2021 Hyundai Kona: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Engine · UT

VIN: [XXX] 2021 Hyundai Kona experienced sudden engine failure at approximately 103,000 miles. The engine began knocking without any prior warning, and the check engine light came on at the same time the knocking started. The vehicle was not driven for an extended period after the issue began. There were no earlier warning indicators or drivability issues that would suggest neglect or lack of maintenance. The failure was immediate and unexpected. This vehicle had previously received Hyundai recall T8Y, which involved an ECU update related to engine monitoring and performance. Despite this manufacturer intervention, the engine still experienced sudden failure. Hyundai has denied warranty and goodwill coverage for this failure. This appears to be a premature engine failure and raises concerns about reliability and safety due to the sudden nature of the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Engine · 60,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed or making a turn, the vehicle stalled. In addition, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. There was an unknown code displayed on the instrument panel. Most recently, the engine started consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was adding oil every other week to the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the accelerator was depressed, the engine made a rough revving sound. The contact stated that at the beginning, the vehicle stalled after the contact drove over a speed bump or drove around a roundabout. The contact moved the gear shift lever to neutral(N) and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Apr 22, 2025 · Engine · 87,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle lost automotive. The contact restarted the vehicle immediately and was able to continue driving. The contact also became aware that the oil level was extremely low. The contact stated that after adding oil, 24 hours later the engine started making a knocking sound, and the oil level was low again. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The independent mechanic suggested that the vehicle be taken a Hyundai dealer for further diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE); as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

Filed Feb 6, 2024 · Engine · VA

My vehicle was purchased in late June 2023 with Remainder of Hyundai Factory Warranty promised. A few months ago I started hearing a ticking noise from the motor and on 3 different occasions almost stalled while stopped at a traffic light. I took it to CMA's Hyundai of Lynchburg and upon inspection was told I need a new motor due to finding possible aluminum on the piston head of cylinder 4. There was a previous recall on 2021 Hyundai KONA Motors due to faulty piston rings. I am wondering if the defect in my motor may be related. I was told I could not leave/drive my vehicle for my own safety. So my vehicle has been at the dealership since mid-December, 2023. They state the warranty is void.

Filed Apr 4, 2023 · Engine · 23,700 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-45 MPH, there was a ticking and knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power, stalled, and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 23,700.

Filed Oct 10, 2022 · Engine · PA

Please refer to Complaint 11488659 filed 10/10/22. I erroneously listed date of incident as 10/4. Incident occurred on 10/5/22, while driving on highway check oil light suddenly came own with knocking and other noises. I was able to pull onto exit ramp before deceleration and total stall with oil running out of bottom of car. I called 911 due to large trucks and traffic stopped behind me. State police came and stayed until AAA towed car to Freysinger Hyundai in Mechanicsburg , Pa (717) 766-8422, where regular maintenance has been done on the car as recently as Sept. 20, 2022. I was advised by [XXX] in Service Dept. That engine had failed with at least 3 months or more wait for replacement parts. I was forced to purchase another vehicle at great expense. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Jun 16, 2022 · Engine · IN

Ongoing issues with the motor consuming oil despite passing a safety recall inspection. Issues with knocking, oil consumption, engine light on. Issues with the dealership fixing the problem. Issues since January of this year. Issues with stalling and motor locking up. Now no oil and not due for oil change, knocking, hesitates, motor light on.

Filed May 11, 2022 · Engine · IN

While driving to work car started knocking. As soon as i arrived not even 5 miles from my home, died in my parking lot. Car had no indications of issues. Only information was due for oil change. Checked oil there was none. I was taking it in for service the next day for my regular service check. I was 62 miles over the standard time. Had to pay a tow and found out there is a hole in my engine block. Well with no indication of "Low oil" this brings a question of a information failure>?

Filed Apr 25, 2022 · Engine · 7,500 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that she received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and informed her that no issues were found. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that no issues were found; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle had lost 3.5 quarts out of 4 quarts of oil within 4,000 miles. The dealer informed the contact to bring the vehicle back for an oil consumption evaluation after 1,000 miles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,500.

Filed Jan 2, 2022 · Engine · KS

We have a 2021 Hyundai which is the subject of an engine recall. There have been no repairs to the car and we just turned 5000 miles. When the car is cold and first started the engine knocks and it has gone through 2 quarts of oil so far. The dealership says nothing is wrong with it. I have video of it being started and knocking. We are afraid to park it in our garage due to fire risk and due to the greatly reduced price of repairs the dealer can charge Hyundai, are getting nothing done. The number 1 driver of this car is 88 years old and does not need this stress. Help, please?