VehicleVerdict

2021 Hyundai Kona problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2021 Hyundai Kona sits mid-pack among Kona years: 145 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 112, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 52% of all reports (75 of 145), far ahead of other at 18. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

145

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Kona years?

Kona NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Kona years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Kona problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine7552%
Other1812%
Transmission1410%
Electrical System107%
Driver Assistance86%
Fuel System43%
Speed Control43%
Brakes32%
Tires & Wheels32%
Steering21%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Lighting11%
Seats11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2021 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.

“I had a 2021 Hyundai Kona limited. On Friday 09/13/2024 my engine caught fire and my car was a total loss. Minutes before the fire I noticed some smoke, all of my dash lights came on and the car shut down. Seconds after stopping the vehicle and getting out the whole engine went up in flames. There…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 13, 2024 · fire

“I had a 2021 Hyundai Kona limited. On Friday 09/13/2024 my engine caught fire and my car was a total loss. Minutes before the fire I noticed some smoke, all of my dash lights came on and the car shut down. Seconds after stopping the vehicle and getting out the whole engine went up in flames. There…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 13, 2024 · fire

“The cars engine vibrates when accelerating and hesitates. It is always dangerous to stall after hitting the gas. This issue causes many near accidents. It began to vibrate at less than 70k. It has 90k now. These engines have had issues and mine is no exception. They should recall this engine as…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 13, 2026

“The contact stated that she was an insurance company claim adjuster who was calling on behalf of an insured consumer, who owned a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that there was no warning light…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 22, 2023 · fire

“We bought the car in July and owned it 70 days and 1,530 miles. The Automatic Emergency Breaking engaged several times without any reason. Sometimes at lower speeds <40 and sometimes on the freeway >60. The last time was at 20 mph in a school zone and we were rear ended because of the unexpected…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · September 8, 2021 · crash

2021 Hyundai Kona — common questions

Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona reliable?

It is close to typical for the Kona: 145 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2021 Kona problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (75 complaints), other (18 complaints), transmission (14 complaints).

Does the 2021 Hyundai Kona have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 Hyundai Kona. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 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.

How safe is the 2021 Hyundai Kona?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.