Hyundai Kona 2021 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Hyundai Kona 2021 and 120 complaints filed by owners. It has 20% 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 2021? 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 2021
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.
Complaints from other owners
120 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
2 with a crash · 3 with a fire · 3 injuries
Most reported problems on the Hyundai Kona 2021
- Engine: 80 (67% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 14 (12% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 11 (9% of complaints)
- Forward collision avoidance: 5 (4% of complaints)
- Fuel and propulsion: 5 (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 2021
- 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Kona SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2021 Hyundai Kona SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
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 2021 have?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Hyundai Kona 2021. 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 2021?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (80 of 120 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).