2020 Hyundai Kona: engine knocking or ticking

Filed May 12, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · PA

The vehicle all shut off as I slowed down for a stop sign. Put in Park turn the key off restarted it got to the next stop sign same thing. Also the red light same had to shut it off put it in put in Park shut off and then restart and step on the gas so I can get through before a car hit me. Happened several times till I finally got the car home done it started knocking loudly and shut off just as I got into my driveway. Check the oil. The oil is fine. Occasionally the oil light would come on if you put in Dr.. It is knocking really loud. The engine light keeps flashing constantly. I called Brown Dobb Hyundai in Easton Pennsylvania. They told me this recall has nothing to do with my car because of the VIN number. But everything that is happening to it is is under recall 187. But because of the VIN number they are insisting it’s not my car. What can I do before I get in an accident? I don’t have any other cars to rely on. I have a son with Autism and I am a single mother. What else can I do? I had this car not even three months.

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Engine · NC

My car was taken in as a part of recall bulletin 203 for improperly heated piston rings treated pistons rings that result in premature engine failure and possible fire on 12/5/25. The knock sensor test was performed and the KSDS software was installed. On 3/12/26 my daughter who was on the way home from a trip called because her checking engine light started flashing and the engine was knocking. We had it towed to Hyundai and they are denying service under the recall stating improper codes yet one of the codes is P1327 KSDS detection which is related to the rod bearing failure the car currently has. They are trying to make me pay $4600 out of pocket plus the tow bill when this is directly related to the recall.

Filed Mar 19, 2026 · Engine, Steering · CA

My 2020 Hyundai Kona (VIN: [XXX] ) has a persistent engine stalling safety defect that matches Recall 203 (22-01-042H, the federal safety agency Campaign 21V301000 – Nu 2.0L Atkinson Engine Inspection and Replacement). The recall addresses improperly heat-treated piston oil rings causing cylinder bore scuffing, accelerated oil consumption, abnormal knocking, and potential engine stall while driving (increasing crash/fire risk).I first brought the vehicle to Corona Hyundai for repeated stalling while driving. They performed the recall vibration inspection and software update (Campaign 974), stated the test passed, and declared the vehicle "fixed", safe and "good-to-go" Immediately after pickup, the stalling returned worse: approximately 60-80 miles later on XX near the XXX exit (four-lane high-speed highway), the engine completely stalled at 65 mph while merging for an exit. This caused vehicles and semi-trucks behind me to swerve dangerously and very nearly collide with me. The vehicle stalled four more times on the way to my destination in [XXX] .I then took it to the nearest dealer, Carlsbad Hyundai for safety reasons. They performed the vibration inspection again, which also "passed," yet the real-world symptoms would continue unchanged: accelerated oil consumption (I monitor the dipstick and refill regularly), sputtering, knocking noises, and complete engine stalls (dozens of incidents, especially on local roads and turns). The vehicle remains undrivable due to imminent stall risk while moving and putting myself, my passengers and other commuters at high risk of severe injury or death.Both dealers and Hyundai Customer Care (Case #XXX) have refused further action, stating the vibration test passed, they cannot duplicate the concern, and no additional claim can be submitted for engine replacement. Hyundai's TSB [XXX] requires only the vibration inspection; engine replacement is authorized if "NO PASS" – no separate oil consumption test or monitored drive INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.

Filed Mar 11, 2026 · Engine · 108,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. While the contact’s son was driving the vehicle on the highway at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine and the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The gear shifter was shifted into neutral(N) and restarted; however, the engine failed shortly afterwards, and the vehicle was unable to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with piston rings failure and low engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, where it was confirmed that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the recall repair was already performed. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.

Filed Sep 9, 2025 · Engine · 127,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the turbocharger, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was later examined by an independent mechanic who determined that the pistons were faulty. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 127,000.

Filed Jun 23, 2025 · Engine · GA

Car is losing power. Car is stopping in the middle of the road. Car was towed to my Personal mechanic on June 21,2025 who has ran a diagnostic on vehicle & vehicle is throwing out an Engine Failure Code. Check Engine light is blinking ; car is making odd "knocking type" noises. First appeared June 20, 2025. Car is not safe to drive due to losing power. Vehicle is now being towed to the dealership (after multiple calls) and the loss of power is concerning/dangerous if vehicle looses power with traffic around. I feel I won't be able to get the vehicle and myself off the road safely before an accident/injury/fatality occurs. I will upload a copy of the diagnostic report

Filed Aug 12, 2023 · Engine · NJ

In December 2022 at 10,000 miles my engine would make knocking noises when idle and hesitate to excelerate before jumping, i took it to dealer and there was no oil on the dipstick. None of the warning lights ever Came on. They started an oil consumption test, did a chamber cleaning on the engine and finally after 3 months and 3,000 extra miles they tell me i need a new engine/ ridiculous a new car with 10,000 miles does this!!

Filed Dec 4, 2022 · Engine · NY

My car has been burning oil and knocking and I repeatedly took it back to the dealer with concern that these symptoms are similar to a recent recall on Hyundai Kona engine due to engine failure. Recently I had an inspection (which passed) and as I was driving away from the dealer the engine light came on and I took the car back and the mechanics told me the car is in engine failure! Engine failure can result in dangerous stalling seizing of engine, oil leaks and fires according to the recall information. It is inconceivable to me that my car (2020 Kona) is not included in this recall when I am having the same issues, and this has gone on for three months during which myself and my family (and other drivers on the road) were in danger.

Filed Oct 26, 2021 · Engine · 12,448 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, knocking noises were heard and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer performed an oil change and oil consumption test after every thousand miles on three separate occasions. The first time the vehicle consumed half a quart of oil. The second and third times, the vehicle consumed a quart of oil. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had passed the engine vibration test and the recall was not repaired. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,448.

Filed Oct 12, 2021 · Engine · 6,000 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact received a notification for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V301000(ENGINE). The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, an abnormal knocking sound began to emit from the engine as the vehicle began to hesitate and the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that the failure was linked to the recall; however, the parts for the repair were not yet available. The manufacturer had also been notified of the recall and offered no assistance. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

Filed Oct 1, 2021 · Engine · 12,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact received a recall notification for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the dealer informed the contact that they were overbooked and could only schedule the recall repair in late October. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from under the hood. The contact was unsure whether a warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The contact also stated that whenever the vehicle was overheating, the vehicle shuttered violently while driving. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they could only complete the recall repair in 19 days. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.

Filed Jul 19, 2021 · Engine · 18,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact stated that she had not received a call back however, she received a recall notification. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000. Parts distribution disconnect.