63
Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

ENGINE
17 complaints
I am having issues with my oil consumption and my car is going through a quart of oil every 1-1.5 weeks. There have been similar recalls on the 2019 Kona’s which have the same 1.6L 4-cylinder engine. My car is currently a little over 126,000 miles
Dec 10, 2025
The contact’s daughter owns a 2018 Hyundai Kona. While the contact’s daughter was driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH, the vehicle started decelerating and sputtering before the vehicle coasted to the side of the road and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was informed and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Sep 12, 2025
Piston ring failure. No oil in car and no leaks. P0301 code and knocking sound. Unable to drive.
Aug 24, 2025
The engine burns too much oil. I have to put it a quart every 2 weeks.
Aug 22, 2025
On May 5, 2025, my 2018 Hyundai Kona burst into flames in my garage and completely destroyed my Kona, Dodge Ram 1500 parked adjacent to it and my home along with its contents. Both vehicles and my home were deemed “a total loss” by the insurance company. The Kona engine compartment burst into flames after a short trip to the store. If the front door had not been locked, forcing my wife to go through the garage, we would have been unaware of the fire until it had reached the interior of the house setting off the alarms. As it was, I received smoke inhalation and a partially collapsed lung while attempting to put out the fire and while trying to put the burning Kona in neutral to push it out of the garage. The 2018 Kona is not safe as it can burst into flames under normal operation and without any warning potentially resulting in injury or death of the occupants or emergency response crews. Research indicates my 2018 KONA has no recalls; however, it has the same G4FJ engine and is manufactured at the same facility as several other Hyundai models that have been recalled for fires in the engine compartment. The Hyundai Veloster has a class-action settlement for engine failure & fires. Also, the Hyundai Tucson has an ABS module fire recall and shared electrical layout. Furthermore, Australia issued a Kona fire-related recall in 2019 due to brake tube routing near the exhaust system. Fire investigators have inspected the vehicle and determined the origin of the fire is the Kona. Hyundai inspected the Kona and failed to take any responsibility nor notify other 2018 Kona owners. There was no prior warning my 2018 Kona was having any problems. The only indication was a faint burning smell my wife noticed when she got out of the vehicle to collect the mail on the day of the fire. At the time, she contributed the burning smell to the neighbors burn pile. The insurance company has removed the Kona, and it should be available for inspection at their facility.
Jul 29, 2025
Fire: 1
Injuries: 1
+ 12 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12 complaints
with no known contact with anything, shark fin antenna cover of hyundai kona blew off at highway speed. this was unknown at the time, but upon further consideration, concern that the detachment could have damaged another car or caused to swerve. dealer, warranty refuse to replace. multiple reports of similar occurrences exist in hyundai forums.
Oct 29, 2024
After turning my car off and opening the door radio does not shut off. The radio stay on. And backup camera does not work. You have to keep un hooking the battery.
Apr 02, 2024
The 565 and 566 required to be submitted by manufacture prior to sale in US lists the vehicle manufacturer in korea, describes vehicle as a truck and weight recorded at over 33000 lbs. The vehicle has had no safety Inspections and a rather loose self certification process allows the oversight and quality assurance that the vehicle did meet fmvss and all FMVSS requirements. Simply taking a manufactures word for it does not protect innocent consumers and endangers every driver on the road. The vehicle was driven on a fully capable scale and weighed 3, 126lbs fully loaded. The vehicle has a WMI of KM8, when a WMI search on the NHTSA website through manufacture information list only the Sonata as KM8 and decodes the vin KMH in the US not KM8. The window sticker lists a port of entry as PT, however again 0 import documentation is found. The Washington State DOL states the vehicle was manufactured in the US and shipped to the dealer. However the only US hyundai manufacture plant in the US was HMMA and they according to 555 and 566 submittal do not manufacture the Kona. The kona is not listed as manufactured by any US Hyundai rather Hatci is listed as a parent company and has a submittal of a 565 and 566 listing the Kona as a truck but was not submitted until 2023. Again my vehicle was said to have been registered in washington state in 2018. A recorded conversation I had recently with NHTSA safety hotline, NHTSA representative can be heard stating not every vehicle is tested due to lack of funding. That's not safe. I have a right to know the vehicle I am driving is fit for the road. When asked why the crash testing safecar program was created, NHTSA states to ensure safe cars for consumers when the website states it allows for incentives to be offered to manufactures to produce these safer vehicle. There is no requirments to ensure that they do. And if the car isn't randomly selected to be tested, the NHTSA does not ensure it does but takes the manufacturers word
Mar 04, 2024
Crash: 1
Fire: 1
Injuries: 2
Car stalled while driving. This happened 5 times in a 5 day period. 2 times while crossing traffic. Oil was checked and found to have less than 1 quart of oil. No low oil level warning light came on.
Apr 11, 2023
This Hyundai Kona SE 2018 model comes with a key start and we are not getting recalls for a free fix with an engine immobilizer. Hyundai dealership is asking me to pay more than 800 dollars in installing thier fix which they caused. Even our family 2006 Corolla has the simple engine immobilizer chip on the key. Please help us.
Oct 07, 2022
+ 7 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
3 complaints
The component that failed was the connecting engine rod bearing. The engine is currently in the vehicle located at a hyundai dealership. The connecting engine rod bearing failure came after 1 or 2 engine miss-fires. The vehicle suffered poor performance, I was unable to start the car and properly accelerate the vehicle. The vehicle has exhibited poor acceleration/ jerk acceleration since purchase. However, this incident occurred immediately during initial startup in a parked position. The vehicle rode roughly upon initial observance of this engine miss fire which led us to deem the engine and car unsafe to use. The vehicle was initially towed to an independent service center where they identified the engine missfire code. The vehicle was then towed to our frequently used independent servicer where they said the problem related to low compression in the engine possibly something internal in the engine. Next we towed the vehicle to our preferred hyundai dealership. Hyundai confirmed the engine missfires and connecting rod bearing failure. A claim is in process with Hyundai to assess the vehicle further. The check engine light came on when the engine miss-fired initially. An earlier check engine light came on for a missfire earlier in the 2025 and earlier in 2022 and in 2023 which led to a catalytic converter replacement. While not certain, we think that low compression and poor engine performance has plagued the vehicle since purchase. The vehicle drive jerky(poor/delayed acceleration when pressing the gas) and had early catalytic converter issues prior to 50k miles.
Nov 19, 2025
I have gotten a oil change over a month ago and my car is still running low on oil. Sometimes my car would shut off while I’m driving on the road with cars behind me. I have gotten my car oil topped off three different times since getting my oil change. It also makes a fan like noise as well. There’s no leak at all. It’s very bizarre.
Nov 05, 2025
My car started making a noise back in Dec/2024. I scheduled an appointment with Quirk Hyundai in Braintree, Ma on Dec 11, 2024, and paid for a diagnostic the service center came back that it was the oil pan leaking so on this date I had that repaired that same day total cost was $254.76. Please note that my car was under warranty at this time. On [XXX], I brought my car back to Quirk Hyundai in Braintree because the noise had returned and was intermittent, and passenger side makes loud noise when riding over bumps and the car was shaking when driving pass 65 MPH. When I had the diagnostic done on 03/29/2025 the service center came back and said it was the mismatch tires that were put on my car by an outside provider (townfair tire) and that I needed 4 new tires, oil changes, mount and balance tires and four wheel alignment which cost me $959.08. Three days later while driving home from work the noise returned and my car ept shutting off one me. I went to AXP North in Randolph MA on 04/08/2025 (had to make an appt) for a second opinion diagnostic and they told me that my car will need a new engine as the one now is failing. I called Quirk Hyundai back on 04/08/2025 and told them this and they asked to bring the car back so they can recheck my car for misdiagnosis. So, on 4/09/2025 I called Quirk Hyundai for an update the failed engine was confirmed, and now because my car is 40 miles over the warranty it cannot be fixed by Hyundai. This car is a 2018 and should last me longer than 2025. My car is only 8 years old and I have cared for the car whenever it needed maintenance. I need someone to please call me to discuss further at [XXX] . I need a new engine and Quirk Hyundai will not cover the cost despite my several attempts to have this noise resolved when care was under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Apr 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
My engine started shuddering and stalling out on me. This was very dangerous as the car would stall out at street lights and intersections. The check engine light only came on after the car stalled out and has not stayed on during the times that it stalls out. When I went to get a mechanic to check it out they said that they had seen many Hyundai and Kia cars that had the same issues. The issue was oil consumption. It was consuming oil faster than it should have, even though I was regularly getting my oil changed. This lead to a problem with my pistons. Now the engine needs to be replaced. But Hyundai won’t cover it because there is no recall on it and the power train warranty only last for the first owner. Is there any way we can request for a new recall on this vehicle as it is clearly a problem that Hyundai is having.
May 07, 2025
8/29/20002, the ABS brakes system and Fuel Injection system 10/31/2022, Battery 11/8/2022, car stalled on the freeway 11/9/2022, Car stalled on the freeway 11/19/2022, Timing Control and camshaft position sensors 12/2/2022, Engine fire, the smell of burning plastic 1/9/12, Grinding noise near the right rear tire. I can provide the invoices under separate cover .
Mar 29, 2023
ON 1/13/21, VEHICLE EMITTED A BLUE SMOKE AND MISFIRED WHEN ACCELERATING FROM COMPLETE STOP FROM RURAL ROAD ONTO STATE HIGHWAY.. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CIOCCA HYUNDAI OF WILLIAMSPORT, WHERE IT HAD BEEN SERVICED 2 DAYS PRIOR. THEY REPLACED 2 SPARK PLUGS AND STATED IT WAS FINE. VEHICLE WORKED FINE UNTIL THE FOLLOWING MORNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MISFIRING DURING AN ACCELERATION FROM COMPLETE STOP AND EVENTUALLY QUIT ON ME. I WAS ON A STATE HIGHWAY AT THIS POINT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CIOCCA HYUNDAI OF WILLIAMSPORT. THEY SERVICED IT UNTIL 1/18/21. UPON PICK UP, THEY STATED THAT THEY BELIEVED IT TO BE BAD FUEL THAT WAS CAUSING THE TROUBLE. THE FUELING STATION I EXCLUSIVELY USE HAS NO REPORTS OF BAD FUEL BESIDES MINE. THE FOLLOWING MORNING, 1/19/21, THE VEHICLE'S MAIN DISPLAY SHOWED AN ERROR MESSAGE THAT "A POSSIBLE CONDITION HAS BEEN DETECTED WITH THE ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM. PLEASE TAKE VEHICLE TO NEAREST DEALER." SEE ATTACHED FOR IMAGE OF THIS MESSAGE. CIOCCA HYUNDAI CAME AND GOT THE VEHICLE. THEY HAD IT FOR TWO WEEKS. UPON RECEIVING THE VEHICLE BACK, THEY STATED THAT IT WAS JUST AN "OLD CODE THAT WASN'T CLEARED" AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DISPLAYING ANY ISSUES. 15 MILES AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP, THAT MESSAGE REAPPEARED. ON 2/5/21, THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS JERKING SLIGHTLY. I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE OK TO OPERATE IN THIS CONDITION. ON 2/6/21, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A BLUE SMOKE DURING ACCELERATION FROM COMPLETE STOP ON SIDE ROAD. THE VEHICLE THEN MISFIRED TO THE POINT OF ALMOST QUITTING WHEN PULLING OUT ONTO A STATE HIGHWAY FROM A COMPLETE STOP. THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER WHO WANTS THE VEHICLE TO COME IN TONIGHT FOR AN APPOINTMENT ON 2/10/21. HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF ALL OF THIS BUT HASN'T PROVIDED ANY COURSE OF ACTION BESIDES JUST INVESTIGATION.
Feb 08, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaints
My vehicle suffered a tire blowout on [XXX]. It was determined to be caused by ripped beading on the inner and outer part of the tire. It was also said that the damage to the tire occurred at time of initial install by improper mounting and balancing of the wheels and tired. The tires were 235/55/r17 Kelly A/S Edge M+S tubeless radial Tires manufactured in Mexico. The tires were placed on vehicle by the dealer. My safety was put at risk because 1) the tires were not manufacture recommended OEM tires. 2) No warning indicator Illuminated on the dash to indicate the tire was losing pressure. The vehicle then a month 1/2 later caught fire. Prior to the fire several warning malfunction indicators Illuminated. In addition to what was apparent electrical haywire, causing alarm sounds ( beeping), flashing lights, and warning indicators illuminating throughout the dash. The vehicle is said to be a 2018 hyundai kona petrol. Although at time of purchase and fire was equipped with a lithium ion 20h battery. I was told an inspection was done in August of 2021 by Hyundai Motor of America after fire and being towed to the local hyundai dealer, however to date 3/2024 am still denied the report and gave never been allowed to have it. The fire said to have been caused by audio installation faulty wiring to a subwoofer secured in the back of the vehicle which coincidentally was also stolen due to the repair dealer facing to secure the vehicle during repairs. The repair facility provided a work order that only listed 2 parts replaced which were two main wiring harnesses. In addition to the wire harnesses that the repair dealer is said to have replaced, there were other documented changes and replaced parts not mentioned, listed or detailed on any repair order. The original lithium ion battery had been replaced. Two- 50v main relay fuses in the relay box located in the engine compartment had been replaced. Prior to fire read HMML, after repairs read PBD01. PRT.1OF3 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mar 04, 2024
Crash: 1
Fire: 1
Injuries: 2
FCA WARNINGS COME ON WHEN ONLY NORTHBOUND ON THE CAUSEWAY IN LOUISIANA. HAPPENS DAILY
Nov 14, 2018
AIR BAGS
2 complaints
I had a car collision last [XXX] when the car ahead of me made a sudden stop in the [XXX] . I was in the fastest lane when it happened and I was not protected at all because the airbag did not deploy. It resulted to pain due to contusion on my chest wall, pain on my sternum contusion on my right knee and neck strain. My insurance covered for the repair. Hyundai has told me after I asked them to check on the car that they are not going to investigate as to why the airbag did not deploy. I feel very unsafe driving it. I am very traumatized. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Feb 01, 2024
Crash: 1
UNKNOWN TYPE OF AIRBAG. THE OTHER BAG DEPLOYED. I HIT SEVERAL TREES , ONE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. THE MAIN DRIVER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING ME TO BE THROWN FORWARD AND RECEIVED HORRIFIC INJURY TO MY HEAD. BY THE WINDSHIELD COMING IN LIKE A V AND SAWING MY SCALP ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE SKULL.
Jul 09, 2018
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
2 complaints
According to the garage Piston Ring failure causing engine damage and oil consumption. Vehicle shut off while excelling on a high traffic route. Vehicle has been in the garage since 1/13/23. As of today 2/1/23 still awaiting news of engine replacement.
Feb 01, 2023
WAS DRIVING HYUNDAI KONA DOWN THE FREEWAY. I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL, I SAW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINK ONCE. THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND I STARTED PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER. STOPPING ON THE SHOULDER, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. I EVACUATED THE CAR AND WITHIN A FEW MINUTES, FLAMES WERE PRESENT. IT WAS BETWEEN 2-3 MILES START TO FINISH.
Jan 20, 2020
Fire: 1
STRUCTURE
2 complaints
Unable to open passengers rear door from inside
Jun 05, 2022
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR, THE FRONT OF CAR, DISCONNECT FROM FRAME AND FELL TO GROUND. WITHOUT REALIZING IT, BACKED OUT DRIVEWAY,DRAGGING THE FALLEN END AND RIPPING THE WHOLE FRONT OF CAR OFF EXCEPT FOR A 3 INCH "FIBERGLASS" PIECE THAT HELD THE DIVERS SIDE ON TO CAR. (PICTURES AVAILABLE)
Apr 30, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
-On numerous occasions my map on display enlarges itself on the screen all on it’s own. The only way this can occur is if I touch the screen and enlarge it myself with my finger. -My volume in settings were changed within a minute. I selected all settings to level 38 and then when I returned to the screen they had been changed. (See screenshot). This occurrence has happened so much, that I’ve lost count. -Furthermore, they have bypassed my key fob and have gained access to the inside of my vehicle. One would think that they would steal my vehicle, but instead, leave white marks all over my screen, pull up the break, turn on the windshield wipers and lights. Upon entering my vehicle, I notice these have are turned on when I know I always turn them off upon exiting and turning off my vehicle.
Nov 21, 2021
WHEN CAR SHE STARTS CAR AND IN MORNING AND NIGHT , WHEN I PUTS IN GEAR AND AND STEPS ON GAS THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER OFF AND ON UNTIL SHE GETS ON ROAD ABOUT A MILE. HAD THIS CHECK AT HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY SAID NOTHING IS WRONG BUT IT STILL CONTINUE TO DO THIS. THIS COULD BE HAZARD WHEN I DRIVE IN THE DARK.
May 26, 2019
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
I AM REQUESTING INVESTIGATION INTO EXCESS GLARE FROM LED HEADLIGHTS ON THE KONA LIMITED MODEL, YEAR 2018 FOR THOSE MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO JUNE. EXCESSIVE GLARE ORIGINATES FROM THE LED LIGHTS AND RESULTS IN CONSISTENT "BRIGHT BEAM" FLASHES FROM ON COMING DRIVERS, AS THEY THINK YOU HAVE YOUR BRIGHTS ON. THIS RESULTS IN BLINDING AND UNSAFE CONDITIONS WHEN DRIVING ON NARROW ROADS FOR BOTH DRIVERS. HYUNDAI APPEARS TO HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THE ISSUE AS THEY REDESIGNED THE LED HEADLIGHTS MID YEAR. JUNE AND LATER MODELS DO NOT HAVE EXCESS GLARE. THIS APPEARS TO BE SUPPORTED BY IIHS.ORG AT THE FOLLOWING LINK: HTTPS://WWW.IIHS.ORG/IIHS/NEWS/DESKTOPNEWS/IMPROVED-HEADLIGHTS-HELP-HYUNDAI-KONA-EARN-TOP-SAFETY-PICK-AWARD WHEN CONTACTING HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SUPPORT TO SEEK REPLACEMENT LIGHTS, THEY CLAIM TO HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE CHANGE MID YEAR AND DIRECT YOU TO THE DEALERSHIP. I HAVE CONTACTED TWO LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS AND NEITHER CLAIMS TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT MID YEAR CHANGES AND HAVE NOT YET OFFERED ANY ASSISTANCE IN ADDRESSING THE ISSUE. HYUNDAI SHOULD BE REQUESTED BY NHTSA TO CONTACT KNOWN EARLY YEAR OWNERS OF AFFECTED KONA LIMITED MODELS WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO GET THE ISSUES ADDRESSED.
Dec 23, 2018
I OWN A 2018 HYUNDAI KONA SEL PURCHASED IN MARCH 2018 FROM KEARNY MESA HYUNDAI IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. I BECAME AWARE THAT THE INITIAL KONA SE AND SEL'S SUBMITTED TO THE INSURANCE INSTITUTE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY (IIHS) FAILED FOR INSUFFICIENT HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT HYUNDAI INSTITUTED CORRECTIVE ACTION AND RESUBMITTED THE KONA TO THE IIHS IN MAY 2018, WHICH PASSED AND RECEIVED A 5-STAR RATING. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI TO FIND OUT WHAT THEY DID TO CORRECT THE DEFICIENCY, AND CAN MY CAR BE FIXED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CORRECTION WAS PROPRIETARY, AND THEY CANNOT TELL ME WHAT WAS DONE. I ASKED THEM IF THEY COULD NOTIFY POWAY HYUNDAI, SO THEY CAN CORRECT THE DEFICIENCY. THE ANSWER WAS NO. THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION WAS TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION DIVISION. NOT KNOWING WHO THEY ARE I ELECTED TO CONTACT YOU. HYUNDAI INTRODUCED THE CAR FOR SALE IN FEBRUARY 2018 AND MADE A MAJOR ENGINEERING CHANGE IN MAY TO CORRECT AN APPARENT SAFETY ISSUE AND THEY HAVE NOTHING TO THE CARS WHICH WERE MADE FROM FEBRUARY TO MAY2 018 TO CORRECT THE ISSUE.
Dec 23, 2018
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
The DCT(Dual Clutch Transmission) has always been an issue since I purchased the vehicle. Anytime I would be going at a slow pace in a drive-thru or traffic on the freeway the car would jolt and shake. I brought my car to a Hyundai dealership in 2021 at 36,000 miles and was told this was normal with the transmissions provided by Hyundai and there was no need to worry. Now, at 72,000 miles I was driving down CA-60 when my car transmission died. The car would not go when I was giving it gas and would make a whirring noise when trying to accelerate across the freeway until I could pull off to the shoulder. It was extremely dangerous and I could've been hit by someone especially a semi-truck as it was sudden and I was in the left hand lane. I've been bringing it to an independent mechanic for years and he always told me to wait until there's a recall as it's a faulty transmission however there has not been a recall for my car yet. The car is now in possession of a Hyundai dealership however I was told since my warranty has passed they are not claiming any responsibility but that their transmission is faulty. There was no warning lamps or messages in the car just the issue of jolting while at slow paces prior to the transmission dying.
Oct 15, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
my Kona sputters when I put it in gear EVERY TIME. I have purchased gas at several stations so getting bad gas in the tank cannot be an issue. I’ve also had to replace the coil packs twice within 6 months. December 2024 and July 2025
Jul 13, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds, the engine warning light illuminated. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined there was knock in the cylinder. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the cam was overworked and both cams had overproduced. Additionally, there was a misfire in cylinders number 1, 2, and 4. There was a power imbalance test performed, which determined that cylinder #3 was the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,745.
Oct 22, 2024
TIRES
1 complaint
At approximately 10,000 miles the tread is separating from the tire
Sep 03, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
Prt. 2continued. The TPMS sensors had been replaced, which leads me to believe that at time of tire blowout did not function Although the subwoofer was stolen from vehicle the wiring to the subwoofer was said to have caused the fire and remained intact and connected to back of the original stereo equipment. A new subwoofer was purchased and the same wiring used to plug into from before fire and the subwoofer/stereo/wiring all worked just fine. One would assume the wiring would be fried and not work properly, however it didn't at all. This lead to me investigating the vehicle on my own after not being covered under warranty and all responsibility left on me to fix the vehicle. The "2018 hyundai kona" I was sold poses numerous safety risks for every driver on the road, not just the unfortunate consumers that purchase them for the following reasons. The vehicle is affixed with a vin sticker stating the manufacturer is HMC. Hyundai motor company of Korea with a final assembly in Korea. Has a manufacture date of [XXX] and self certified by manufacturer to comply with all US fmvss and anti theft protection required at time of manufacture date. The car to date has not undergone safety crash testing performed by NHTSA. NO substantially similar vehicle is US to compare ratings to, it being 1st of its kind. The sticker also lists vehicle as passenger car, however according to manufacture rated class c and over 4,000 lbs and a Truck/SUV for classification purposes. Although sold in the US as AWD, is listed as 4×4 elsewhere. Lithium ion batteries are not standard for non hybrid or electric vehicles. No import documentation is attached to the vehicle. The hyundai kona was not placed on list of vehicle eligible to import by the NHTSA until 2020. MINE SAID TO BE REGISTERED IN WASHINGTON STATE IN 2018. The vehicles original window sticker lists part cartent as required however is not listed on the parts content list provided by the NHTSA ad required until 2020. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mar 04, 2024
Crash: 1
Fire: 1
Injuries: 2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
I was sold a car with 1 unprepared safety recall and 22 technical service bulletins. In addition to was previously salvaged sue to collision, hail, flood and fire. The vehicle also was a 2019 made into a 2018. When the ecm was reprogrammed the new vin was wiped clean and altered. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Nov 02, 2023
Crash: 1
Fire: 1
Injuries: 1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I have a 2018 Hyundai Kona, with approximately 42,000 miles on it. The right front passenger door began having problems sometime in 2022. When I first inquired about the door at Riverside Hyundai, I was advised that the problem might be covered under warranty. I did not have the problem diagnosed at that time. Today, I had the problem diagnosed, and I was advised that the repair would cost $453.00, with parts and labor. After Googling the problem, I discovered that quite a few Hyundai owners have a problem with their door locks. I wanted to report the problem since it seems ongoing, and Hyundai has not provided a satisfactory resolution.
Sep 30, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
UNKNOWN. AC stopped working. According to repair shop, alternator belt sliced through the aluminum housing tube and Freon cannot be recharged . It needs total rebuild/reroute of AC tubing as The position and location of alternator belt is too close to the aluminum housing/tubing for cooling system. This is a bad build/design. When it’s really hot outside this is very dangerous for all passengers in this vehicle. Repairman/mechanic said he has seen this issue more and more on several Hyundai’s that came thru his shop, that he believes a common defect and has educated him as first thing to look for on a Hyundai needing AC repair.. and one can speculate there are MANY more, since he’s not a dealership.
Jul 26, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
My vehicle suffered an electrical fire that wasn't covered under warranty just 2 months after I purchased it. It was inspected by the manufacturer, repair facility(licensed dealer) and insurance however I was denied the inspection report. A Hyundai warranty information sheet states my vehicle had 1 unrepaired service campaign in 6/2022 for the FCA forward collision avoidance. Which meant it was also sold to me without being disclosed. However the NHTSA website says it has 0 unrepaired recalls. Right before the electrical fire the electrical system went haywire. My safetey and my childs safety is at risk everyday I have this vehicle. Without my knowledge or consent, the dealer and my insurer choose to authorize repairs. The fact that at the time of purchase, no safety or crash testing had been completed by the NHTSA is concerning. All vehicles without NHTSA safety testing completed, prior to the 1st being sold and driven on the road puts everyone at risk. The fact that NHTSA does not require these safety tests to be conducted on every single vehicle driven in the states puts everyone at risk, not just my family. Even worse after my vehicle caught fire and caused $12,000 in damages, my car has a clean carfax. There is nothing making reporting this mandatory. insurance companies, thhe dealer/repair facilities do not have to report to the DOL or anyone for that matter that the car was involved in a fire at all. In fact the repair/dealer my vehicle went to reported it as multipoint inspection, maintainence. This puts all drivers and passengers at risk on the road. There's no question that a vehicle after having caught fire and suffered electrical problems is no doubt more susceptible to additional problems down the road. This puts all cars and people on the road in danger, not just me and my own.
May 10, 2023
Fire: 1
Injuries: 2
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
Oil change was on 1/13/2023 at 33,505 miles. On 2/25/2023 at 35,366 miles after driving on the highway for about 30 mins at 65 mph, the oil light came on and car was making a loud noise as I pulled in to park. My car was parked for about 1.5hrs at my destination. I attempted to drive home and get back on the highway when my engine stalled at about 40 mph and my engine and battery light came on. I had to pull over to the shoulder as my car would not drive anymore. My car was then towed to my house and later to the hyundai dealer where they determined that my engine stalled due to lack of oil because my drain plug was missing. Hyundai refuses to fix this under warranty because the drain plug is missing and they are insisting this is because of the oil change place I went to nearly 2 months ago. When I went to the oil change place, they insist that they didn't do anything wrong, and if they did incorrectly put the drain plug on, my oil would've leaked much sooner than it did. There is currently and investigation with NHTSA with my exact issue where the oil drain plug still falls out, even if the person performing the oil change puts the drain plug on exactly how it should be. Directly from the NHTSA site: "Apparently, the thin metal, along with engine vibrations and expansion/contraction tend to loosen the drain plug without any other intervention. NHTSA is investigating this as a factory defect issue." My safety was deeply put at risk as I was driving on the highway when this happened and I could've easily gotten into an accident and faced injuries. I'm stuck in the middle as the oil change place denies it is their fault and hyundai refuses to fix under warranty strictly because the oil drain plug is missing. When I explained to them that I would've have this issue with my engine if the drain plug was present, they agreed. They are stating that it is $10,000 to repair my car and that I have to pay upfront and cannot do multiple payments
Mar 14, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
We had parked our 17 year old son's car in the upper parking lot of our baseball field. While parked, the engine smoked, then spontaneously caught fire. The police arrived on sceere!!!! We totally cannot comprehend that this even happene, along with our fire department who was able to put out the pretty massive engine fire, along with some of the front being damaged as well. Our son had been driving this car to our high school and also the high school baseball field, with pretty packed lots. It unbelievable to even imagine if this happened thned to a pretty new car (22,000 miles on it). We are so very grateful that this did not happen while our 17 year old was in the car! This is truly needs to be looked into. Thank you.
Jun 06, 2022
Fire: 1
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWN 2018 HYUNDAI KONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNSTATED FAILURES WITH THE INTERIOR LIGHTING, HEADLIGHTS AND REAR TAIL LIGHTS. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN STEERING FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FORT MILL HYUNDAI (805 GOLD HILL RD, FORT MILL, SC 29708) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE RECEIVED SEVERAL UNKNOWN REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,894.
Dec 10, 2020
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CAR ANTENNA BROKE OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. POSSIBLE PROJECTILE THAT CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. AIRCONDITIONING SYSTEM IN THE CAR SMELLS LIKE MILDEW. POSSIBLE PROLONG EXPOSURE THAT CAN CAUSE A HEALTH HAZARD. IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR STARTS EVERY TIME.
Aug 13, 2019
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT 98 % OF ONCOMING DRIVERS FLASH THEIR LIGHTS AT ME TO INDICATE THAT I HAD FORGOTTEN TO DIM MY LIGHTS WHEN IN FACT I DID NOT HAVE MY HIGH BEAMS ENGAGED. I TOOK THIS ISSUE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHICH DID IT'S BEST TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT IT. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THERE WAS INDEED AN ISSUE WITH THE LED LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE. I DISCOVERED THAT HYUNDAI ENGINEERS HAD RECONFIGURED THE PROJECTOR BEAMS TO CORRECT THE ISSUE ON ALL CARS BUILT AFTER MAY 2018. HYUNDAI WAS TOTALLY DISMISSIVE IN SPITE OF THE FOLLOWING. THE 2018 HYUNDAI KONA HAS RECEIVED THE TOP SAFETY PICK+ RATING, BUT THE RATING ONLY APPLIES TO VEHICLES BUILT AFTER MAY 2018. TO MAKE SURE THAT THE KONA'S HEADLIGHTS ARE UP TO PAR, HYUNDAI MADE CHANGES TO THE KONA'S AVAILABLE LED PROJECTOR HEADLIGHTS TO LIMIT GLARE FOR ONCOMING DRIVERS. THE LED HEADLIGHTS, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE ON THE LIMITED AND ULTIMATE TRIM LINES NOW HAVE A GOOD RATING. PRETTY MUCH IMPOSSIBLE TO SAFELY DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AT NIGHT.
Jan 07, 2019
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),VISIBILITY/WIPER,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI KONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT "BLIND SPOT HAS BEEN DISABLED" ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SHORTLY AFTER, THE BLIND SPOT MONITORS TURNED OFF AND FAILED TO WORK. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE ON AND OFF FOR THE BLIND SPOT MONITORS TO WORK PROPERLY AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KUNES COUNTRY HYUNDAI OF QUINCY (207 N 36TH ST, QUINCY, IL 62301) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A GLITCH, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,100. *TT OFF THEN ON. CONSUMER STATED SAFETY FEATURE OF BLIND SPOT TECHNOLOGY SHOULD BE ON AT ALL TIMES BUT "BLIND-SPOT" FEATURE WAS DISABLED.*JB
Dec 10, 2018
SUSPENSION
1 complaint
PRONE TO ROLLOVER WITH LOSING CONTROL OF VEHICLE, ON THE LATER MODEL KONA LIKE THE SECOND I PURCHASED THAT HAVE INSTALLED ANT-ROLLOVER BARS IN THE FRONT END. I TOTALED MY VEHICLE ON 7/8 AND WAS INJURED WITH HEAD TRAUMA
Aug 25, 2018
Crash: 1
Injuries: 1
4.5/5.0
72 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2018 HYUNDAI Kona have?

The 2018 HYUNDAI Kona currently has 63 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2018 HYUNDAI Kona?

The most common problems reported for the 2018 HYUNDAI Kona are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2018 HYUNDAI Kona problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2018 HYUNDAI Kona comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

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