Hyundai Kona problems
181 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Engine: 105 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 37,000–100,000 mi
- Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
This is my 2nd Hyundai Kona - the first had slippage in the DCT (dual clutch transmission) which the dealer adjusted for me. It continued to happen if I accelerated quickly and was part of the reason I traded it in. The second had no issues until 115k miles at which point the…
The car's engine stuttered after pressing on gas pedal when engine is cold. When pressing on gas pedal from idle position at STOP sign, engine does not switch from 1st -> 2nd gear.
For about a month, the car is pausing for a second or two during acceleration. The car was brought for service to Great Lakes Hyundai of Columbus (Ohio) on 12/19/2023. This is diagnosis and remediation that was offered: Needs immediate attention 1 of 5 services Related…
When I come to a slight uphill incline, slow down without fully stopping, and then attempt to accelerate, there are times when the transmission feels as if it is in neutral. The engine will rev up to approximately 2000 RPM but the vehicle will not accelerate for approximately 1…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 181 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Hyundai Kona is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2019 Hyundai Kona?
The 2019 Hyundai Kona is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Engine: 105 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 37,000–100,000 mi; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2019 Hyundai Kona?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 105 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 68,209 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 68,209 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Hyundai Kona has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2019 Hyundai Kona?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 181 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.