2018 Hyundai Kona problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2018 Hyundai Kona sits mid-pack among Kona years: 112 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 112, with no recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 24 injuries in total across these filings.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 42 reports (38% of the total).
112
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
14
Crash-involved
19
Fires reported
24
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2018 compare to other Kona years?
What are the most common 2018 Hyundai Kona problems?
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“Pulled into driveway and saw smoke coming from engine. Popped hood and saw engine block was on fire. Quickly closed the hood and called 911. Within a few minutes the car was completely engulfed. I just had the car serviced a few days earlier and prior to that i had the 60k mile maintenance service…”
“WHEN GOING FROM GAS TO BRAKE, EVEN AT LOW SPEED THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD, EVEN AFTER THE BRAKE IS COMPRESSED. I HAVE BEEN IN TWO CRASHES NOW WITH THE SAME CAR TIS HAS HAPPENED. I SEE THAT IN AUSTRALIA, OVER 4000 OF THE SAME CARS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE. TWO YEARS AGO I CRASHED INTO A TREE. THIS…”
“WAS DRIVING HYUNDAI KONA DOWN THE FREEWAY. I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL, I SAW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINK ONCE. THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND I STARTED PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER. STOPPING ON THE SHOULDER, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. I EVACUATED THE CAR AND WITHIN A FEW…”
“I was sold a car with 1 unprepared safety recall and 22 technical service bulletins. In addition to was previously salvaged sue to collision, hail, flood and fire. The vehicle also was a 2019 made into a 2018. When the ecm was reprogrammed the new vin was wiped clean and altered. [XXX] INFORMATION…”
“I was sold a car with 1 unprepared safety recall and 22 technical service bulletins. In addition to was previously salvaged sue to collision, hail, flood and fire. The vehicle also was a 2019 made into a 2018. When the ecm was reprogrammed the new vin was wiped clean and altered. [XXX] INFORMATION…”
2018 Hyundai Kona — common questions
Is the 2018 Hyundai Kona reliable?
It is close to typical for the Kona: 112 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
What are the most common 2018 Kona problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (42 complaints), other (25 complaints), transmission (10 complaints).
Does the 2018 Hyundai Kona have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2018 Hyundai Kona.
Is the 2018 Hyundai Kona under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Hyundai Kona years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Kona years to avoid are 2019, 2020. The cleanest record among Kona years belongs to 2026.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.