The Lemon Index

All cars · Hyundai Kona · 2019

2019 Hyundai Kona. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index90100 = average car
Complaints67NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold73,326U.S. model year
Per 100K sold91complaints
Year rank#3 of 5#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 5

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
1.6L 4-cyl turboAuto (AM7)FWD28 / 32 / 30Regular$2,100
1.6L 4-cyl turboAuto (AM7)AWD26 / 29 / 27Regular$2,300
2.0L 4-cylAuto (S6)FWD27 / 33 / 30Regular$2,100
2.0L 4-cylAuto (S6)AWD25 / 30 / 27Regular$2,300
ElectricAuto (A1)FWD132 / 108 / 120Electricity$650

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 8,300 and 94,000 miles. Median 44,000, from 59 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Engine68,00027,500–95,30041
Transmission & drivetrain2,000500–7,5006
Engine109,00067,200–119,3008

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Engine61%
Transmission & drivetrain10%
Electrical9%
Fuel or ev drive system7%
Automatic emergency braking6%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
1951144020

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 1

  • 21V301000 Apr 2021 Engine

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. 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.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
ClosedPedestrian alert sounds20232023
ClosedLoss of motive power20222023

Manufacturer communications 94

Hyundai filed 94 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • If you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a ?Check Engine?

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Hyundai Kona SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆
Hyundai Kona SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆
Hyundai Kona Electric SUV AWDnot ratednot ratednot ratednot rated

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardStandardStandard

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2018442147,090Engine
2019906773,326Engine
202014010076,253Engine
2021817090,069Engine
20221008663,994Engine

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data