Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2023 Hyundai Kona NRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 4 owner complaints for the 2023 Hyundai Kona N. Most complaints involve engine (3) and power train (1). The EPA rates it 23 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
23mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Jul 2024
Owner complaints
4
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$3,250est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Fuel system

Remedy pending

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Jul 12, 2024NHTSA 24V528000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 13, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

4 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2023 – Mar 2024
  1. Engine3
  2. Power train1
  3. Electrical system1
  4. Steering1
  5. Suspension1
  6. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Kona N model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20227
20234
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 13, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

3 reports
“The knock sensor on the engine fails when exposed to any amount of water. The car is designed in a way that lets on too much. It’s something that is VERY common amongst owners of these vehicles. It’s a safety flaw that needs to be fixed because it puts the car in “limp” mode. That makes the car instantly halt acceleration. Please hold Hyundai accountable”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 10, 2024EngineODI 11576498

Power train

1 report
“After washing my '23 Kona N in a hand car wash, I experienced a sudden, complete loss of power as I was pulling into traffic immediately afterwards, nearly resulting in a rear-end collision. There was a flashing check engine light (CEL or MIL) on the dash, and I had to have the vehicle towed to a dealership. The stored OBD-II code is P132600 (knock sensor). The car has only 16k miles on it. This is a KNOWN ISSUE, and there are complaints about it all over Reddit, Facebook, and other Internet sites, and it also affects the same generation Elantra N. This issue can occur ANY TIME THE VEHICLE GETS WET. It is unacceptable that simply washing my car or driving my vehicle in the rain can cause me to lose all power and create an unsafe driving condition. PLEASE compel Hyundai to address this safety issue with a recall.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 9, 2024Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11576357

Electrical system

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 13, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (AM-S8)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 13, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Kona N
Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
202723$3,250396
  • Kona N
    Auto (AM-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    20 city · 27 hwy · $3,250/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 13, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2023 Hyundai Kona N as of Nov 13, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 13, 2026Vehicle 18649
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2023 Kona N questions

How many recalls does the 2023 Hyundai Kona N have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 13, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2023 Hyundai Kona N problems?

Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (3), power train (1), electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2023 Hyundai Kona N get?

The EPA rates the 2023 Hyundai Kona N at 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 13, 2026