VehicleVerdict

2019 Hyundai Kona problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 241 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median Kona year — the 2019 model ranks #1 of 9 Kona years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 56% of all reports (134 of 241), far ahead of other at 20. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

241

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Kona years?

Kona NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted241 complaints2018: 112 complaints2019: 241 complaints2020: 191 complaints2021: 145 complaints2022: 139 complaints2023: 97 complaints2024: 69 complaints2025: 45 complaints2026: 9 complaints
Kona NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Kona years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Hyundai Kona problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine13456%
Other208%
Electrical System187%
Transmission177%
Driver Assistance167%
Fuel System94%
Speed Control62%
Airbags52%
Lighting42%
Body & Structure31%
Brakes31%
Seats21%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Seat Belts10%
Latches & Locks10%
Steering10%

Does the 2019 Hyundai Kona have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V301000EngineApril 28, 2021 · 158,493 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owned a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while stopped at an intersection, he observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was steered into a parking lot where he opened the hood and he observed flames coming from the engine. A police report was filed. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 12, 2024 · fire

“UPON COLLISION (FRONT END) AT ABOUT 35 MPH THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES AND CONTINUED TO BURN UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP. IN ADDITION, THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM. DRIVER'S CLAVICLE WAS FRACTURED AND DISPLACED UPON IMPACT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 8, 2019 · crash · fire

“While stopped our 2019 Kona EV at a traffic light with my foot on the brake, the car spontaneously accelerated and crashed into the car also sitting at the light about eight feet in front of us. If there wasn't a car in front of us, we would have gone through a busy intersection at very high speed.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 7, 2026 · crash

“Camshaft pin sheared with 66,000 miles leading to severe engine damage and expense. No known cause but consistent with many online reports of engine issues with this make and model year. Vehicle was well-maintained prior to the incident. No warning lights present until after engine damage occurred.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 3, 2023

“2019 HYUNDAI KONA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE BRAKING SYSTEM. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM WAS INOPERABLE. THE SYSTEM DOES NOT RESPOND TO SPEED LIMITS, DOES NOT ALARM, DOES NOT DISPLAY PICTURES, AND DOES NOT APPLY ANY BRAKING FORCE TO AVOID A CRASH.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · April 23, 2019

2019 Hyundai Kona — common questions

Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 241 complaints put the 2019 model at #1 of 9 Kona years. It is one of the Kona years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Kona problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (134 complaints), other (20 complaints), electrical system (18 complaints).

Does the 2019 Hyundai Kona have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 Hyundai Kona. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations 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.

How safe is the 2019 Hyundai Kona?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Hyundai Kona earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.