Some Kona (SX2) vehicles equipped with the 1.6L T‑GDI engine may exhibit false “engine left idling” notifications in the MyHyundai app, even when the engine is not running, due to a logic error associated with the front oxygen (O₂) sensor. This condition may also illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and set DTC P223700 (O₂ Sensor Pumping Current Circuit/Open [Bank 1 Sensor 1]). This bulletin provides instructions to perform an ECU software update to correct the O₂ sensor logic and resolve the condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2024 Hyundai Kona engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2024 Hyundai Kona have filed 3 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
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 Kona | 85 |
| 2021 Kona | 58 |
| 2022 Kona | 21 |
| 2024 Kona (this page) | 3 |
When does it fail?
Of the 3 engine complaints filed for the 2024 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
Of the 6 model years of Hyundai Kona we track for engine problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
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 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 ↗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 ↗This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin is issued to provide the extended battery diagnosis procedure using GDS-M. This battery diagnosis function displays the various battery-related faults such as: ⢠Internal short circuit ⢠Battery deterioration ⢠Malfunction of electronic parts ⢠Insufficient battery charge ⢠Normal battery ⢠Charging defect Battery diagnosis uses the battery sensor history saved for the last 30 days and ICU diagnostic communication to track battery state of charge (SOC) and current parasitic draw history.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was immediately restarted and operated normally. During the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not contacted…
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the engine shut off message displayed. The vehicle was able to restart. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
Had engine trouble with your 2024 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 2024 Hyundai Kona?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 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 3 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 16,000 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 $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/2024/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.