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 ↗2020 Hyundai Kona engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Hyundai Kona have filed 85 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 18,000 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
85
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kona | 24 |
| 2019 Kona | 108 |
| 2020 Kona (this page) | 85 |
| 2021 Kona | 58 |
| 2022 Kona | 21 |
| 2024 Kona | 3 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 85 engine complaints filed for the 2020 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
Engine accounts for 56% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 5 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 85 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
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 2020 Hyundai Konas equipped with the 2.0L Nu engine describe a pattern of serious engine problems that start early in the vehicle's life and often escalate without warning.
The most common complaint is excessive oil consumption—many owners report losing a quart or more per 1,000 miles, often without any dashboard indication until the oil level drops critically low. Engine stalling occurs across a wide speed range, from idle to highway speeds (30-60 mph), sometimes during normal acceleration or braking. Owners hear loud knocking, ticking, clicking, or grinding noises before or during stalls. Some vehicles show check engine lights; others stall with no warning whatsoever, creating genuine safety hazards on busy roads.
Owners who took vehicles to dealers for recall repair under NHTSA Campaign 21V301000 (Engine—defective piston rings) faced delays measured in weeks or months while parts remained unavailable. Several dealers performed vibration or oil consumption tests that passed, then later refused engine replacement based on those test results, despite ongoing symptoms. Some owners learned their VINs were excluded from the recall or found that recalled repairs had been marked closed without actually replacing the engine. Owners report dealers initially minimized concerns, with service advisors claiming ticking noises were "normal" for the model. Engine replacement ultimately became necessary in numerous cases, yet Hyundai denied warranty coverage even within powertrain warranty periods, citing age of prior tests or claiming the failure was unrelated to the known defect.
Same Hyundai Kona engine reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive engine oil consumption
Engine consumes oil at abnormally high rates—typically 0.5 to 2.5+ quarts per 1,000 miles—without visible leaks or external signs of wear. Owners frequently find oil level critically low or empty at intervals far shorter than normal service schedules. Happens across all mileage ranges but most common in early ownership. Some owners report low oil without prior warning lights.
When: Typically appears before 20,000 miles; some cases as early as first month of ownership; one case at 500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops rapidly between service intervals; No visible oil leaks on ground or under vehicle; No early warning from dashboard in many cases; Oil malfunction light may illuminate only when level is critically low; Engine ticking or pinging noise correlates with low oil
Codes mentioned: No specific codes tied to oil consumption alone in most narratives
Repairs/costs cited: Hyundai required repeated oil consumption tests (some owners report three tests mandated before action). Tests showed 0.5–3 quarts consumed per 1,000 miles. Many dealers refused engine replacement despite test results or recall status. Engine replacement or rebuild eventually performed in some cases; costs not specified by owners but one mentioned $10,000 out-of-pocket demand.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V301000 (Engine, defective piston rings) issued but parts unavailable for extended periods. Hyundai required multiple oil consumption tests and installed Piston Noise Sensing System (PNSS) or Crankshaft/Camshaft Detection System (CNDS) software. Some owners told to 'run it until it dies' before replacement. Hyundai has denied coverage based on prior passed vibration tests, removed vehicles from recall lookup lists, and refused to honor recall on some VINs.
Engine stalling (loss of motive power)
Vehicle suddenly shuts off during operation at various speeds—idle, 30–60 mph, highway driving—sometimes multiple times. Engine may restart immediately, or owner must wait minutes before attempting restart. Stalling creates dangerous situations on highways and busy roads. No correlation with driving conditions; occurs during acceleration, braking, steady cruising, or while stopped.
When: From early ownership (4,600 miles) to over 100,000 miles; timing unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of motive power while driving; Check engine light illuminates (often only after stall occurs); Forward Collision Avoidance light may illuminate without nearby vehicles; Vehicle may or may not restart; sometimes requires waiting; Occurs at stop lights, stop signs, freeway merges, during acceleration
Codes mentioned: P0017 (crankshaft-camshaft correlation), P1327 (piston knock/detonation detection), Other unknown warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers often unable to replicate stalling during diagnostic visits. Some diagnoses included camshaft and timing belt replacement (which did not resolve issue). Engine replacement ultimately required in most cases. TSB 22-01-043H (Engine Monitoring Logic) applied in at least one case without resolving failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V301000 addressed as potential cause. Software updates (CNDS, PNSS) installed in some vehicles. Hyundai denied some warranty claims on grounds vehicle had 'passed vibration test' years prior, despite ongoing symptoms. One owner reported Hyundai refused coverage because recall was 'closed' after a prior inspection that did not include actual engine replacement.
Abnormal engine noise (knocking, ticking, clicking, grinding)
Loud, repetitive mechanical sounds emanate from engine compartment—described as knocking, ticking, clicking, or grinding. Noises may be present at idle, under load, or continuously. Owners initially assume low oil; some dealers attributed noise to 'normal' for the model or faulty oil sensor.
When: Early ownership; one case at 4,600 miles; some appear after first year; most common under 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking, ticking, clicking, or grinding from engine; Noise present while driving, idling, or parked in drive; Noise continues even after low oil topped off; Noise worsens over time; Accompanied by check engine light (some cases)
Codes mentioned: P1327 (piston knock)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealer dismissed noise as 'normal for all 2020 Konas.' Another dealer replaced oil sensor (not the root cause). Independent mechanics identified faulty piston rings, cracked oil rings in cylinder #3, and rod bearing failure. Dealership replacements of turbocharger were unsuccessful. Engine replacement ultimately needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V301000 addresses piston ring defect. PNSS software was meant to detect piston noise but did not prevent failures. Some owners' engines later developed actual faults despite passing prior vibration tests and PNSS software install.
Engine replacement or rebuild required
Vehicle condition deteriorated to point where dealer or independent mechanic determined entire engine must be replaced or rebuilt. In many cases, this became necessary despite earlier recalls, software updates, and repairs. Some owners faced extended wait times (weeks to months) for replacement parts. Dealers sometimes refused to perform replacement based on technicalities.
When: Timing ranged from very early (under 15,000 miles) to over 100,000 miles; failure accelerated in cases where excessive oil consumption or noise preceded stalling
Symptoms owners cite: Combination of excessive oil consumption, knocking, stalling, or loss of compression; Cylinder wall scoring, piston sap, cracked piston rings documented by independent mechanics; Engine seized (no oil remaining)
Codes mentioned: P1327 (piston knock), P0017 (camshaft-crankshaft correlation), Compression loss diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement costs mentioned in one case as ~$9,000 out-of-pocket; another owner reported dealership demanded $4,715.26 for timing repair before allowing recall remedy, plus $453.05 for wiring. Some replacements covered under warranty despite Hyundai's initial denials; timelines often 3–4 months for part availability. One owner received loaner vehicle after extended delay; others had no loaner support.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai Case numbers opened (e.g., 1811 5897, 1905 7159, 18373693, 18719921) but manufacturer often delayed approval for engine replacement. Some owners reported Hyundai refused coverage citing: (a) vehicle not original owner, (b) prior vibration test 'passed,' (c) recall already marked 'closed,' (d) VIN excluded from recall despite symptoms matching. Recall 21V301000 was issued but remedy delayed due to parts distribution.
Engine control system and timing component failures
Sensors and timing components malfunction, leading to check engine lights, camshaft/crankshaft correlation errors, and loss of engine control. Blue Link (remote diagnostic system) flagged 'possible condition with Engine Control System' in at least one case. Camshaft and timing belt replacements were performed in one case but did not resolve underlying issues.
When: Timing varies; some cases early ownership, others at higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates (often constantly once triggered); Blue Link alert regarding Engine Control System; Camshaft or crankshaft sensor faults; Timing belt wear requiring replacement; Vehicle stalling or hesitation correlated with timing/sensor faults
Codes mentioned: P0017 (crankshaft-camshaft position correlation), Exhaust sensor malfunction, Camshaft sensor malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft and timing belt replaced in one case; independent mechanics later confirmed piston ring failure was root cause. Starter replacement was attempted in one case but did not resolve stalling. Hyundai service report from early case noted 'no code found' despite customer reporting stalling, suggesting diagnostic inadequacy.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V301000 recognized as related to timing/lubrication issues. CNDS and PNSS software intended to monitor and alert to piston noise. Some owners' timing component failures occurred after software install, suggesting software alone insufficient. Engine replacement ultimately required in progression of cases.
Recall delay and parts unavailability
NHTSA Campaign 21V301000 (Engine, defective piston rings) issued but remedy parts were not available for extended periods—weeks to months. Owners received recall notifications but dealers could not perform repairs for 2–3 months or longer. Vehicles remained undrivable or unsafe during delays, yet warranty coverage questions arose.
When: Recall issued April 28, 2021; parts shortages documented through at least mid-2021 and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Owner receives recall notice but dealer unable to schedule repair; Parts marked 'not yet available' at multiple dealers and timestamps; Manufacturer contacted but offers no interim remedy or timeline; Owner kept in loaner or without vehicle for weeks
Repairs/costs cited: No parts cost to owner for recall repair (manufacturer responsibility). However, owners faced lost time, loaner vehicle unavailability, and continued driving unsafe vehicles. One owner reported dealership could not schedule recall repair until late October despite notice received earlier.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V301000 initiated by Hyundai to address engine failure risk (stall and/or fire). Parts distribution described as 'disconnect' in multiple narratives. Hyundai opened case numbers and acknowledged defect in some instances but delayed remedy approval. One owner reported Hyundai withheld parts delivery until other unrelated repairs (timing work, wiring) were completed, effectively creating a financial barrier to recall remedy.
Warranty denial and coverage disputes
Hyundai denied warranty coverage or recall repairs for vehicles experiencing the known defect, citing: (a) vehicle not original owner (powertrain warranty voided), (b) prior passed vibration test, (c) VIN excluded from recall list, or (d) recall already marked 'closed' after inspection that did not include actual repair. Owners reported manufacturer refused assistance despite clear symptoms matching recall description.
When: Disputes arose from late 2020 through 2026
Symptoms owners cite: Engine failure matching recall criteria (stalling, knocking, oil consumption); Hyundai refuses repair or replacement under any warranty program; Third-party extended warranty also denies coverage
Repairs/costs cited: One owner requested Hyundai investigate 'outdated' vibration test from 2021 being used to deny coverage in 2024. Another owner reported Hyundai demanded $4,715.26 for timing repair + $453.05 for wiring as condition of performing recall remedy. Owners threatened legal action; some referred by Hyundai to seek legal assistance rather than warranty resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai Case numbers opened but resolutions refused. Manufacturer stated powertrain warranty does not cover second owners. Vibration tests passed in 2021 were cited as reason to deny repair despite engine failure in 2024+. One case noted Hyundai removed affected vehicle from recall lookup list entirely. Hyundai offered no interim assistance (loaner, rental) in most denied cases. One owner reported Hyundai suggested vehicle be 'run until it dies' before replacement would be considered.
Synthesized from 85 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
Leased 5/24/2020. Poor mileage . Told had to break in. On 3/24, 3/29 and 3/30, 2020, car stalled out in traffic. Called for service and given date 3 weeks later. Called Another dealer and got appt. for next day.Spoke to Hyundai Ca. (Sonia) and got case number(1811 5897). On 4/2/2020Blue Link advised to take to dealership, that there was a problem with Engine Control System.The service report was…
Check engine light came on and car lost power while driving.
...three times in one week (twice with me, and once with my wife), while driving in traffic the engine shut down completely, and we had to coast off the road to restart the engine...could easily have been deadly...I have tried to contact my dealer, but continually on hold...have left message for call back...afraid to drive car...
My car has been burning oil and knocking and I repeatedly took it back to the dealer with concern that these symptoms are similar to a recent recall on Hyundai Kona engine due to engine failure. Recently I had an inspection (which passed) and as I was driving away from the dealer the engine light came on and I took the car back and the mechanics told me the car is in engine failure! Engine…
Dealership has had my 2020 kona since november 12, 2020..second time in for service on vehicle same issue, first time I was told loud ticking noise coming from motor was normal. Brought back again second time as noise was getting louder, even sent them noise videos of sound, they could not locate an issue at first had Hyundai tech assisting them. Finally got a response from the service rep tom…
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while starting the vehicle he heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he needed to add a 1½ quart of oil to the engine. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where an unknown test was completed however, the result was not yet provided. The manufacturer had not been…
After two years of driving, car seemed to start having engine noises. Felt like loss of acceleration? The vehicle stalled twice after noticing this when in a slower speed. No engine warning light or oil malfunction light ever came on. Our local mechanic said the car was close to being out of oil. Never any evidence of oil on the ground or any type of odor. Dealer was informed of the issue on Nov…
2020 Hyundai kona. Consumer writes in regards to engine failure. The consumer stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer due to a noticeable leak and to have the recall repair completed. The dealer did not perform the recall stating the vehicle passed the test therefore, did not need to be repaired. The consumer was concerned about the safety of the vehicle.
Had engine trouble with your 2020 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 2020 Hyundai Kona?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 85 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 10,800 and 65,000 miles, with the median around 18,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,800; a quarter make it past 65,000. 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/2020/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.