Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2018 Hyundai KonaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 75 owner complaints for the 2018 Hyundai Kona. Most complaints involve engine (42) and power train (11). The EPA rates it 27–30 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
27–30mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
75
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2018 Hyundai Kona as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
75 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2018 – Sep 2026
- Engine42
- Power train11
- Electrical system8
- Fuel/propulsion system4
- Vehicle speed control3
- Engine and engine cooling3
- Forward collision avoidance3
- Visibility/wiper3
- Structure3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
42 reports1 crash7 fires
“car had an engine knock at 110,000 miles and took it to a repair shop and said they are pretty sure it was an engine rod and that the whole engine needed to be replaced still waiting to get it to the dealership to see what they are going to do due to this car being a leased car and it will not run anymore.”
Power train
11 reports1 fire
“I purchased a 2018 Hyundai Kona, and it has had one major issue after another. It burns an excessive amount of oil, the engine misfires, and now the turbocharger is failing. I’ve already spent approximately $2,300 repairing the air conditioner and engine, and I can’t afford thousands more in repairs.”
Electrical system
8 reports2 crashes4 fires
“Prt. 2continued. The TPMS sensors had been replaced, which leads me to believe that at time of tire blowout did not function Although the subwoofer was stolen from vehicle the wiring to the subwoofer was said to have caused the fire and remained intact and connected to back of the original stereo equipment. A new subwoofer was purchased and the same wiring used to plug into from before fire and the subwoofer/stereo/wiring all worked just fine. One would assume the wiring would be fried and not work properly, however it didn't at all. This lead to me investigating the vehicle on my own after not being covered under warranty and all responsibility left on me to fix the vehicle. The "2018 hyundai kona" I was sold poses numerous safety risks for every driver on the road, not just the unfortunate consumers that purchase them for the following reasons. The vehicle is affixed with a vin sticker stating the manufacturer is HMC. Hyundai motor company of Korea with a final assembly in Korea. Has a manufacture date of [XXX] and self certified by manufacturer to comply with all US fmvss and anti theft protection required at time of manufacture date. The car to date has not…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo · 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AM7) · Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular 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 9, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kona FWD Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 32 | 30 | $2,100 | 303 |
| Kona FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 33 | 30 | $2,100 | 300 |
| Kona AWD Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 29 | 27 | $2,300 | 324 |
| Kona AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,300 | 326 |
- 30mpg comb.
- 30mpg comb.
- 27mpg comb.
- 27mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Hyundai Kona as of Nov 9, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2018 Kona questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Kona have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2018 Hyundai Kona problems?
Owners filed 75 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (42), power train (11), electrical system (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2018 Hyundai Kona get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Hyundai Kona at 27–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026