Hyundai Kona Reliability

973 NHTSA complaints (2018–2026). Complaint rate: 18.8 per 1,000 vehicles.

Severity Score
41.1
Complaints
973
Crash Rate
6.8%
Fire Rate
3.3%
Injuries
75
Fatalities
1

Which Years to Buy & Avoid

Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.

Bottom line: The 2019 Hyundai Kona had a notable spike in NHTSA complaints. Other years had typical complaint volumes. Most common issue across all years: ENGINE.

Avoid These Years

2019
~224/yr complaints · 18 crashes

Average

2018
~106/yr complaints
2020–2023
~136/yr complaints

Better Years

No years stand out as significantly better.

Too New

2024–2026
98 complaints so far

Need 3+ years on the road for reliable complaint data.

Looking at a specific Hyundai Kona?

A model's reputation is just the start.

Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA complaint count per model year

Hyundai Kona — Complaints by Model YearPeak: 2019 (224)
064129193258201820192020202120222023202420252026

Common Hyundai Kona Problems

Most reported component complaints to NHTSA

ComponentComplaintsCrash %
ENGINE3551.4%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1267.1%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1055.7%
POWER TRAIN850.0%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3611.1%
SERVICE BRAKES2630.8%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM250.0%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING2520.0%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS2123.8%
STEERING1520.0%

Year-by-Year Breakdown

NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.

YearGenerationComplaintsCrashesFiresDetails
20181061419View
2019AVOID224186View
2020179102View
202113725View
20221324View
2023978View
2024TOO NEW578View
2025TOO NEW352View
2026TOO NEW60View

See also: Hyundai Konaaccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.

Buying a Hyundai Kona?

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Hyundai Kona Years to Avoid (2018–2026) — Reliability, Problems & Best Years to Buy | VinItel