Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary, replace the starter magnetic switch (solenoid) assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Hyundai Kona engine problems
severe Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Kona have filed 108 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 70,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
108
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kona | 24 |
| 2019 Kona (this page) | 108 |
| 2020 Kona | 85 |
| 2021 Kona | 58 |
| 2022 Kona | 21 |
2crashes
3fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 108 engine complaints filed for the 2019 Hyundai Kona, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 6 model years of Hyundai Kona we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 108.
Engine accounts for 58% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 6 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2018-2022MY Kona (OS) vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines and 4WD may exhibit transfer case oil leaks and/or an oil smell caused by the transfer case pinion oil seal overheating. This bulletin describes the procedure to update the 4WD electronic control module (ECU) and to inspect the transfer pinion area for leakage. If a leak is detected, the transfer case pinion oil seal will need to be replaced.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Follow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Hyundai is conducting a service campaign to enhance the knock sensor logic with the Cylinder Noise Diagnostic System (CNDS) software update. CNDS is to detect abnormal cylinder wall scuffing or noise of the engine block before potentially severe engine damage occurs. If abnormal noise is detected, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will blink continuously. In addition, DTC P1327 will be recorded in the ECM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2019 Kona report consistent engine failure symptoms starting as early as 30,000 miles. The most common issue is excessive oil consumption—typically 1 quart per 1,000 miles or worse—with no visible leaks. Oil turns black within days of changes, and owners often refill monthly. This consumption frequently precedes catastrophic failure.
Engine knocking and metallic clanging are reported across the mileage range. Owners describe abnormal sounds during acceleration and idle that intensify before stalling or engine seizure. Stalling while driving occurs with little warning, sometimes without illuminating dash lights. Vehicles lose power on highways, forcing owners to coast to safety; some roll backward on inclines. Restart may be immediate or require 15–30 minutes.
Independent mechanics and dealerships have confirmed rod bearing failure, connecting rod damage, and cylinder damage on multiple vehicles. Several owners report multiple engine replacements—some up to three—where replacement engines developed the same defects. Diagnostic codes P0301, P0017, P0014, and P0011 are frequent, pointing to misfire and cam/crankshaft misalignment.
Recall 21V301000 covers piston oil-ring defects in affected Konas. However, many vehicles pass the recall inspection then continue to fail, and parts availability has delayed repairs for months. Hyundai has denied warranty claims on vehicles matching recall symptoms but excluded from VIN lists, despite owners providing full service records proving proper maintenance. The disconnect between symptom profiles and VIN inclusion in recalls leaves owners without remedies.
Same Hyundai Kona engine reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive oil consumption
Engine burns or loses oil at abnormal rates—often 1 quart per 1,000–1,500 miles or worse—despite no visible external leaks. Oil darkens quickly after changes. No warning lights typically illuminate until damage is advanced.
When: Typically begins 30,000–90,000 miles; sometimes earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops rapidly between services; Oil appears black/dark shortly after change; No visible oil leak on ground or under vehicle; Owners report topping off oil monthly or more frequently
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0011, P0014, P0017, P0366
Repairs/costs cited: Oil changes, spark plugs, valve cover gasket replacement (when done), fuel induction service; ultimately requires engine replacement if internal wear is severe
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai recalls 21V301000, 21V301203, and related campaigns target piston oil-ring defects. Some inspections performed under recall show no defect and deny replacement. Hyundai has denied Goodwill claims citing alleged maintenance neglect despite owner records proving compliance. Oil consumption deemed 'within factory specifications' at 1 qt/1,000 mi in at least one case.
Engine knock, clatter, tapping, or internal noise
Loud, abnormal metallic knocking, clanking, tapping, or clapping from engine during acceleration, idle, or steady driving. Often precedes stalling or catastrophic failure by minutes to hours. Indicates internal bearing or piston-rod damage.
When: Can occur as early as 30,000 miles; commonly 70,000–110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking or clanking from engine; Noise intensifies with acceleration; Often accompanied by loss of power or hesitation; May progress to engine failure within hours or days
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0011, P0014, P0017
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced engines, camshafts, CVVT assemblies, timing chains, spark plugs, and ignition coils without resolving the underlying issue. Some owners report multiple engine replacements (up to three) with replacement engines having the same defect. Rod bearing and connecting rod failure confirmed by independent mechanics on several vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V301000 and related campaigns cover piston oil-ring defects. Many vehicles fail the Acoustical Knock Sensor (Ackison) test initially, then 'pass' after software updates. Dealers and Hyundai have denied warranty coverage citing 'jumped timing' or insufficient evidence despite owner records of regular maintenance.
Engine stalling during driving (loss of power)
Engine shuts down abruptly while vehicle is in motion, at any speed—from 10 MPH to 75 MPH. Occurs with little or no warning. Often happens after acceleration, during highway driving, or at stops. Requires restart; restart may be immediate or require 15–30 minutes.
When: Ranges from under 10,000 miles to 120,000+ miles; clusters around 35,000–75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden power loss and engine shutdown while driving; Check engine light may illuminate before or after stall; No warning lights in many cases until stall occurs; RPM drops to zero; Loss of power steering and/or braking when vehicle loses electrical power; Vehicle may roll backward on inclines or in traffic
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0011, P0014, P0017, P0366
Repairs/costs cited: Many stalls attributed to low oil level, oil drain plug missing or loose, timing chain failure, or internal engine damage. Engine replacement required in most cases. Dealers have replaced timing chains, tensioners, and camshaft components without resolving stalling in some instances.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V301000 addresses piston oil-ring defects tied to stalling risk. Dealers have refused to perform recall work until customers pay for unrelated repairs (e.g., $5,000 timing chain replacement). Hyundai has denied warranty claims on vehicles matching recall symptoms but excluded from VIN lists. One owner required to drive 1,000 miles in unsafe vehicle for oil-consumption test before repairs would be approved.
Rod bearing failure and internal engine damage
Connecting rods, crankshaft, or rod bearings fail, often puncturing the engine block. Failure is typically catastrophic and requires complete engine replacement. Mechanical failure of internal components despite proper maintenance.
When: 30,000–137,000 miles; severe cases occur under 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud metallic clang or knock from engine; Metal rod breaks through engine block or shears cables; Engine seizes or loses all power; Check engine light and oil warning lights illuminate; Engine smoke reported in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required. Estimated costs: $7,000–$12,000+. Independent mechanics have confirmed bearing failure on multiple vehicles. Hyundai dealerships have diagnosed and recommended engine replacement but denied warranty coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not covered under standard warranty in most cases reviewed. Hyundai has denied claims by citing maintenance neglect (despite proof of regular oil changes), excluded VINs from recalls, or claimed 'jumped timing.' One owner with KSDS (knock sensor detection system) installed and extended Theta 2 warranty (15 yr/150k mi) was still denied coverage.
Timing chain and camshaft failures
Timing chain, tensioner, CVVT assembly (continuous variable valve timing), and exhaust camshaft fail or develop play, causing misalignment of crankshaft and camshaft. Results in misfires, loss of power, and stalling. Replacement of these components has not permanently resolved the issue on multiple vehicles.
When: Typically 35,000–120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with P0017 (crankshaft/camshaft correlation) and P0014 (camshaft position retard) codes; Stalling and loss of power; Difficulty starting; Engine hesitation and rough acceleration; Knocking or ticking sound from engine
Codes mentioned: P0017, P0014, P0011
Repairs/costs cited: CVVT assembly, camshaft, timing chain, and tensioner replacement performed multiple times on individual vehicles without success. One owner reports four separate warranty repairs for these components (totaling $7,800+) with recurring P0017 code. Independent shop assessment concluded full engine replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty coverage varies. Dealers have replaced timing chain and camshaft components multiple times on the same vehicle. Hyundai has declined full engine replacement despite documented failure pattern and independent shop recommendation.
Oil drain plug loss or failure
Oil drain plug becomes loose, falls out completely, or threads fail, causing catastrophic oil loss and engine seizure. Two distinct scenarios: factory installation defect and post-service failure.
When: One case at 50,000 miles (post-service); one case at ~30,000 miles (alleged cold-temperature expansion)
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pouring from bottom of engine after stall; Engine seizure with no prior warning light; Loud noise from engine immediately before shutdown; Tow-truck bed covered in oil; oil residue on exterior; No oil warning light before catastrophic failure (in cold-weather case)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine rebuild or replacement required at estimated $12,000+. One case attributed to alleged cold-temperature expansion of oil pan causing plug to loosen; dealership blamed vandalism despite no evidence and investigation showed defect more plausible.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denied in both cases. Dealership claimed teenage vandalism in one case despite implausible explanation. No recall or service bulletin noted for this issue.
Misfire and power loss (early/intermediate stage)
Engine misfires in one or more cylinders, causing hesitation, stumbling, rough acceleration, and intermittent power loss. Often accompanied by check engine light. May progress to stalling or catastrophic failure if left unrepaired.
When: 30,000–117,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Stumbling or hesitation during acceleration; Engine 'boggs down' or loses power; Rough idle or difficulty starting; Check engine light illuminated; Vehicle feels like throttle was briefly released mid-acceleration
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0011, P0014, P0017
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel injectors have been replaced without resolving issue. Valve cover gasket replacement and cylinder decarb services attempted. Independent mechanics have found scored cylinders due to oil control failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V301000 and campaigns cite piston oil-ring defects as root cause. Some vehicles fail initial recall inspection but pass after software update. Hyundai has suggested fuel induction service as partial remedy in some cases.
Oil plug failure post-service
Oil drain plug installed during routine oil change fails to remain tight or secure, resulting in slow or sudden oil loss within the service interval. No visible leak observed during pre-failure inspections.
When: ~3,000 miles after oil service
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pouring from drain area after 3,000 miles; No warning light before failure; No visible leak between oil changes; Engine stalls with check engine and oil lights illuminating; Sticky dark residue from oil leak onto exterior components
Repairs/costs cited: Oil change service $90; engine rebuild/replacement $12,000+. Service facility denies improper installation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service facility denies responsibility; customer advised to file insurance claim for alleged vandalism.
Oil consumption test failure and inconclusive diagnostics
Vehicles undergo oil consumption tests requested by owners or manufacturer, but results are inconclusive or test conditions are inadequate. Some tests show consumption above normal but Hyundai denies defect claim. Owners required to document and drive vehicle to gather test data.
When: Typically after 60,000+ miles when owner initiates service
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and low oil warning; Visible oil consumption between changes; Test results show consumption above accepted norms but within 'factory specifications' per Hyundai
Codes mentioned: P0301
Repairs/costs cited: Two dealerships tested same vehicle; results inconclusive. Hyundai refused to authorize repairs based on inconclusive results.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai denies repair or assistance when test results are inconclusive. In one case, consumption of 1 quart per 1,000 miles was deemed 'within factory specifications' despite industry norms being 1 quart per 3,000–10,000 miles or more.
Recall inspection and denial despite symptoms
Vehicle is inspected under NHTSA recall 21V301000 or related campaign, passes inspection or is told 'no repairs needed,' but owner continues to experience the same symptoms the recall is meant to address. Some inspections appear cursory, and independent shops later confirm the defect was present at time of recall inspection.
When: Occurs at time of recall inspection, followed by symptom recurrence or continued existence
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle passes recall inspection but continues to knock, consume oil, or stall; Dealer marks oil as 'good' in multi-point inspection, then days later notes oil is 'low and dark'; Ackison (knock) test initially failed, then passed after software update with no actual component repair
Codes mentioned: P0017
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed oil changes and software updates instead of engine replacement. One dealer replaced CVVT and camshaft four times post-recall with recurring P0017 code.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V301000 campaign performed inspections; many vehicles 'passed' despite ongoing symptoms. Hyundai has not acknowledged that inspection methodology may be inadequate or that post-inspection failures represent detection failures.
Multiple engine replacements with recurrence of defect
Vehicle receives new or replacement engine as warranty repair, but the replacement engine develops the same symptoms and diagnostic codes as the original. Defect appears to be endemic to affected model-years or engines in inventory.
When: Typically within 6–12 months of first engine replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light recurs after engine replacement; Same codes (P0017, P0014, P0011) appear on replacement engine; Stalling, knocking, or oil consumption resumes; Replacement engine may have slight delay before symptoms appear
Codes mentioned: P0017, P0014, P0011
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports three separate engine replacements. Another reports two replacements with check engine light remaining on after each. Costs to customer mounting with each replacement due to rental cars and labor.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai has replaced engines under warranty but denies further action after second or third replacement on same vehicle. No root-cause analysis or VIN-specific recalls offered.
Recall parts unavailability
Vehicles are included in NHTSA recall 21V301000 or related campaigns, but replacement parts (piston rings, gaskets, or full engines) are not available from the manufacturer. Owners are left with unreliable vehicles and no remedy, sometimes for months or years.
When: At time of recall notification or during recall service window (2021–2025 for this recall)
Symptoms owners cite: Owner receives recall notice and schedules service; Dealer informs customer parts are unavailable; Vehicle continues to exhibit symptoms of the defect while on recall waiting list; Manufacturer offers temporary measure (e.g., free oil refills every 500 miles) instead of repair
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary oil top-offs every 500 miles performed by dealers while parts unavailable. No permanent fix applied for extended periods.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai notification informed customers of unavailable parts and offered rental vehicles in some cases. One owner was placed on a waiting list with no timeline for parts availability. Manufacturer stated 'remedy was not available' when contacted.
Warranty denial and Goodwill claim rejection
Owners submit warranty claims or Goodwill claim requests for engine failures, but Hyundai denies coverage citing maintenance neglect, excluded VIN status, manufacturer defect disclaimers, or unrelated issues (e.g., 'jumped timing'). Denials persist even when owners provide comprehensive service records.
When: During warranty period (typically under 100,000 miles or 10 years) and after
Symptoms owners cite: Engine failure requiring replacement; Hyundai denies coverage; Owner provides oil-change receipts proving timely service; denial still issued; Dealer cites maintenance neglect without evidence or inspection findings to support claim
Repairs/costs cited: Estimated repair costs $7,000–$12,000+ per engine. Owners forced to pay out-of-pocket or abandon vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai has routinely denied warranty and Goodwill claims, citing: (a) falsely alleged maintenance neglect despite owner records; (b) exclusion of VIN from recall despite vehicle meeting all other recall criteria; (c) unrelated issues blamed for failure (e.g., 'jumped timing,' improper coolant, etc.); (d) warranty already expired or limited coverage. One customer with extended Theta 2 warranty (15 yr/150k mi) was still denied.
Difficulty accessing recall remedy for vehicles outside USA
Owner in Poland with Kona included in 21V-301 recall cannot access remedy because Hyundai Motor America (HMA) demands USA-format repair orders, insists diagnostics be performed in USA, and coordinates poorly with regional offices. Vehicle remains unsafe and unrepaired; owner incurred diagnostic costs with no resolution.
When: At time of recall notification in Poland (2024–2025)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine failure at 44,000 miles; cylinder damage confirmed by photos; Error code P0366; compression 2–3 bar (critically low)
Codes mentioned: P0366
Repairs/costs cited: Hyundai service center in Poland performed diagnostics per HMA instructions; results rejected by HMA. Owner incurred diagnostic costs with no remedy path.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: HMA refused to accept diagnostic documents in European format, demanded USA-specific repair order format impossible for European dealers to issue, required diagnostics in USA (impossible for non-operational vehicle), and cited salvage status as denial reason (despite being irrelevant to mandatory recall remedy). Hyundai Motor Poland provided conflicting information and blocked dealer participation.
Unsafe driving requirement before repair approval
Dealer or manufacturer requires owner to drive an unsafe vehicle for an extended distance (1,000 miles) to gather oil-consumption data before authorizing warranty repairs. Safety risk to driver, passengers, and public.
When: December 2025 case; typical of ongoing diagnostic delays
Symptoms owners cite: Engine knocking sound indicating piston failure; Dealer diagnoses bad pistons but refuses warranty replacement until 1,000-mile consumption test completed; Requires $90 oil change + $600 test fee before repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; dealer conditioning approval on dangerous pre-repair driving.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer informed customer (Dec 8, 2025) that engine must remain in service for 1,000 miles and oil-consumption test ($600) before warranty repair authorization despite diagnosis of bad pistons and active warranty coverage.
Synthesized from 108 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 11 most recent
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.
Vehicle Safety Complaint Narrative On Saturday, December 6, 2025, I brought my 2019 Hyundai Kona to Millennium Hyundai in Hempstead, New York, the dealership where the vehicle was purchased, for evaluation due to engine safety concerns. While driving the vehicle, we heard a knocking sound coming from the engine. One week earlier, on November 29, 2025, we brought the vehicle to our local…
I believe that I’m leaking oil somewhere and that it’s due to the recall with the piston oil rings that’s on my car
It seems to be an issue with the camshaft and/or timing. It has a permanent diagnostic trouble code for p0017 and p0014 (two issues that they have claimed to have fixed twice now by replacing my engine). Due to this issue, I was stranded on the side of a busy road for multiple hours at night way back in March. This issue has been repeatedly “fixed” but the code readers keep showing it and the…
Engine burn oil excessively about 1.5 quarts every 5000 miles. Car has roughly 60000 miles.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking and clicking sound. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced engine hesitation intermittently, and the failure became permanent. The contact stated that the vehicle…
I'm the owner of a 2019 Hyundai Kona (US spec) imported to Poland. The VIN is included in recall 21V-301 (fire risk). The engine showed symptoms consistent with this defect and failed at 44,000 miles. Photos confirm cylinder damage. Following Hyundai Motor America (HMA) instructions, I completed diagnostics at an authorized Hyundai service center in Poland. Results: error P0366, compression 2–3…
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred three times while driving that same day. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the…
Rad bearing defect. Engine needs to be replaced.
Vehicle is burning oil at a rapid pace. Vehicle could catch fire or stall out due to the burning oil inside the engine. Problem is consistent with adding oil regularly in between changes. Vehicle has not been inspected, but will be in the near future. No warning lamps, but oil dip stick is always low
Had engine trouble with your 2019 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 engine problem on the 2019 Hyundai Kona?
It's a meaningful issue. 108 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 41 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 37,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2019/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.