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2025 Hyundai Kona Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Ryan Davis
2025 Hyundai Kona Report

Overall Score

6.7/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 Kona has a public reliability score of 7.5, but an LLM assessment indicates 'Below Average' due to early-life critical failures.
  • Top complaint areas include POWERTRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, and EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
  • Inspect the powertrain and electrical system thoroughly; early failures are a documented concern.
  • While no recalls exist, 21 complaints detail serious issues like door latches unlatching and potential lane assist malfunctions.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offers a practical, all-wheel-drive package with respectable fuel economy, achieving a combined 26 MPG. However, for the used car buyer, its appeal is tempered by a concerning pattern of early-life critical failures reported in its powertrain and electrical systems. Despite zero recalls, 21 complaints highlight issues ranging from transmission problems at low mileage to door latches unlatching while driving and potential lane assist malfunctions. These issues, concentrated in early ownership, suggest potential manufacturing defects that warrant significant buyer vigilance.

Critical Failure Risk

Complaints indicate potential transmission issues occurring at very low mileage, such as 70 miles. These can manifest as hesitation, rough shifting, or complete loss of power. Early intervention is critical.

Early detection can help you avoid a $500-$3,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls0
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

21
Power Train3
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
26
MPG
City
24
MPG
Highway
29
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

8.6/ 10

Practicality

5.0/ 10
Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Budget-conscious shoppers prioritizing AWD and decent fuel economy.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Buyers seeking a completely trouble-free ownership experience.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2025 Hyundai Kona Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2025 Hyundai Kona.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Transmission
Automatic (S8)
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Suv
EPA Combined MPG
26

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See the full 2025 Hyundai Kona buyer report before you decide

Unlock the complete checklist, maintenance outlook, and buyer verdict in one place.

Most Common Issues

1. Powertrain

Most reported

Usage: 3 reports

2. Electrical System

Usage: 3 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brake System - Inspect Drive Shaft Boots - Inspect Exhaust System - Inspect Steering Gear Box

Est. shop cost: $100 - $200

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
Full safety recall details
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2025 Hyundai Kona reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2025 Hyundai Kona is 8.6/10. Reliability score is 8.6/10. NHTSA recalls: 0. Owner complaints: 21.

How practical is the 2025 Hyundai Kona for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.0/10. EPA combined economy is 26 MPG.

What is the overall score for the 2025 Hyundai Kona?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2025 Hyundai Kona is 6.7/10. Overall score is 6.7/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 7.9/10. Practicality 5.0/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2025 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 Brake System - Inspect Drive Shaft Boots - Inspect Exhaust System - Inspect Steering Gear Box at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $300 - $600. Repair prediction highlight: Transmission (typical at 70 miles, estimated cost Min: $1,000 • Max: $3,000).

What engine is in the 2025 Hyundai Kona?▾

Engine specs list 4 • 1.6.

What transmission does the 2025 Hyundai Kona use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Hyundai Kona, transmission is Automatic (S8). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2025 Hyundai Kona?▾

EPA combined estimate is 26 MPG.

What kind of powertrain does the 2025 Hyundai Kona use?▾

Powertrain classification is Battery Electric (BEV).

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2025 Hyundai Kona?▾

14 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

What body style is the 2025 Hyundai Kona?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Hyundai Kona, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2025 Hyundai Kona use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2025 Hyundai Kona, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (S8).

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2025 Hyundai Kona?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 4/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

What are the most common power train problems on the 2025 Hyundai Kona?▾

Top complaint category: power train (3 reports, 14.3% of complaints).

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2025 Hyundai Kona?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2025 Honda HR-V and 2025 Mazda CX-30.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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