VehicleVerdict

2023 Hyundai Kona problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2023 Hyundai Kona sits mid-pack among Kona years: 97 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 111, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 25 reports (26% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

97

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Kona years?

Kona NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 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, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Kona years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Hyundai Kona problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2526%
Driver Assistance1819%
Other1718%
Transmission1010%
Speed Control77%
Engine66%
Fuel System44%
Brakes33%
Tires & Wheels22%
Body & Structure11%
Lighting11%
Airbags11%
Seat Belts11%
Steering11%

Does the 2023 Hyundai Kona have recalls?

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

23V526000TransmissionJuly 27, 2023 · 52,109 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.

Consequence

An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 246.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the horn was working intermittently. The horn occasionally operated but had become permanently inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 1, 2025

“Within 1 mile of having windshield replaced the mirror broke free falling down completely distracted the driver, tried to grab mirror did not see the car ahead applied his brakes the forward collision warning and the automatic emergency braking did not warn of the danger or avoid it . the driver…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · May 5, 2023 · crash

“I brought vehicle in once for horn not working to dealer. They fixed it. Seven months later in a near traffic incident horn not working. Outside temperatures were below freezing at the time. Following week outside temperatures goes above freezing & horn is working again. It appears horn has an…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 24, 2025

“Car stopped accelerating on the highway and held me at 40mph. This happened twice. Then before being able to get it in for service while driving the car made a loud bang and came to a rolling stop again on the highway and the transmission control system alarm went off and the car would not move.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 8, 2023

“The car is set at a speed for cruise control. For no reason it loses power, after a while it returns speed as set. At the beginning the doors weren’t working for locking and unlocking by the handle. Seems okay now but I made a video showing the rear camera staying on while driving. Also included,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 2, 2022

2023 Hyundai Kona — common questions

Is the 2023 Hyundai Kona reliable?

It is close to typical for the Kona: 97 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2023 Kona problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (25 complaints), driver assistance (18 complaints), other (17 complaints).

Does the 2023 Hyundai Kona have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2023 Hyundai Kona. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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 2023 Hyundai Kona?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 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.