The Lemon Index2018 Hyundai Kona.
The 2018 Hyundai Kona is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 21 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 44, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 27 to 30 mpg combined. It's the best Hyundai Kona year we track.
One of the most reliable. 2.3× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2020
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 75 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Hyundai Kona year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 3K to 53K miles on the car (24 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Hyundai told dealers about
Hyundai sent dealers 97 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a Check Engine light on and one or more of the…
- If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a ?Check Engine Light on?
- If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a complaint of ?Check Engine Light on?
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Kona SUV FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Hyundai Kona SUV AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2150–2400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Hyundai Kona reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 44; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2018 Hyundai Kona problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (19%), lights (14%) and electrical (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Kona have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Hyundai Kona get?
27 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2018 Hyundai Kona problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 3,800 and 53,000 miles. The middle report was at 15,500 miles, from 24 complaints.
Does the 2018 Hyundai Kona have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Hyundai Kona cost in fuel a year?
About $2150 to $2400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Hyundai Kona have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works