2020 Hyundai Kona engine problems

The 2020 Hyundai Kona has 102 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 53% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

102

Engine complaints

53%

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

“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

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2020 Hyundai Kona have?

NHTSA has 102 complaints about the 2020 Hyundai Kona engine — 53% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2020 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.