NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 71 owner complaints for the 2023 Hyundai Kona. Most complaints involve electrical system (29) and forward collision avoidance (13). The EPA rates it 29–120 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Kona Electric vehicles. A software error in the air bag control unit (ACU) may improperly deactivate the air bag system and seat belt pretensioners.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I was in a rotary and there were two lanes and they both exited to a bridge. I was on the outside lane of the rotary and when exiting the rotary the car from the inside cut me off and I was unable to alert the driver because me HORN wasn't working. I blew out 2 tires hitting a curb and needed to be towed.State police arrived on the other side of the bridge. My HORN has been replaced by the dealer 3 times now.”
“Dear Hyundai Motor America Consumer Affairs, My name is [XXX], and I am submitting this correspondence as a formal safety and customer-service complaint concerning my 2023 Hyundai Kona SEL, the recurring failure of its horn, and the treatment I received at Capitol Hyundai in San Jose, California. I am requesting that Hyundai Motor America immediately open a corporate case, investigate the dealership’s handling of this matter, preserve all relevant records, and provide me with a written resolution. This complaint involves an unresolved vehicle safety concern. My vehicle’s horn has failed repeatedly. I previously presented the vehicle to Hyundai for this same horn issue in 2024. One of those visits was properly documented. I subsequently returned regarding the horn again, and the horn was made operational; however, to the best of my knowledge, that subsequent visit and/or work was not properly documented in my service history. The horn has now failed again. A functioning horn is an important vehicle safety device. Without it, I cannot reliably warn another driver, cyclist, pedestrian, or other road user when immediate warning may be necessary to avoid a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle hesitated before driving forward. The Engine START/STOP feature was engaged. The contact stated that the ESC warning light was illuminated temporarily. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, but was a recurring failure. The check engine warning illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the electric oil pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact had not informed the manufacturer about the failure. The contact researched online and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V526000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kona Electric Auto (A1) · Front-Wheel Drive | 134 | 106 | 120 | $600 | — |
| Kona FWD Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 35 | 32 | $1,950 | 284 |
| Kona FWD Auto (AV-S1), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 35 | 32 | $1,950 | 281 |
| Kona AWD Auto (AV-S1), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 33 | 30 | $2,100 | 301 |
| Kona AWD Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 32 | 29 | $2,150 | 311 |
| 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 |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 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.
Owners filed 71 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (29), forward collision avoidance (13), power train (10). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2023 Hyundai Kona at 29–120 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Hyundai Kona 5 out of 5 stars overall.