This bulletin provides information related to a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software update for certain vehicles equipped with an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmissions (8WDCT) that improves the touch point learning variation. Certain 8WDCTs (indicated by a new part number) received an improved clutch spring. The correct TCU software update must be matched with the correct corresponding 8WDCT hardware, otherwise drivability concerns may occur.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Hyundai Kona powertrain problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
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 equipped with the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) may experience a check engine light or malfunction indicator light due to Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) listed below. This bulletin provides information on replacing the oil pressure sensor to remedy these DTCs, rather than replacing the entire IVT assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2023 Kona powertrain issues fall into several patterns. Owners report complete engine shutdown without warning while driving, typically at low speeds with brake applied, accompanied by immobilizer, check engine, battery, and oil lights. These shutdowns happen as early as 1,500 miles and escalate in frequency. A separate group describes jerking and hesitation from 0-5 mph that worsens after 10+ minutes of driving—one owner notes the Kona N has a recall (23V526000) for identical symptoms, but their Kona N Line isn't included.
More critical: two owners experienced total loss of acceleration on highways. One vehicle lost power after RPMs spiked, requiring a new transmission at 33 days of ownership. Another lost acceleration twice on highway, then suffered a loud bang and complete stoppage at 64,000 miles. A third owner reports intermittent power loss during normal driving that nearly caused a collision.
One owner's electric oil pump failed at 94,000 miles, triggering a check engine light. They weren't included in recall 23V526000 despite matching symptoms. Parts for the recall itself remain unavailable weeks after notification. One owner claims they're waiting six months for a replacement part related to a fire hazard, with no compensation offered. All point to Hyundai's slow response and parts distribution issues.
Same Hyundai Kona powertrain reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Complete power loss and engine shutdown
Engine shuts down without warning while driving, accompanied by multiple warning lights (immobilizer, check engine, battery, oil). Vehicle displays messages like 'Engine Off! Shift to N, then start engine.' Occurs primarily at low speeds during braking, sometimes after vehicle sits for 12+ hours.
When: 1500 miles; early in ownership; happens 1-4 times daily as of November 2022
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down while driving; Loss of power completely; Immobilizer light illuminates; Check engine light illuminates; Battery light illuminates; Oil light illuminates; Alarm sounds with flashing red light; Occurs during low-speed driving with brake applied
Codes mentioned: Immobilizer code, Check engine, Battery light code, Oil light code
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner has dealership appointment scheduled; case opened with Hyundai USA
Hesitation and jerking on acceleration
Vehicle jerks when releasing brakes and hesitates multiple times during acceleration from 0-5 mph. Worsens after 10+ minutes of driving. Intermittent but recurring. One owner notes the Kona N has a recall for this same problem but their Kona N Line is not included.
When: After 10+ minutes of driving; recurring intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking motion when releasing brake; Hesitation during acceleration; Worst from 0-5 mph; Problem worsens after longer driving periods
Repairs/costs cited: Service department unable to diagnose issue during test drive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kona N has recall (23V526000) for same issue; Kona N Line not included in recall
Loss of acceleration and drivetrain failure
Vehicle stops accelerating on highway, initially holding speed at 40 mph, then loses all power and rolls to a stop. Accompanied by loud bang noise and transmission control system alarm. Occurs after vehicle suddenly loses power while driving at highway speeds.
When: 64,000 miles on one vehicle; 33 days of ownership on another; happened twice before total failure
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of acceleration on highway; Vehicle held at 40 mph; Loud bang noise; Rolling stop on highway; Transmission control system alarm activates; Vehicle will not move; Loud noises and jerking; No acceleration response
Codes mentioned: Transmission control system code
Repairs/costs cited: New transmission installation required; vehicle towed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai case number assigned; new transmission ordered under powertrain warranty (10-year/100,000-mile coverage should apply)
Intermittent power loss while driving
Vehicle intermittently loses power during normal driving without warning, creating immediate safety hazard. Owner reports nearly being hit by other vehicles.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent loss of power while driving; No warning before power loss; Safety hazard due to sudden loss of vehicle control
Electric oil pump failure
Vehicle hesitates at traffic light when accelerator depressed with Engine START/STOP engaged. ESC warning light illuminates temporarily. Check engine light comes on and remains illuminated. Diagnosed as electric oil pump requiring replacement.
When: 94,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation when depressing accelerator at traffic light; ESC warning light illuminates; Check engine light illuminates and remains on; Intermittent but recurring failure
Codes mentioned: Electric oil pump diagnostic
Repairs/costs cited: Electric oil pump replaced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Associated with NHTSA Campaign 23V526000 (Powertrain) but vehicle VIN not included in recall
Recall parts unavailability delay
Owner receives notification of NHTSA Campaign 23V526000 (Powertrain) but parts are not available for repair. Dealer estimates 2-3 weeks for parts availability. Owner states manufacturer has exceeded reasonable timeline for recall repair.
When: At time of recall notification
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received but parts unavailable
Repairs/costs cited: Parts not available; estimated 2-3 week wait for parts distribution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V526000 issued; parts distribution delay exceeds reasonable repair timeline
Fire hazard related to defective part
Owner claims Hyundai knowingly installed a defective part during manufacturing that poses fire hazard. Part has not been available for replacement after six months of waiting. Owner fears vehicle could catch fire and states Hyundai refuses compensation.
When: Six months waiting for part
Symptoms owners cite: Fire hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Part replacement unavailable after six months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hyundai refuses compensation; part unavailable
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Been waiting six months for Hyundai part to fix a fire hazard. They knowingly installed a defective part during manufacturing of the vehicle. A scared to drive the car knowing it can catch fire at any moment. Hyundai refuses to compensate in any way.
My Kona N Line is not functioning well. Especially after driving for a longer period of time. About 60% of the time, upon letting go of my brake, the car jerks. Going from 0 - 5 mph is the worst. The car definitely hesitates many times. Again, it is when I have driven it for over 10 minutes. I took the car to a service department in El Monte, CA on 11/1. They cannot find the problem. They rode…
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V526000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, Hyundai West (10611 W Arthur Ave., West Allis, WI 53227), and was informed that parts might be available in two to three weeks after being…
My 2023 Hyundai Kona SEL FWD currently has approximately 1500 miles on the odometer. Pretty much since the day I my 2023 Kona SEL on 9/3/2022, the car has had an issue where, after I start the car and begin driving it for about 20 or 30 seconds the car will lose power entirely. Engine shuts down, and the following warning codes illuminate-Immobilizer, check engine light, battery light, and oil…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2023 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 2023 Hyundai Kona?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 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 10 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 94,000 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/2023/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.