Hyundai Kona years to avoid
The Hyundai Kona years to avoid are 2019, 2020 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2026 is the cleanest year on record.
1,091
Total complaints
9
Recall campaigns
2018–2026
Years covered
2
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Kona years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | High complaint rate | 246 | |
| 2020 | High complaint rate | 197 |
Every Kona year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | 3 | |
| 2025 | 51 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 78 | 3 | |
| 2023 | 100 | 1 | |
| 2022 | 142 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 149 | 1 | |
| 2020avoid | 197 | 2 | |
| 2019avoid | 246 | 1 | |
| 2018 | 116 | 0 |
Common questions
What are the worst Hyundai Kona years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Kona years to avoid are 2019, 2020. The cleanest year on record is 2026.
What is the best year for the Hyundai Kona?
By complaint volume, 2026 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Kona years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Hyundai Kona have?
Across all model years, the Kona has 9 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,091 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.