2021 Hyundai Kona: sudden loss of power

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 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.

Filed Feb 26, 2026 · Engine · GA

Was driving when the car seemed to lose power and would not accelerate and started shaking. Check engine light came on and got it read, the code indicated a misfire and other errors. There was no one local to fix it as we were out of town. So we replaced the plugs that were indicated and noticed how badly damaged they were. Vehicle started to drive better before stalling out again and replacing the rest of the plugs. Was able to get it home and seemed to be driving normally but then we noticed it has an oil leak now. We have to keep a religious check on the oil because of the amount leaking and the fact the car isn't giving us a low oil warning. We took it to the dealership and they said we needed a new engine and it was just outside the power train warranty. All of this occurred our 78,000-80,000 mile mark. The dealer would not even change the oil before of how bad the leak was. This car was for our teenage daughter and its not safe for anyone to drive. I believe the dealership knew this car had issues, we bought it pre-owned and have only had it 6 months.

Filed Jan 1, 2026 · Engine · NJ

-The engine and related crankshaft components failed. The vehicle experienced complete engine shutdown while driving and later multiple no-start conditions. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired multiple times by an authorized Hyundai dealership and remains available for inspection upon request. -The engine shut down unexpectedly while driving at highway speed, resulting in loss of power and the need to coast and pull over. This created a risk of rear-end collision and loss of control in traffic. Subsequent failures left the vehicle unable to start, creating risk of stranding in unsafe locations. -Yes. The authorized Hyundai dealership confirmed engine-related and crankshaft-related issues and performed repairs on multiple occasions. Despite these repairs, the problem has recurred. -The vehicle has been inspected and repaired multiple times by an authorized Hyundai dealership. -Yes. The check engine light illuminated prior to multiple failures. In at least one instance, the dealership stated the light was a history code and no active issue was found. Within days, the vehicle experienced another complete failure and became inoperable.

Filed Sep 19, 2025 · Engine · PA

About a month after purchasing my car it shut down on the highway while driving. It completely lost power so I could not accelerate or even press the brake. Only the emergency brake stopped me from going into other cars. I started the car up again and then it worked fine until about another month later it happened again. I was on an exit ramp on the highway and it lost power. Cars had to quickly go around me as I had no control of my vehicle. Neither brakes or gas pedal worked at the time and my check engine light stayed on. I then took my car to Hyundai service where they told me my car went through 2 quarts of oil in one month. They want me to drive this car another 1,000 miles knowing it’s dangerous, unsafe, a risk to me and other drivers and a fire hazard to have an engine consuming this much oil. I fear to drive this unpredictable car any more. The manager of Hyundai knows it’s unfair but must follow protocol. I just don’t understand how they can tell someone to drive a stalling car waiting for an accident to happen.

Filed Mar 31, 2025 · Engine · 87,845 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally and failed to idle properly. The vehicle lost power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then steered to the side of the road where the vehicle then stalled. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts, and the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle then stalled again. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated that an oil change was performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,845.

Filed May 24, 2024 · Engine · 36,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, he observed white smoke emanating from the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, on several occasions, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power and did not accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. Lastly, the contact stated that while turned off the vehicle would not turn on. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

Filed May 17, 2023 · Transmission · WI

After Stopping for a traffic sign, I proceeded to go forward when a loud noise occurred ( grinding of gears), I loss power to move forward. A car in back of me had to apply his brakes to avoid hitting me. I pulled over to the curb and parked. Upon starting up again, I did not have full power to accelerate. I also could not put the car in reverse. About 10 minutes later, I received a message on the car information screen “ A possible condition with your Transmission Control System has been detected with your 2021 Kona” “ A full system check is recommended to be done soon”. I then drove it to a Dealership where it is now.