2019 Hyundai Kona engine problems

The 2019 Hyundai Kona has 134 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 56% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

134

Engine complaints

56%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Kona engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2019 Hyundai Kona have?

NHTSA has 134 complaints about the 2019 Hyundai Kona engine — 56% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2019 Hyundai Kona engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 21V301000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.