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2021 Hyundai Kona problems

The most common problem on the 2021 Hyundai Kona is engine and cooling, typically around 23,700 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Kona model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
120
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
713 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
27-30mpg

The worst 2021 Hyundai Kona problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Hyundai Kona

Stalling 35Oil consumption 17Check engine light 15Engine failure 15Knocking 10Loss of power 8Fire or smoke 7

Trouble codes owners of the 2021 Hyundai Kona mention

P0017 3

Recalls 1

EngineReported April 28, 2021 · 158,493 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 21V301000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Kona

Defect investigations

Pedestrian alert soundsOpened January 27, 2023, closed August 7, 2023

the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.

DP22005

Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Hyundai Kona 71

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 71 bulletins for the 2021 Hyundai Kona

2021 Hyundai Kona fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.6L 4‑cylFWD283230
2.0L 4‑cylFWD273330
1.6L 4‑cylAWD262927
2.0L 4‑cylAWD253027

What 2021 Hyundai Kona owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · GA

My 2021 Kona has undergone five separate oil consumption checks. The engine is depleting oil at an abnormal rate, creating a clear risk of sudden catastrophic engine failure and highway stalling. Dealership service personnel have repeatedly dismissed consumption data despite documented top-offs between 500 and 1,000 miles. Furthermore, this vehicle has already required an entire brake system replacement due to unidentifiable system failures, establishing a continuous history of substantial defects impairing its safety, market value, and use.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ

All 4 fuel injectors failed. They were replaced but the check engine light came back on. Crank shaft sensor was then replaced and now the check engine light is back on. Driving the car waiting for something to fail is not safe

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Engine · CO

My exact engine was as in a recall but not my car which failed prematurely at 84,000. I have taken extensive maintenance in the car in the for the past 2 years. Hyundai made me pay to tow my car to a dealership denied me for a goodwill replacement with the same exact problems as the same exact recalled engine and stuck me with the bill.

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Engine · OH

My 2021 Kona Limited 1.6L Turbo is consuming oil so rapidly that the Low Oil Pressure light has activated on the highway, creating a sudden risk of stalling and engine failure, that the dealership and Hyundai are declining service. According to research, when your oil pressure light flashes, your engine is moments away from locking up. If that happens at 65 mph on a highway, it is a catastrophic safety risk. I am the original owner of 2021 Kona Limited under warranty. The dealership refused to help me after my car lost oil, citing one missed service from over three years ago. That gap was due to a severe family medical emergency where my partner was hospitalized off and on for over three months. My vehicle has a proven history of dealer maintenance before and after that event. This is the 4th time the car has totally lost oil, with no indications that is was even close or anything wrong until it was empty the warning came and check to find zero oil. The first time it happened on 2/4/2026 the dealership did not make a record and had me come back in 1000 miles to have it checked and they said it was fine. The next 2 times were recorded with Hyundai dealership and I was told that due to "Gross Maintenance Neglect" Hyundai declined any additional services. They put the car back together just replacing the fuel line/hose. On 9/23/2023 the check oil light blinked for 1-3 seconds. I was 3 minutes from home parked, allowed the car to cool and checked oil, again there was none. Put 4 1/2 quarts and that is what it holds and the next morning went to the dealership, where I was turned away, with them saying Hyundai declined any additional services for this issue and there was nothing they could do. I was told to contact corporate, I did that minute from the parking lot. Given a case number and told I would be contacted, went over all of the issues again with corporate and today was told they are still declining any service even though it is still under warranty.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Engine · OH

"The vehicle suffered sudden internal engine failure while in operation due to catastrophic oil starvation, presenting a severe risk of engine stalling and loss of propulsion on the road. Active diagnostic codes are P0014, P0017, and P0303. An independent mechanic confirmed the engine was found 3 quarts low on oil with absolutely no external leaks or pooling under the vehicle, indicating massive internal oil consumption. This vehicle has been meticulously maintained with 11 consecutive oil changes logged between 15,202 miles and 115,926 miles. This oil loss starved the hydraulic timing components of fluid pressure, causing immediate timing failure. The manufacturer's current safety recall campaign (Recall 203) fails to include this specific VIN despite the vehicle exhibiting the exact engine failure defect profile.

Filed Aug 21, 2026 · Engine · AL

At approximately 100,500 miles, the 2.0L Nu engine experienced a sudden, catastrophic internal failure while operating, causing a loss of power and stalling. Failed Component & Availability: The engine block assembly failed internally due to severe low compression (95 psi) across multiple cylinders and intake valve leakage. The original failed engine component was replaced and retained by the servicing dealership's service department during the long-block replacement. Safety Risk: The sudden loss of engine power and stalling occurred while navigating active traffic, creating an immediate crash hazard due to the loss of momentum and propulsion on a public roadway. Diagnosis & Confirmation: The failure was independently confirmed by a certified master mechanic (compression test showing 95 psi) and subsequently diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized manufacturer dealership service department. Inspection History: The vehicle was fully inspected by the authorized dealership, which verified the low compression, confirmed internal engine failure, and performed a full long-block engine replacement.

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Engine · WI

2021 Hyundai Kona, VIN [XXX], 45,575 miles. Engine unexpectedly stalled while driving on 45 mph road and stopped at a light. Oil-pressure warning appeared when the engine stalled. Upon checking afterward, the oil level was below the measurable dipstick range with only droplets visible. Approximately 3.5 quarts were added. Vehicle restarted and was driven home. While idling at home, pressing the accelerator caused the engine to stall again. Vehicle had received an oil change at 39,073 miles and oil had also been checked and topped off approximately six months earlier. Cause has not yet been diagnosed. Hyundai VIN lookup currently shows no open or closed safety campaigns. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the horn button was depressed but was inoperable. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the horn needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Engine · 85,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH while making a turn, the vehicle stalled. Several warning lights illuminated but turned off after the vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The contact stated that several independent mechanics were notified of the failure; however, an appointment was denied due to the absence of illuminated warning lights. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Filed Jun 30, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

Low speed hesitancy and shuddering. Car has lost power when driving at 55 mph. Car does not want to move at very slow speeds as in a parking garage. It hesitates and starts to roll backwards.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2021 Hyundai Kona before you buy

Compare the 2021 Hyundai Kona

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Other model years

201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2021 Hyundai Kona

Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona reliable?

Owners have filed 120 complaints about the 2021 Hyundai Kona, close to a typical Kona model year.

What is the 2021 Hyundai Kona year score?

The 2021 Hyundai Kona scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Hyundai Kona: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Hyundai Kona?

Engine and cooling, with 81 complaints, typically around 23,700 miles. Next is transmission (14).

How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Kona have?

1 recall, covering engine.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Hyundai Kona engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 21V301000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Hyundai Kona have bad engine?

The Hyundai Kona model years with the most engine complaints are 2019 (144 complaints), 2020 (113 complaints) and 2021 (81 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Hyundai Kona get?

Official estimates for the 2021 Hyundai Kona range from 27 to 30 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 28 city and 32 highway.

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