Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Hyundai Kona problems

Owners filed 147 complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Kona with NHTSA between Apr 2021 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (85).

Complaints
147
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine85
  2. Electrical system21
  3. Power train15
  4. Service brakes6
  5. Forward collision avoidance6
  6. Fuel/propulsion system6
  7. Vehicle speed control6
  8. Visibility3
  9. Lane departure3
  10. Engine and engine cooling2
  11. Wheels2
  12. Steering2
  13. Exterior lighting2
  14. Seats1

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, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
202127
202224
202317
202419
202529
202631

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

85 reports2 fires1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, an abnormal rumble sound was heard that grew progressively louder. Additionally, while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle was significantly sluggish. The failure recurred while driving at 30 MPH, requiring the driver to pull over to the shoulder of the road. Upon shutting off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal operation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure during a test drive. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who confirmed the failure; however, the contact was informed that the failure was not associated with TSB Number: 22-EV-001H (KONA EV MOTOR RUMBLE NOISE) because the rumble sound was not sufficiently loud. The contact stated that the sound had grown significantly louder. The vehicle was scheduled to be towed to the dealer. The failure mileage exceeded 60,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026EngineODI 11771304

Electrical system

21 reports2 fires
“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the horn button was depressed but was inoperable. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the horn needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 22, 2026Electrical systemODI 11752233

Power train

15 reports
“I am writing to express my frustration and concern regarding my 2021 Hyundai Kona, which currently has only 88,754 miles. My vehicle has been experiencing excessive oil consumption along with an ongoing check engine light. The diagnostic trouble codes are P0017 and P0011. In an effort to resolve the issue, I have had both the intake and exhaust VVT components replaced and the oil changed. When the problem persisted, my mechanic advised that Hyundai OEM parts were required. I then spent approximately $700 replacing the components with OEM parts, yet the check engine light remains on and the same issues continue. At fewer than 89,000 miles, I do not believe these are problems that should be occurring on a properly maintained vehicle. I have already invested significant money trying to repair what appears to be a larger issue, and I am left with a vehicle that is still not functioning correctly. I am requesting that Hyundai investigate this matter and provide assistance in diagnosing and repairing the underlying cause. Given the known concerns regarding excessive oil consumption and timing-related issues reported by other Hyundai owners, I believe this situation…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 27, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11746920

Service brakes

6 reports
“My 2021 Kona has undergone five separate oil consumption checks. The engine is depleting oil at an abnormal rate, creating a clear risk of sudden catastrophic engine failure and highway stalling. Dealership service personnel have repeatedly dismissed consumption data despite documented top-offs between 500 and 1,000 miles. Furthermore, this vehicle has already required an entire brake system replacement due to unidentifiable system failures, establishing a continuous history of substantial defects impairing its safety, market value, and use.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 13, 2026Unknown or other, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11770754

Forward collision avoidance

6 reports2 crashes
“The automatic emergency braking system brakes way too hard causing the car to stop too fast and risks causing a rear end collision. This is not fixed by adjusting settings. It is a common complaint and the system needs to be calibrated to brake more smoothly.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 1, 2026Forward collision avoidanceODI 11735057

Fuel/propulsion system

6 reports
“All 4 fuel injectors failed. They were replaced but the check engine light came back on. Crank shaft sensor was then replaced and now the check engine light is back on. Driving the car waiting for something to fail is not safe”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11769182
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026

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