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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Hyundai Kona powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Kona have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kona | 11 |
| 2019 Kona (this page) | 17 |
| 2020 Kona | 17 |
| 2021 Kona | 14 |
| 2022 Kona | 15 |
| 2023 Kona | 10 |
When does it fail?
Of the 17 powertrain complaints filed for the 2019 Hyundai Kona, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Among the 8 model years of Hyundai Kona in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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 ↗Hyundai is conducting a Service Campaign to replace the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) on certain Elantra GT (PD), Elantra Sport (AD), or Kona (OS).
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 ↗For certain Elantra GT (PD), Elantra Sport (AD), or Kona (OS) vehicles, replace the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) using the applicable QQH part number (see Parts Information), and transfer parts from the original DCT onto the replacement DCT. Refer to the figure below for transferred parts:
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe four main powertrain problems in 2019 Konas. Engine seizure emerges as the most serious: one owner's engine seized after recall 22-EM-008H was performed, with diagnostic code P1327 indicating engine failure. That owner's dealer sees multiple Konas per week with the same issue and confirms Hyundai is refusing goodwill repairs on out-of-warranty vehicles despite the recall including language about prior-approval goodwill claims. Another owner reports a camshaft pin sheared at 66k miles, causing severe engine damage with no warning lights beforehand.
Transmission problems are widespread and intermittent. Some owners experience shudder or chatter when the engine reaches operating temperature; others describe a sensation of the transmission slipping into neutral during acceleration, with the engine revving while the car doesn't move for 1–3 seconds before lurching forward. Dual-clutch transmission owners report prior vehicles had slippage; one owner's first Kona needed dealer adjustment for DCT slippage and was traded in when it resumed. Dealer software updates have not resolved these issues.
Stalling and sudden power loss occur at highway speed, sometimes triggered by forward-collision warning lights activating. One vehicle stalled at 2k miles with no warning lights. Others describe acceleration unresponsiveness from a stop, where the car hesitates as if the brakes are applied. Owners report multiple dealer visits without resolution—technicians reset computers or claim they cannot diagnose problems that do not occur during test drives.
Same Hyundai Kona powertrain reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Engine seizure and catastrophic failure
Engine loses power abruptly, often at highway speed. In severe cases, engine seizes completely. Diagnostic code P1327 appears. Recall 22-EM-008H issued at 4 years post-production; factory knock-detection system failed to warn before seizure. Dealer reports seeing multiple vehicles per week with same issue. One owner reports camshaft pin shear at 66k miles with engine damage.
When: 4+ years post-production; 66k-115k miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while driving; Engine stalls at highway speed; Knocking sound heard days before failure; Check engine light illuminates; Loss of compression; Rapid oil burn
Codes mentioned: P1327
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 22-EM-008H performed but engine test was not done. Engine replacement recommended by NHTSA per P1327 diagnostic. Owner reports 5-week wait at dealer. Dealers denying out-of-warranty claims despite goodwill language in recall paperwork.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 22-EM-008H issued (adds software knock-detection warning). Software update failed to prevent seizure. Hyundai refusing goodwill consideration for out-of-warranty vehicles and denying that recall was inadequate. No warranty extension to 15/150k as done for other models with same issue.
Transmission shudder, slipping, and neutral sensation
Transmission loses grip or feels disconnected from engine during acceleration, especially from stops or on inclines. Engine revs but car does not accelerate for 1-3 seconds, then lurches forward suddenly. Occurs intermittently. Dual-clutch transmission (DCT) models report slippage; 6-speed automatic models report neutral sensation. One owner's previous Kona traded in due to persistent DCT slippage.
When: Early in ownership to 115k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation or pause during acceleration from stop; Engine revs without vehicle moving forward; Transmission feels in neutral; Sudden aggressive acceleration after delay; Chatter when transmission at operating temperature; Rough shifting when downshifting; Poor merging capability
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer resets driving computer (multiple attempts unsuccessful). Transmission control unit software update offered and applied but did not resolve issue. One dealer adjusted DCT slippage for previous owner, then slippage resumed. Dealer reports no software updates available for standard 6-speed automatic. Owner suspects transmission oil pump or clutch defect.
Engine stall and power loss at highway speed
Vehicle stalls or loses power abruptly while driving at highway speed. Forward collision avoidance system activates as vehicle slows. Car restarts after sitting or turning off/on. No consistent warning lights appear before failure. Occurs intermittently, days to weeks apart.
When: As early as 2k miles; recurring over months
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving highway speed; Loss of acceleration; Forward collision warning light activates; Vehicle slows as if braking; Electrical systems remain operational; Vehicle may restart after sitting
Codes mentioned: P0193
Repairs/costs cited: Technician unable to identify cause; vehicle not repaired. Owners paying $800+ at independent shops (spark plug replacement, maintenance) with no resolution. Dealership diagnostic fee ($220+) quoted but appointment availability very limited.
Acceleration hesitation and unresponsiveness from stop
Car hesitates, pauses, or fails to accelerate when starting from a stop or low speed. Feels as if brakes are being applied. Sporadic and intermittent, making diagnosis difficult. Hyundai unable to replicate during test drives.
When: Within first couple hundred miles to 2+ years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation during acceleration from dead stop; Vehicle acts as if brakes are applied under 5 mph; Sporadic, intermittent occurrence; Requires full pedal to floor to accelerate; Takes too much time to merge into traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to reproduce issue during test drive. Driving computer reset twice at dealer (no resolution). One owner paid $800+ at independent shops without success.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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 DTC smelled bad once, then sounded bad the next day. I called the dealer and made an appointment to have it…
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 requested service [Primary]: 10HYZ06 - C/S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CHECK AND ADVISE: C/S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CHECK AND ADVISE CHECK…
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 second. Then all of a sudden, the car will accelerate forward at a rapid pace. It seems as if the transmission is in…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2019 Hyundai Kona?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 17 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 5,965 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/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.