2021 Hyundai Kona Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Kona.

20202022
Complaints
137
Crashes
2
Fires
5
Injuries
3
Fatalities
Recalls
1

Worst 2021 Hyundai Kona Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#170 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:42,337 mi
Fires:2
#212 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

#310 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:22,200 mi
Fires:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Hyundai Kona.

Engine Problems
70
complaints
Crashes
Fires
2
Avg Miles
42,337
Transmission / Drivetrain
12
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical Faults
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
22,200
Unintended Acceleration
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Fuel System
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Exterior Lighting:Headlights
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Automatic Transmission
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tires:Sidewall
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Hyundai Kona. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2021 Hyundai Kona

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~158,493 vehicles.

21V301000Engine
~158,493 affected

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.

Other Hyundai Kona Years

2021 Hyundai Kona — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2021 Hyundai Kona has 137 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Engine Problems with 70 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
Top reported problems: Engine Problems (70 complaints, avg 42,337 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (12 complaints); Electrical Faults (10 complaints, avg 22,200 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 39,820 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Kona include 2 crash-related reports, 5 fire reports, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2021 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 158,493 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2021 Hyundai Kona?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Hyundai Kona reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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