2019 Hyundai Kona problems
The 2019 Hyundai Kona has 185 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2019 Hyundai Kona has 185 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 108 complaints, typically surfacing around 69,301 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kona | 74 | 0 |
| 2019 Kona (this page) | 185 | 0 |
| 2020 Kona | 152 | 1 |
| 2021 Kona | 113 | 0 |
| 2022 Kona | 94 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Engine: 108 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.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 5 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2019 Hyundai Kona SUV FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2019 Hyundai Kona? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- engine — 108 owner reports · tends to show around 69,301 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- powertrain — 17 owner reports · tends to show around 5,965 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- electrical — 16 owner reports · tends to show around 8,000 mi · ~$850 to fix
- airbags — 5 owner reports · tends to show around 3,400 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 69,301 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2019 Hyundai Kona
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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 185 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: 108 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 should I check before buying a used 2019 Hyundai Kona?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 108 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 69,301 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 185 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 69,301 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2019 Hyundai Kona?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 108 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 69,301 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 69,301 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 185 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.