Used Hyundai Kona: Inspection checklist
Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 790 complaints across these 9 years; the 2019 drew the most.
Choose a model year
2026
Few owner complaints
4 complaints2 recallsOpen checklist
2025
Most reported: electrical
21 complaints0 recallsOpen checklist
2024
Fewest complaintsMost reported: electrical
50 complaints3 recallsOpen checklist
2023
Most reported: electrical
68 complaints2 recallsOpen checklist
2022
Most reported: electrical
115 complaints2 recallsOpen checklist
2021
Most reported: engine
102 complaints3 recallsOpen checklist
2020
Most reported: engine
140 complaints5 recallsOpen checklist
2019
Most complaintsMost reported: engine
224 complaints4 recallsOpen checklist
2018
Most reported: engine
66 complaints0 recallsOpen checklist
Problems that follow the Kona from year to year
Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.
| Area | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical | 7 | 55 | 24 | 18 | 33 | 23 | 26 | 7 | 193 | |
| Transmission | 8 | 19 | 19 | 14 | 18 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 96 | |
| Engine | 18 | 98 | 80 | 54 | 19 | 3 | 4 | 276 | ||
| Acceleration and cruise control | 4 | 3 | 4 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 28 |
Kona generations and updates
First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.
First generation
2018–2023
2021 update: Exterior aesthetic changes; Increased cargo capacity; Increased rear seat legroom; Added mild hybrid system for 1.0L engine
Mileages where Kona problems start
From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.
| Typical mileage | Problem | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1,000 miles | Fuel system leaks | 2026 |
| 3,800–13,500 miles | Engine knocking and failure | 2020 |
| 4,000–7,000 miles | Transmission failure | 2022 |
| 4,000–17,600 miles | Early oil loss, engine failure | 2021 |
| 5,000–12,000 miles | Total power loss, battery drain | 2025 |
| 7,467–12,000 miles | Horn stops working | 2023 |
| 10,000–22,000 miles | Excessive engine oil consumption | 2020 |
| 13,000–20,000 miles | Transmission slipping and failure | 2020 |
| 13,399–16,000 miles | Thermostat and coolant leaks | 2022 |
| 14,000–21,400 miles | Stalling while driving | 2021 |
| 17,000–63,000 miles | Engine fire | 2018 |
| 61,000–116,000 miles | Excessive oil consumption | 2021 |
| 61,736–66,448 miles | Stalling from low oil, camshaft damage | 2019 |
| 63,000–87,000 miles | Engine knocking and failure | 2018 |
Every Kona recall to confirm
14 recalls cover the Konayears on this site. Open a campaign number for NHTSA's full notice. 5 campaigns span more than one model year. 3 told owners not to drive or to park outside until repaired.
