The Lemon Index

All cars · Hyundai Kona · 2021

2021 Hyundai Kona. Advanced data.

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

Lemon Index81100 = average car
Complaints70NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold90,069U.S. model year
Per 100K sold78complaints
Year rank#2 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$600

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 6,400 and 86,500 miles. Median 23,700, from 29 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Engine23,4007,900–86,20022

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 & drivetrain16%
Electrical10%
Speed control6%
Automatic emergency braking4%

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

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
120233010

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

Manufacturer communications 71

Hyundai filed 71 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • Transfer case oil leaks
  • Certain Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Hyundai Kona SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆
Hyundai Kona SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆
Hyundai Kona EV SUV FWDnot 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
2023706679,116Electrical
2024745282,172Electrical

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