VehicleVerdict

2020 Hyundai Kona problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 191 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Kona year — the 2020 model ranks #2 of 9 Kona years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 16 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 53% of all reports (102 of 191), far ahead of transmission at 18. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

191

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

16

Injuries

1

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Kona years?

Kona NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 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, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Kona years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Hyundai Kona problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine10253%
Transmission189%
Other179%
Electrical System126%
Driver Assistance105%
Steering74%
Speed Control74%
Fuel System42%
Brakes32%
Airbags21%
Body & Structure21%
Tires & Wheels21%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Seats11%
Lighting11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2020 Hyundai Kona have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

20V022000OtherJanuary 17, 2020 · 477 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Kona vehicles. The certification label may indicate incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 567, "Certification" and 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

An incorrect GAWR could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install new label stickers displaying the correct GAWR over the affected areas of the certification label, free of charge. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 187.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“On 30 May 21, I was getting ready to pull into my driveway, stopped the vehicle to let a passenger out of car, when suddenly the vehicle accelerated at a high speed crashing into my house. I nor the braking assist could stop the vehicle, resulting in the collision with house. I and my passengers…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 30, 2021 · crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving the vehicle stalled. The gear shifter was stuck in reverse and drive. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 1, 2020 · fire

“The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH, the AEB system inadvertently engaged causing the vehicle to decelerate and accelerate on its own. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 2, 2021 · crash

“Vehicle has problems shifting between 1st and 2nd gear. Stutters and has issues accelerating. Has almost caused me to be hit while turning left against traffic. Was serviced at Hyundai dealership today and they cannot replicate the issue or find anything wrong and reprogrammed the clutch touch…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 3, 2025

“FRONT-COLLISION WARNING LIGHT KICKS ON WHILE GOING 45-50MPH. NO OBSTRUCTIONS. BRAKES ENGAGE, STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. MUST PULL OVER AND RESTART CAR TO RESET. OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY, BUT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST WEEKLY FOR THE LAST 6 WEEKS. IN AND OUT OF DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. BRAND NEW VEHICLE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · March 26, 2021

2020 Hyundai Kona — common questions

Is the 2020 Hyundai Kona reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 191 complaints put the 2020 model at #2 of 9 Kona years. It is one of the Kona years to avoid.

What are the most common 2020 Kona problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (102 complaints), transmission (18 complaints), other (17 complaints).

Does the 2020 Hyundai Kona have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Hyundai Kona. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2020 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 2020 Hyundai Kona?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 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.