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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Hyundai Kona powertrain problems
severe 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1fire
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Certain vehicles (listed below) equipped with 7-speed Double Clutch Transmissions (DCT) may exhibit abnormal vibration at low speeds. This bulletin outlines the procedures for diagnosing clutch judder, updating the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) with revised logic, and/or replacing the Double Clutch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with the following symptoms and DTC, follow the Service Procedure on Page 3. ï· Check Engine light on ï· DTC P0880/P088000 - TCM Power signal error open/short ï· Transmission stuck in 4th gear fail-safe ï· Harsh shift into Drive and Reverse
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a âCheck Engineâ light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the oil pressure harness.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a pattern of serious powertrain failures in 2018 Kona models. The most dangerous involve engine fires on freeway driving, with smoke and flames appearing within minutes of initial symptoms. Multiple owners describe engine stalling suddenly at highway speeds without warning—some at 40 mph, others during normal freeway driving—creating immediate collision hazards.
Oil-related problems are widespread. Several owners report excessive oil consumption despite regular oil changes, forcing frequent top-ups and ultimately requiring engine replacement due to piston damage. One owner's engine seized after the oil drain plug loosened despite proper installation, something NHTSA is investigating as a factory defect. Another describes piston ring failure causing catastrophic oil consumption.
Engine misfiring and blue smoke during acceleration appear in multiple complaints, with one owner experiencing recurring stalls over weeks despite dealership spark plug replacement and service visits. The dealer attributed it to bad fuel despite no evidence from the gas station.
A transmission failure at 72,000 miles left one owner immobile on a freeway after years of chronic jolting at low speeds. The dealership acknowledged the transmission was faulty but denied warranty coverage because the warranty had expired. Owners also report timing sensor failures, battery issues, and fuel injection problems.
Same Hyundai Kona powertrain reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Oil drain plug loosening/separation
Oil drain plug comes loose or separates from the engine despite proper installation, allowing oil to leak out gradually. Thin metal construction combined with engine vibration and thermal cycling causes the plug to work free.
When: 33,505 to 35,366 miles (approximately 2 months post-oil change); onset typically after highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Oil warning light illumination; Loud engine noise; Engine stalling at highway speed (40 mph+); Engine and battery warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: $10,000 engine repair cited (due to lack of oil causing engine stall and damage)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA investigation ongoing into factory defect; Hyundai denies warranty coverage citing missing drain plug, refusing to honor repairs; oil change facilities deny responsibility
Engine misfiring and stalling with blue smoke
Engine misfires during acceleration from complete stop, emits blue smoke, and stalls on highway. Check engine light displays 'Engine Control System' error messages. Issue persists after spark plug replacement and dealer service.
When: 1/13/2021 onward; recurring over weeks despite multiple dealership visits
Symptoms owners cite: Blue smoke emission during acceleration; Misfiring on acceleration from stop; Engine stall on state highway; Jerking sensation during light acceleration; Engine Control System error message on display
Codes mentioned: Engine Control System error (unspecified code not cleared)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced spark plugs; later attributed issue to 'bad fuel' without confirmation; no permanent resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service; Hyundai Consumer Affairs notified but provided no course of action; dealership cleared codes but issue returned within 15 miles
Dual clutch transmission failure
DCT transmission loses power and fails completely on freeway. Transmission will not engage when throttle applied and produces whirring noise during attempted acceleration. Preceded by chronic jolting and shaking at low speeds for years.
When: 72,000 miles; jolting began immediately after purchase (2018 model)
Symptoms owners cite: Jolting and shaking at low speed (drive-thru, freeway traffic); Loss of power when accelerating on freeway; Whirring noise during acceleration attempt; Inability to move when throttle applied
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; warranty expired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledged transmission is faulty but denied responsibility citing expired warranty; no recall issued
Excessive oil consumption and piston damage
Engine burns oil at accelerated rate despite regular oil changes. Oil becomes blackened quickly. High oil consumption leads to piston damage and requires engine replacement. Associated with engine shuddering, stalling, and poor acceleration.
When: Unknown specific mileage; affects multiple model years and owners
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid oil consumption requiring frequent oil top-ups; Engine shuddering; Stalling at traffic lights and intersections; Poor acceleration; Black discolored oil shortly after change; Check engine light (delayed activation)
Codes mentioned: P0XXX (check engine generic code, not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement/rebuild required; labor costs not specified; one vehicle ($10,000 estimate mentioned in separate case)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall coverage; powertrain warranty limited to first owner only; Hyundai denies responsibility
Complete engine failure on highway
Engine loses power completely and stalls without warning while driving at normal highway speed. No diagnostic symptoms or warning lights present beforehand. Vehicle becomes immobile, creating collision hazard.
When: Highway driving at normal speed (specific mileage not provided)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power; Stalling without warning; No prior warning lights or symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed as engine failure; repair costs not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes similar engine issues reported in other Hyundai vehicles; no recall or manufacturer response documented
Engine fire
Engine catches fire on freeway after burning smell and check engine light. Vehicle enters limp mode, smoke emerges from under hood, then flames appear within minutes. Two separate incidents documented.
When: Highway driving; one incident 12/2/2022 or later; timeline of second fire not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell; Check engine light (blinking in one case); Limp mode activation; Smoke from under hood; Engine fire with flames visible
Codes mentioned: Limp mode engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle engulfed; complete loss condition
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Piston ring failure with oil consumption
Piston ring failure causes severe oil consumption and engine damage. Vehicle stalls during acceleration on high-traffic road. Requires engine replacement.
When: Unknown specific onset; stalling incident 1/13/2023
Symptoms owners cite: Oil consumption; Engine stalling during acceleration on high-traffic route; Engine damage
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; vehicle in garage since 1/13/2023 awaiting replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented as of 2/1/2023
Timing control and camshaft sensor faults with engine fire
Timing control and camshaft position sensors fail, followed by engine fire event. Battery failure also documented separately. Represents sequence of escalating powertrain failures.
When: 11/19/2022 (sensor codes); 12/2/2022 (engine fire); other faults 8/29/2002, 10/31/2022, 11/8/2022, 11/9/2022, 1/9/2023
Symptoms owners cite: ABS brake system fault (8/29/2002); Fuel injection system fault (8/29/2002); Battery failure (10/31/2022); Freeway stalling (11/9/2022, 11/9/2022); Timing and camshaft sensor faults (11/19/2022); Engine fire with burning plastic smell (12/2/2022); Grinding noise near right rear tire (1/9/2023)
Repairs/costs cited: Invoices available for repair costs; specific amounts not provided in narrative
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2018 Hyundai Kona?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 Hyundai Kona?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 41,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Hyundai/Kona.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.