Hyundai Kona 2020 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Hyundai Kona 2020 and 161 complaints filed by owners. It has 61% more complaints than the average Hyundai Kona from 2018–2025 (100 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Hyundai Kona 2020? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Hyundai Kona 2020
Engine
NHTSA campaign 21V301000 · 2021-04-28
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Equipment and labels
NHTSA campaign 20V022000 · 2020-01-17
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
161 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
8 with a crash · 3 with a fire · 12 injuries · 1 death
Most reported problems on the Hyundai Kona 2020
- Engine: 108 (67% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 20 (12% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 11 (7% of complaints)
- Throttle and cruise control: 7 (4% of complaints)
- Steering: 7 (4% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Hyundai Kona 2020
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Hyundai Kona SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2020 Hyundai Kona SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Hyundai Kona recalls by year
- 2018 : 0 recalls · 75 complaints
- 2019 : 1 recall · 195 complaints
- 2020 : 2 recalls · 161 complaints
- 2021 : 1 recall · 120 complaints
- 2022 : 0 recalls · 101 complaints
- 2023 : 1 recall · 66 complaints
- 2024 : 4 recalls · 52 complaints
- 2025 : 1 recall · 28 complaints
Guides for this check
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Hyundai Kona 2020 have?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Hyundai Kona 2020. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Hyundai Kona 2020?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (108 of 161 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 21, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).