2020 Hyundai Kona: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Engine · 53,976 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle hesitated, and there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,976.

Filed Jan 5, 2026 · Transmission · NY

While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle’s dual-clutch transmission (DCT) failed to engage properly, causing a sudden and unexpected loss of propulsion. When the accelerator was pressed, the vehicle hesitated and did not respond as commanded, resulting in delayed or no acceleration. This occurred while driving in traffic at approximately 30 mph while trying to acceletate to merge onto highway and has happened multiple times. In some instances, the vehicle appeared to remain in gear but would not accelerate, and in other instances the transmission disengaged before re-engaging unpredictably. This created an unsafe situation, as the vehicle could not maintain speed or merge safely, significantly increasing the risk of a collision, especially in traffic or at intersections. The issue occurred without sufficient warning and continues to happen intermittently during normal driving.The vehicle was inspected by a dealership, which stated the condition is related to a clutch issue within the dual-clutch transmission and acknowledged it is a known issue affecting this transmission. The dealership further stated the issue would not be repaired because the vehicle is out of warranty.

Filed Nov 11, 2023 · Transmission · MA

Vehicle hesitates and does not accelerate from a complete stop, then jerks and changes into 2nd gear. Same hesitation and lack of power to accelerate occurs at 3rd gear. Causes a near accident when the car would not accelerate as I pulled into normal traffic

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 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 Sep 14, 2021 · Engine · 17,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact had received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was making an abnormal sound and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. Additionally, the brakes were making abnormal squeaking sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer performed an engine inspection test and the brake pads were replaced. However, the dealer informed the contact that it was safe to drive the vehicle with the steering wheel making abnormal noise. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case and informed the contact that the Piston Noise Sensing System software for the recall was available for update. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.