VehicleVerdict

2026 Hyundai Kona problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 2026 Hyundai Kona — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

9

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2026 compare to other Kona years?

Kona NHTSA complaints by model year, 2026 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, 2026 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Kona years to avoid →

What are the most common 2026 Hyundai Kona problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other222%
Brakes222%
Fuel System111%
Transmission111%
Speed Control111%
Body & Structure111%
Electrical System111%

Does the 2026 Hyundai Kona have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V069000SteeringFebruary 5, 2026 · 4,555 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Kona vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front steering knuckles may crack and break, which can result in a loss of vehicle steering control.

Consequence

A loss of vehicle steering control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckles, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 5, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 295. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 7, 2026.

26V047000Electrical SystemJanuary 26, 2026 · 41,651 units

Defect

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, Kona, Palisade, Palisade Hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, and Tucson vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."

Consequence

An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 293. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 28, 2026.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“On April 20, 2026 I was pulling into a parking space. I began to break but something went terribly wrong. My car accelerated on it's own, went over the curb and crashed into a building. Three air bags deployed: two on the drivers side of the car (front and side air bag) and one in the back seat…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 20, 2026 · crash

“On April 20, 2026 I was pulling into a parking space. I began to break but something went terribly wrong. My car accelerated on it's own, went over the curb and crashed into a building. Three air bags deployed: two on the drivers side of the car (front and side air bag) and one in the back seat…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 20, 2026 · crash

“The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, an inspector discovered a puddle of fuel on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the hood insulation was damaged, and the fuel lines were…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 14, 2026

“I bought the car in November 2025. I was on a highway, going at a comfortable, 65 mph speed (a few weeks after purchasing this happened the first time ). Suddenly, the car stopped accelerating, of course I panicked, slowly pulled off to the shoulder, and shut the car off. Luckily, it was not rush…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 12, 2025

“Coke spill in cup holders caused a leak to the wiring harness below the center console. It drained the battery, shut down all of the buttons on the steering wheel and shut the infotainment system down. It finally died and had to be towed to Vann York Hyundai in Highpoint NC. They told me that…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 27, 2026

2026 Hyundai Kona — common questions

Is the 2026 Hyundai Kona reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2026 Hyundai Kona have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2026 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 2026 Hyundai Kona?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2026 Hyundai Kona earned an overall rating of 4 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.