed.

2/10/2023

CAR HAS BEEN PULLING TO THE RIGHT SINCE A WEEK OLD. DEALER ADJUSTED ALIGNMENT AND STILL DOING IT. WHEEL IS OFF CENTER AND MORE RESISTANCE GOING LEFT THAN RIGHT.

4/2/2021

At a stop sign, or red light, car bucks, then accelerates. Steering column is making noise. Took car to dealership..stated they can't look at my car until October 31st, 2023! My car only has 16k miles. If this is a dangerous issue, especially the steering colum noise (possibly a bearing issue or rack and pinion problem)..why am I having to wait until October??

9/27/2023

We bought the car in July and owned it 70 days and 1,530 miles. The Automatic Emergency Breaking engaged several times without any reason. Sometimes at lower speeds <40 and sometimes on the freeway >60. The last time was at 20 mph in a school zone and we were rear ended because of the unexpected stop. We had several near misses on the freeway, but the cars behind us managed to avoid us. The car has severe damage to the bumper, tailgate and Blind Spot warning, parking collision warning and rear cross traffic warning because of the accident and the car has been in the body shop awaiting parts/repair for the nearly entire month of September. No one was hurt and we didn't have the car long enough to take it back to the dealer to have the brake system checked. The accident would not have happened if the Automatic Emergency Braking had worked properly.

10/2/2021

The 2021 Kona SEL PLUS AT AWD suddenly changed into the manual low gear and abruptly stalled in traffic. The Kona was stopped at a traffic light. When the traffic light turned green and the car was driven, the Kona's transmission seemed to switch into the manual low gear creating a high RPM. After it crossed the intersection, the Kona stalled and stopped abruptly in traffic. Shortly thereafter, the car was restarted and it went back to driving normally. The Kona was taken to the dealership but they could not find any code. So they say without a code, they can not do anything. This is a serious safety problem. I have a video of the incident. I have contacted HyundaiUSA and they will not do anything without a code.

1/12/2024

I’ve had this car since end of September 2021. The blind spot monitor on the right side of the vehicle lights up and beeps at random times, even when there is nothing in the blind spot itself. Happens mostly while driving on the highway.

5/9/2022

the bcw tends to go on every time the vehicle is driven on a rural two way road to town, approx. less than 20 miles. been to dealership for the problem with the bcw ,paid for diagnostic and scanned for codes ,none apparent.the dealership did minimal calibration without realalinig the sensor. the vehicle will automatically downshift causing the vehicle lurch which is totally unsafe.this began at 6000 miles.no obstructions to sensors as per dealer inspection.a brand new suv awd never been offroad ,or any collision whatsoever.reading forums leads me to believe it occures quite often to this particular vehicle.i called the local global representative and have a case number of 21601680, i thank you for your prompt response to this issue.

6/19/2023

Driving 60mph on I-5 in May 2021. Dry roads, no wind. Vehicle suddenly surged (as if we ran over a speed bump at 60mph) despite there being no debris nor damage on the road surface. The surge felt like the ABS system triggered a single pulse, and then car completely turned off: no engine power, no radio power, no cabin lightning power, no dash lighting nor warning lights. Toggling the ignition to accessory didn't help. I had steering authority and brake authority. With no engine power, I pulled over to the side of the road. I inspected the exterior of the vehicle and there was no damage. I entered the vehicle and I was able to restart the vehicle normally. I drove it to a dealership and described the problem, they didn't know what it could be and were 30 days out on booking appointments, so I gave up.

12/26/2022

The braking system malfunctioned. Son was driving it, brake light came on, brakes started sinking randomly. Vehicle is very slow to get vehicle to stop and had to hit brake pedal hard to even get vehicle to slow down. Opened the hood to verify if there was brake fluid, it was low. Put brake fluid in and tested brakes, a pinhole was spraying brake fluid. Took to get a diagnostic of the vehicle. In addition to the pinhole leak, diagnostics showed that where the brake lines attach there is a leak at two of the components/areas, and told the vehicle would need new brake lines. We did not repair it at the place that performed the diagnostic. We are towing it to a Hyundai Dealership for inspection this week 3/21/2024. We have spoken to Corporate and were given a case number. No other inspections have taken place. Brake warning light came on last week. Malfunctioning brakes are a safety risk for everyone.

3/19/2024

The 2021 Kona SEL PLUS AT AWD suddenly changed into the manual low gear and abruptly stalled in traffic. The Kona was stopped at a traffic light. When the traffic light turned green and the car was driven, the Kona's transmission seemed to switch into the manual low gear creating a high RPM. After it crossed the intersection, the Kona stalled and stopped abruptly in traffic. Shortly thereafter, the car was restarted and it went back to driving normally. The Kona was taken to the dealership but they could not find any code. So they say without a code, they can not do anything. This is a serious safety problem. I have a video of the incident. I have contacted HyundaiUSA and they will not do anything without a code.

1/12/2024

There has been a continuous popping noise on the right side of the vehicle near the tire like it’s an axle or something with the suspension. It has been checked and I was told it was normal. The horn will stop working along with the radio and other components in the car. The forward front accident component will say I’ve been in an accident when I have not even been near a vehicle. This has happened on several occasions. I don’t have all specific dates.

6/5/2025

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 HYUNDAI KONA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, RAIN WATER WAS ENTERING THE HEADLAMPS WHICH DIMINISHED THE ILLUMINATION FROM THE HEADLAMPS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RED HOAGLAND HYUNDAI (6375 CYPRESS GARDENS BLVD, WINTER HAVEN, FL 33884, (863) 326-6999) AND IT WAS RECOMMENDED TO LET THE HEADLAMPS DRY OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,052.

4/20/2021

Tire installed as new OEM on Hyundai Kona with 650 miles. Driving at 40 mph and sidewall of tire blew out. Tire did not strike any object or curb. 215/55R17

7/22/2021

I recently blew out my front tire and put on the Hyundai supplied emergency spare. Within 15 minutes of driving, no more than 10 miles, I was flagged down by another driver because a huge cloud of smoke was coming from my car. I had the car towed into a dealership and they informed me that the spare tire that Hyundai supplied me damaged the transfer casing on the front tire, causing the smoke. I was told to never put that tire on the front of my car or it will again damage my car. I contacted first my local selling dealer. They were no help. They informed me that the spare tire was the correct part and I needed to contact Hyundai directly, which I did. After a week of investigation, [XXX], from their National Consumer Affairs department, indicates that Hyundai has essentially washed their hands of my problem and said it is the correct part and I should use that. I said it damaged my car and the response was it is only supposed to be on long enough to get to a repair shop. My car was overheating after only 10 miles. Smoke was coming from my car after 15 minutes. What if I was on a highway when the tire blew? It could be much longer than 10 miles. Would the car catch on fire? Will Hyundai take responsibility for the possibility of my car catching on fire? What about the dangers to myself and my family? Hyundai is taking no further action on this. I am to use the supplied part, damage, or no damage. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

10/7/2022

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted unintendedly. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission piston ring had failed. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

10/18/2024

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started accelerating slowly. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There was an abnormal dinging sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced, and the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The mechanic recommended additional testing. The contact declined the additional diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

12/11/2024

My vehicle loses power while driving

1/22/2025

My car is a 2021, is only 4 years old and the paint is chipping very fast. I noticed it a few months ago and it is now about 3 inches height, and 1 inch wide. It’s going to continue and paying for a whole new hood when my car is only 4 years old is crazy.

5/10/2025

The HVAC drainage system in my 2021 Hyundai Kona failed due to a clogged AC drain line, which led to water leaking into the cabin and mold growth. The dealer reported the drain was blocked by a spiderweb and that moisture had collected under the driver and passenger carpets. They unclogged the line, but did not inspect beneath the carpet or inside the HVAC system. Soon after, I experienced musty odors, asthma flare-ups, and headaches while driving. At-home mold tests under the passenger seat and footwell came back positive. White mold was also visibly growing under the carpet. A similar issue occurred in my fiancé’s Hyundai Elantra, also purchased from the same dealer. His AC drain was clogged and mold tested positive in the cabin, though his car had no smell. Our vehicles are stored in different environments, which rules out external environmental causes and points to a broader design flaw. There are Hyundai forums online confirming this same issue is not isolated to us. Even if spiderwebs were involved, a single web should not disable a critical drainage function and cause health risks. HVAC systems should be designed to resist common environmental factors like debris or insects. I am a cancer survivor (diagnosed in 2024) and must avoid environmental toxins like mold. Despite repeated outreach to Hyundai and the dealer, I was told no inspection or remediation would be provided beyond detailing, which is not sufficient for mold. Component that failed: AC evaporator drain tube Confirmed by dealer: Yes Manufacturer inspection: No – Hyundai declined to investigate Safety concern: Yes – mold has triggered respiratory symptoms and makes the vehicle unsafe for passengers

8/4/2025