Seat belts: rear
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Kona Electric and 2024-2026 Kona vehicles. The seat belt buckle in the rear center seat may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 30 owner complaints for the 2025 Hyundai Kona. Most complaints involve electrical system (10) and service brakes (4). The EPA rates it 26–118 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Kona Electric and 2024-2026 Kona vehicles. The seat belt buckle in the rear center seat may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The vehicle experienced a total electrical failure while driving. Dealer diagnosed the issue as a loose fuse box connector/power distribution connector. The vehicle and repaired component should be available for inspection through the Hyundai dealer service department. The vehicle suddenly lost all power while being driven on a public roadway. The engine shut off, dashboard went dark, and power steering assistance was lost, creating a risk of collision and leaving the vehicle disabled in traffic. A Hyundai dealer diagnosed and confirmed that a loose fuse box connector caused the loss of power. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealer service department. No police or insurance inspection was performed. No warning lights, messages, or symptoms appeared prior to the failure. The vehicle lost power suddenly without warning while driving.”
“I purchased a used Hyndai Kona with 26,000 miles April 30 2026. I was told I have the balance of the manufacturer warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles. I have not driven my car for 73 days because of extreme safety problems the Hyundai Kona. The car is very difficult to steer. The car pulls significantly to the right. One day after I purchased this vehicle the car jumped the curb and my face hit the steering wheel cutting my nose and creating a black eye. There is a lot of play in the steering wheel. When accelerating from a stop the car hesitates to move creating a safety concern. My rear view mirror does not stay in place. The mirror drops down and I cannot see behind me causing a safety concern. Both side view mirrors have to be adjusted each time I drive the car.”
“Power train the engine roars up and drops jarring you back and forth second car within a yr first blew up brand new both and Hyundia and dealership blew me off”
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 Standard Range Auto (A1) · Front-Wheel Drive | 131 | 105 | 118 | $650 | — |
| Kona Electric (17 inch Wheels) Auto (A1) · Front-Wheel Drive | 129 | 103 | 116 | $650 | — |
| Kona Electric (19 inch Wheels) Auto (A1) · Front-Wheel Drive | 113 | 93 | 103 | $700 | — |
| Kona FWD Auto (AV-S1), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 35 | 31 | $2,000 | 288 |
| Kona FWD Auto (AV-S1), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, with Stop-Start · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 34 | 31 | $2,000 | 284 |
| Kona AWD Auto (AV-S1), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, with Stop-Start · All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 29 | 28 | $2,200 | 319 |
| Kona FWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo, SIDI · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 32 | 28 | $2,200 | 315 |
| Kona AWD Auto (AV-S1), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 29 | 27 | $2,300 | 323 |
| Kona AWD Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo, SIDI · All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,400 | 339 |
| 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 |
1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 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 30 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (10), service brakes (4), power train (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2025 Hyundai Kona at 26–118 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (9 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2025 Hyundai Kona 4 out of 5 stars overall.