The Lemon Index2020 Hyundai Kona.
The 2020 Hyundai Kona is worse than average by owner complaints: 100 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 140, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, and it has 2 recalls. The best Hyundai Kona year is 2018.
Worse than average. 1.4× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2018
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 161 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Hyundai Kona year. 2020 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 5K to 28K miles on the car (48 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 8K–54K miles
Recalls 2
- engine 2021
The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
- equipment 2020
The certification label may indicate incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
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 85 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…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
- 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 AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Hyundai Kona SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Hyundai Kona Electric SUV FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $600–2400 a year in electricity (EPA estimate).
In owners' words
Car has been taken in numerous times for emmisiions related issues to vent pipe and charcoal canister. Still getting same check engine codes. Frustrating since inspection is due. I contacted Hyundai corporate.
2020 Hyundai Kona owner · NHTSA complaint 11416444
More owner reports
Defect engine failure stall or fire. Dealership will not reveiw vehicle without charge because no remedy has been destributed. This recall follows the same pattern asn the Hyndai theta lawsuit?
NHTSA complaint 11427978
There has been no determination when the recall will be implemented. My car is already down over a quart of oil. There are less than 11,000 miles on the vehicle. I am afraid to drive the car!
NHTSA complaint 11422690
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Hyundai Kona reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.4× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 140; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Hyundai Kona year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2020 Hyundai Kona problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (66%), electrical (7%) and transmission & drivetrain (7%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Kona have?
2 safety recalls (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2020 Hyundai Kona safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2020 Hyundai Kona problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 5,000 and 28,800 miles. The middle report was at 12,000 miles, from 48 complaints.
Does the 2020 Hyundai Kona have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 7% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Hyundai Kona cost in fuel a year?
About $600 to $2400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What Hyundai Kona year is better than the 2020?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2021 and 2019.
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