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 ↗2022 Hyundai Kona engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2022 Hyundai Kona have filed 21 NHTSA complaints about the engine 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 →
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kona | 24 |
| 2019 Kona | 108 |
| 2020 Kona | 85 |
| 2021 Kona | 58 |
| 2022 Kona (this page) | 21 |
| 2024 Kona | 3 |
When does it fail?
Of the 21 engine complaints filed for the 2022 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 22% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 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.
Some Elantra (CN7, CN7A), Kona (OS, SX2), and Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines may illuminate a warning lamp for DTC P218100 (Cooling System Performance) related to the Integrated Thermal-Management Module (ITM). Follow the service procedure in this bulletin to install a spring onto the thermostat within the ITM, in order to prevent premature opening, and perform an ECU software update on affected vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2022MY Kona (OS) vehicles may exhibit a slight radiator coolant leak. Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to inspect and if necessary, replace the radiator to correct the condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains the software update procedure for the Engine Control Unit (ECU) on certain 2021-2023MY Elantra (CN7) and 2022-2023MY Kona (OS) vehicles equipped with the 1.6 liter T-GDI Gamma 2 engine, that may exhibit a warning lamp with one or more of the DTCs listed below: ⢠P250F - Engine Oil Level Too Low ⢠P011B, P050C - Engine Coolant Temperature/intake Air Temperature Correlation ⢠P00B7, P2B60 - Engine Coolant Flow Low/Performance
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2022 Kona engine narratives describe seven distinct failure categories. Most critical: oil drain plugs have separated during normal highway driving without warning, draining all oil and causing catastrophic engine damage requiring full replacement (one case quoted at $9,753). This has happened to multiple owners within weeks of oil service. Some vehicles remain unresolved at dealerships over two years later.
Sudden power loss and compression failure are documented, occurring with no prior warning lights or symptoms—sometimes only months after routine maintenance. Engines require replacement despite being well under warranty.
Unexpected engine shutdown while driving is common and recurring, particularly at highway speeds and stop lights. No warning lights precede many incidents, and dealership diagnostics consistently fail to replicate or identify the problem even after multiple visits.
Check Engine lights appear frequently at low mileage (under 200 miles) but dealership responses are inadequate—one service manager "wiggled wires" to clear the code, which reappeared days later.
Loss of acceleration and throttle response during highway merges creates obvious safety hazards; these issues occur intermittently without warning lights and resist diagnosis.
Cooling system failures including radiator leaks and thermostat defects occur with no warning, sometimes losing entire coolant reservoirs within 24 hours. A technical service bulletin (TSB 25-EM-007H) addresses thermostat and ECU issues.
Engine knocking and bearing noise have occurred in nearly-new vehicles requiring engine replacement.
Same Hyundai Kona engine reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Oil drain plug separation
Oil drain plug falls out without warning during normal driving, causing rapid oil loss and engine oil starvation. Owners report the plug disappeared, verified at dealerships. No prior warning signs or leak indicators present. Oil change facilities may be involved (narrative #3 mentions third-party oil change; narrative #1 occurred 3 weeks after dealership service).
When: One instance at 8,630 miles after oil change (10/19/22 at third-party facility); another at 7 months of ownership; one at unspecified mileage after dealership service.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil warning light appears after plug loss; Engine loses lubrication; Rapid oil drainage; No prior warning lights or symptoms; Check Engine message after the incident
Codes mentioned: Engine control system condition detected (Blue Link message in narrative #5)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement quoted at $9,753.08 (narrative #3). Some dealerships only replaced plug and added oil without full teardown inspection. One vehicle still at dealership over two years later.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai representatives inspected vehicles at service facilities (narrative #5); case opened with corporate with no documented progress (narrative #7). Narrative #3 owner notes NHTSA is actively investigating this issue.
Loss of compression / catastrophic engine failure
Engine develops sudden loss of compression across all cylinders, causing power loss and requiring engine replacement. Occurs without prior warning and only weeks or months after routine maintenance. Initial testing suggests compression ring failure (narrative #7).
When: Two months after routine oil change (narrative #7); less than 4,000 miles on vehicle (narrative #10); at 13,775 miles after service at 8,630 miles (narrative #3).
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light illuminates; Sudden loss of power; Engine failure/knocking detected on highway; Engine will not restart after shutdown; No prior warning signs before failure
Codes mentioned: Compression loss across all cylinders
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required. Narrative #10 covered under warranty; narrative #7 vehicle at dealership 3 months with no resolution pending tech line tests.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #7 owner opened case with Hyundai corporate with no documented progress. Owner notes NHTSA Recall 21V301 specifies 2019–2021 models but 2022 shares identical engine design and reports.
Unexpected engine shutdown while driving
Engine dies suddenly and without warning during normal driving at various speeds and conditions (stop lights, highway, low speed). Vehicle may not immediately restart. No prior warning lights in most cases. Dealerships unable to replicate or diagnose the issue despite multiple visits.
When: Multiple incidents reported; narrative #4 at 61,492 miles; narrative #6 recurring since report date; narrative #9 multiple times at different speeds; narrative #13 at 43,000 miles; narrative #14 at 5 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown without warning; No warning lights before shutdown (narratives #6, #9, #14); Difficulty restarting or multiple restart attempts needed; Accelerator not responding initially (narrative #6); Dashboard lights illuminate after shutdown; Recurring across multiple trips
Codes mentioned: Engine cut off message (narrative #4), Fault code not retrievable (narrative #13), Check Engine light in some instances
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #4 engine failure suspected; dealership states CPO warranty coverage but full diagnosis not provided after weeks. Narratives #6 and #9 not diagnosed or repaired by dealership. Narrative #14 not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #14 manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA. Most narratives show dealerships unable to diagnose despite multiple visits.
Check Engine light / cylinder misfire / fuel system codes
Check Engine light illuminates at low mileage or during normal operation. Dealerships offer vague explanations (bad fuel, loose wires) or fail to diagnose. Cylinder misfire detected in at least one case. Light may reset after dealer visit but reoccur.
When: Narrative #11 at 103–129 miles; narrative #12 at 5,500 miles; narrative #2 timing unspecified.
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illuminated (steady, not blinking in narrative #2); Cylinder misfire (narrative #12); No other symptoms reported at time of light illumination; Light may persist or reset and recur
Codes mentioned: Cylinder misfire (narrative #12), DTC codes reset by dealer without repair (narrative #12)
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #11 service manager 'wiggled the wires' and light went off, but recurred 2 days later. Narrative #12 diagnosed as cylinder misfire but not repaired; codes reset on repeat visits. Narrative #2 back-ordered part related to preventing engine overheating.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #2 dealership advised owner not to worry about steady Check Engine light; said if car overheats just pull over and use Roadside Assistance for loaner (owner notes suspicious handling and lack of documentation).
Loss of acceleration / throttle response
Accelerator pedal loses responsiveness or engine loses power during acceleration, particularly on highway merges and at speed. Issue occurs intermittently without warning and cannot be replicated by dealership technicians.
When: Narrative #9 multiple times since 12/17 at time of report; narrative #6 recurring 'more and more frequent'; narrative #8 involves thermostat causing reduced-power limp mode.
Symptoms owners cite: Gas pedal loses acceleration response; Power comes back when lifting off gas, then loses again; Occurs at highway speeds during acceleration merges; Intermittent; happens at different speeds and times; No warning lights in narrative #9; Very dangerous on freeway (no safe exit nearby)
Codes mentioned: P218100 (Cooling System Performance / thermostat issue in narrative #8)
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #9 not diagnosed; vehicle at dealership twice since mid-December with no replication. Narrative #8 requires spring installation and ECU update per TSB 25-EM-007H.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #9 owner contacted Hyundai who had car returned to dealership for further investigation; still unresolved.
Cooling system / thermostat failure
Cooling system fails or thermostat opens prematurely, causing improper thermal management. Radiator leaks coolant rapidly. Integrated Thermal-Management Module (ITM) defect documented. Issues occur with no Check Engine light warning.
When: Narrative #17 between 60k–70k miles; narrative #18 at 16,000 miles; narrative #8 timing unspecified.
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge rises above midpoint to 3/4 mark (narrative #17); Coolant leaks from ITM; Entire coolant reservoir lost within 24 hours (narrative #17); No Check Engine light warning despite overheating condition (narrative #17); Engine may enter reduced-power limp mode (narrative #8)
Codes mentioned: P218100 (DTC for Cooling System Performance / ITM thermostat opening prematurely in narrative #8)
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #18 ITM part replaced 12/14/23 but leak continued. Narrative #8 requires spring installation and ECU update per TSB 25-EM-007H.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 25-EM-007H issued for ITM spring installation and ECU update (narrative #8).
Engine knocking / bearing noise
Engine produces knocking, shaking, or bearing-like noise during operation, often indicating internal mechanical wear or failure. May occur suddenly during highway driving.
When: Narrative #10 less than 4,000 miles; narrative #19 timing unspecified.
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking or shaking noise from engine; Sudden onset during highway driving (narrative #10); Service Engine light illuminates; Engine will not restart after shutdown (narrative #10)
Codes mentioned: Timing chain failure suspected (narrative #10)
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #10 full engine replacement recommended and performed under warranty. Narrative #19 owner suspects bearing failure but not diagnosed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #10 engine replacement covered under warranty.
Idle Stop/Start malfunction
Vehicle shuts off unintentionally due to idle Stop/Start feature during low-speed driving, with no warning light. Feature activates when not expected.
When: Narrative #14 at approximately 5 miles; narrative #13 at 43,000 miles (different mechanism but involves stalling at idle).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off during low-speed driving (5 mph) without warning; No warning light illuminated; Vehicle can be restarted
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired (narrative #14).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA (narrative #14).
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The vehicle has lose of acceleration while driving.. On Freeway the gas pedal loses acceleration. Lift off gas it accelerates then loses acceleration again. (4 times in a row) It was a big safety issue. There was no where to pull off. I made it to the nearest exit and took backroads home. Took it to Dealership they couldn't replicate the issue. I contacted Hyundai and they had the car…
My vehicle keeps shutting off with no warning and has almost killed me on multiple occasions The dealership keeps placating me about getting it fixed, saying that a repair is months out Meanwhile, I am driving a very dangerous vehicle that shuts off and shakes like it’s going to explode
Coolant Leak. Integrated Thermal Management started Leaking at around 16,000 Miles. Part replaced 12/14/23. Leaks continues
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that there was bad fuel in the vehicle. The failure reoccurred and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who reset the codes. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a cylinder…
12-3-21, with only 103 miles on my new car, the check engine light came on. I drove back to the dealer where I purchased the car - Fitzgerald, and spoke to Maurice the manager, and Garret in the service department. Garret informed me he "wiggled the wires" and the check engine light went off. On 12-5-21, with 129 miles on the car the check engine light came on again. I went back to Fitzgerald…
On 10/4/2024 I was driving my 2022 Hyundai Kona SEL (61, 492 miles on odometer) with a cruise control set at 75 mph for my morning commute into work. I was approx 15 miles away from my house and at least 7 miles away from my place of employement. Suddenly and without warning the engine revved to beyond 4500 RPM and shut off. The lights on the dashboard all lit up and a message flashed on the…
Had engine trouble with your 2022 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 2022 Hyundai Kona?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 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?
Based on the 21 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 42,833 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 $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/2022/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.