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 ↗2021 Hyundai Kona engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2021 Hyundai Kona have filed 58 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 36,000 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
58
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kona | 24 |
| 2019 Kona | 108 |
| 2020 Kona | 85 |
| 2021 Kona (this page) | 58 |
| 2022 Kona | 21 |
| 2024 Kona | 3 |
When does it fail?
Of the 58 engine complaints filed for the 2021 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
Engine accounts for 51% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 58 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
The 2021 Kona engine failures cluster around three core problems: sudden, unpredictable stalling; extreme oil burn (1–3 quarts per 1,000–4,000 miles); and internal engine damage linked to piston ring or block failure.
Stalling occurs at all speeds—stop lights, highway merges, parking lots—sometimes with check engine light, often without warning. Owners restart the car successfully sometimes, but complete loss of power and power steering creates immediate crash risk. One driver had to rely on emergency brake when brakes failed mid-failure.
Oil consumption happens silently. Owners report engines dropping to empty despite no visible leaks and no or very late low-oil warning. Knocking and piston slap sounds precede many stalls. When dealers investigate, they find severely depleted oil, perform consumption tests over 1,000 miles, or diagnose failed piston rings and turbochargers. Piston damage—rods punching through blocks, aluminum scoring cylinder walls—requires complete engine replacement.
Engine replacement costs exceed $1,000 per incident; two owners on the same vehicle spent that amount twice within a year. Insurance carriers dropped coverage or doubled premiums. Hyundai's piston-ring recall (21V301000) covers some 2021 Konas but *not* many affected vehicles—owners cannot figure out why their nearly-identical engines fall outside the VIN range. Warranty denials cite mileage over 100,000 miles or policy exclusions. Dealer parts for recall repairs remained unavailable 3–6+ months after recall posting. One dealership advised owner to bring vehicle back "for safety" but would not commit repairs, instead requesting owner drive a known-dangerous car another 1,000 miles for diagnostics.
Same Hyundai Kona engine reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling and loss of power
Vehicle shuts down completely or loses motive power while driving at various speeds, ranging from stop-and-go traffic to highway speeds. Stalling occurs with or without warning lights. Drivers report inability to restart immediately in some cases; restart becomes possible after waiting or multiple attempts.
When: Under 25,000 miles to 103,000+ miles; failures reported from weeks to months after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving; Loss of motive power and power steering; Engine stalling at traffic lights, stop signs, and while accelerating from stops; Stalling on highway ramps, overpasses, and during lane changes; Shake, vibration, or rough idle preceding stall; Check engine light illuminated during or after failure; Multiple stalling incidents within short timeframes
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not always captured)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed multiple repairs on same vehicle without permanent resolution; some owners cite crankshaft component issues; engine replacement often recommended but not covered by warranty or manufacturer assistance
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 21V301000 (Engine); many owners report VINs not included despite matching symptoms; Hyundai corporate cases closed or denied without assistance; dealerships unable to resolve despite multiple visits
Excessive oil consumption
Engine consumes abnormally high volumes of oil between service intervals. Owners report burning 1–3 quarts per 1,000–4,000 miles, or depleting full oil capacity within months despite no visible leaks. Oil levels drop to dangerously low or empty levels undetected by owner warning systems.
When: As early as 5,000 miles; persists throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level dropping between scheduled oil changes; Need to add oil every 1–2 weeks; No warning light or late warning light for low oil; Oil consumption detected by dealer during maintenance or oil consumption tests; Engine oil depleted to zero with no prior indication
Codes mentioned: Check oil light (appears late or not at all in many cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers perform oil consumption tests spanning 1,000 miles; fluid refills performed at dealership every 1,000 miles in some cases; no permanent fix implemented; dealers recommend more frequent oil changes or oil viscosity changes (e.g., 5W-30 instead of 5W-20), which provide only temporary relief
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 21V301000 involves piston ring defect; many affected owners' VINs excluded from recall; Hyundai has notified some owners that engine replacement is necessary but denied warranty coverage due to mileage or warranty expiration
Engine knocking and internal noise
Abnormal metallic knocking, piston slap, ticking, or grinding sounds emanate from engine, particularly on cold start or under load. Sounds often precede complete failure. Sounds described as 'piston slap,' gravel-like noise, or loud knocking.
When: As early as cold start at low mileage; 7,500–103,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking sound on cold start; Continuous ticking or knocking during operation; Piston slap sound (metallic rattling from inside engine); Grinding or gravel-like noise from engine bay; Rough revving when accelerator depressed; Sound intensifies under acceleration or load
Codes mentioned: Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL); specific codes not always retrieved
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanics and dealers cite piston ring failure and turbocharger failure; engine replacement recommended; one dealer found aluminum on piston head in cylinder 4; another identified rod punching through engine block
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 21V301000 addresses piston ring defect; many owners report VINs not included in recall despite identical symptoms; dealers unable to duplicate failure in some cases; no permanent repair provided
Piston ring and internal engine failure
Piston rings fail, allowing excessive oil consumption and incomplete combustion. In advanced stages, rods punch through engine block or pistons fail catastrophically. Failures occur across a broad mileage range and appear unrelated to owner maintenance.
When: 21,605 miles to 116,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption preceding failure; Abnormal knocking or piston slap sounds; Oil light and check engine light illumination; Engine stalling following knocking sounds; Smoke under hood or from rear of vehicle; Rod punching through engine block; Loss of compression and power; Sudden, unexpected engine shutdown
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Piston rings identified as failed in multiple cases; engine block damage (hole in block) reported; complete engine replacement necessary in all documented cases; repairs cost $1,000+; insurance carriers dropped coverage or raised premiums significantly (100%+ increases reported)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 21V301000 (Engine) targets piston ring defect; VINs of many affected owners excluded from recall despite matching failure signatures; Hyundai denied warranty coverage and goodwill claims citing warranty expiration (post-100,000 miles) or policy; one dealer stated engine failure was 'expected' due to recall notification; some dealers claim repairs exceed 3–6 month wait for parts
Oil plug and oil pan failures
Oil drain plug comes loose or missing, or oil pan develops holes, allowing complete engine oil drainage. Failures occur shortly after oil changes performed by dealers or during normal operation.
When: After dealer oil changes at low mileage (under 7,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Oil plug missing or loose after dealer service; Hole in oil pan discovered during inspection; Oil dripping onto driveway or gravel parking lot; Engine seizing due to complete oil loss; No low-oil warning prior to failure in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required in case where oil plug lost and engine seized; oil pan replacement or engine rebuild necessary; repairs documented at $1,000+ per incident; occurred twice on same vehicle within one year
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership advised owner to use dealership for all future oil changes but offered no recall or compensation; manufacturer has not formally addressed oil plug or pan failures in available narratives
Software and electrical power loss
Vehicle loses electrical power or experiences software malfunction resulting in loss of steering, braking, and engine control. Check engine, battery, and oil warning lights illuminate simultaneously.
When: 20 MPH at low mileage; various speeds throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of electrical power while driving; Loss of power steering functionality; Loss of brake power assist; Multiple warning lights illuminating at once (check engine, battery, oil); Inability to accelerate despite pedal input; Check engine light remaining on after restart
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Battery warning light, Oil warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Unknown software update performed by one dealer without resolving issue; vehicle required engine replacement despite software intervention
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai ECU recall (T8Y) performed on at least one vehicle involving engine monitoring update; failure occurred post-recall; manufacturer denied warranty and goodwill coverage
Recall parts unavailability
NHTSA Campaign 21V301000 (Engine) issued, but repair parts remain unavailable for extended periods (reported 3–6+ months). Owners notified of recall but unable to schedule repairs due to parts shortage. Manufacturer exceeds reasonable timeframe for parts distribution.
When: From April–June 2021 onwards; ongoing at time of complaints (2023–2024)
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received from Hyundai or NHTSA; Dealer confirms parts not yet available; Excessive delay between recall notice and parts arrival; Owners driving recalled vehicles with known defects due to parts backlog
Repairs/costs cited: No repair work completed; vehicles remain in limbo under recall status
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 21V301000 (Engine); Hyundai acknowledged parts unavailability but has not resolved distribution delays; owners report manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for parts availability (3+ months); some recall notices arrived 2+ months after official NHTSA posting date
Engine fire hazard
Vehicle poses documented fire risk due to excessive oil consumption, overheating engine, or smoking from engine bay. Owners refuse to park vehicle in garage or allow prolonged operation due to fire danger.
When: Early in ownership; triggered by extreme oil consumption
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from under hood; White smoke emanating from rear of vehicle; Burning smell from engine compartment; Excessive heat from engine during normal operation
Repairs/costs cited: One mechanic documented fire hazard; owners report refusing to park in garage due to risk; one owner left vehicle parked outdoors due to safety concern
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai has not issued fire safety recall; one owner notes that safety warning light was supposed to be fitted to 2019+ models but was not implemented on 2021 Kona
Synthesized from 58 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
9/13/2022 I took my vehicle in to the dealer stating the vehicle felt like it was going to stall. I was told there was no code found so they couldn't do anything, passed off as nothing wrong. On 4/1/2023 the vehicle stalled while pulling into a parking lot and a car behind me had to honk because it was going to hit me. I took the vehicle to dealer, they kept it two days, I was told it could not…
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started accelerating slowly. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There was an abnormal dinging sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and…
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle in for service, she was made aware that the engine oil was abnormally low even though the oil had recently been changed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the…
Oct 4,2022, 2021 Kona, 17,600 miles, was operating on highway when suddenly "check oil" light came on and knockin noises began. Able to pull onto off ramp before deceleration and total stall with oil running out of bottom of car. State Police stayed with vehicle due due heavy truck traffic until AAA towed to Freysinger Hyundai in Mechanicsburg, Pa. Diagnosed engine failure with 3 to 6 month wait…
Please refer to Complaint 11488659 filed 10/10/22. I erroneously listed date of incident as 10/4. Incident occurred on 10/5/22, while driving on highway check oil light suddenly came own with knocking and other noises. I was able to pull onto exit ramp before deceleration and total stall with oil running out of bottom of car. I called 911 due to large trucks and traffic stopped behind me. State…
Stalled out
While driving on the interstate highway the engine stopped. The circumstances surrounding the failure matched those for Kona VINs that were recalled.
My car consumes a lot of oil. This is a very similar problem as the wrong tempered piston rings. All this car has used is 5W 20 full synthetic oil., which gets changed every 5000 miles. I would burn around 1 quart every 1000 miles. Dealer solution is to put in 5W 30 full synthetic oil. Got a little better but within a few months, back to burning1 quart every 1000 miles. Dealer is now saying…
The piston went through the top of my engine with my entire family in the car. We managed to get to a mechanic. And bring it to the dealership. We are very lucky to be alive.
Had engine trouble with your 2021 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 2021 Hyundai Kona?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 58 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 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 8,900 and 87,000 miles, with the median around 36,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,900; a quarter make it past 87,000. 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/2021/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.