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2021 Hyundai Kona transmission problems

14 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car).

owner complaints
14
of this car's complaints
12%
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Hyundai Kona transmission problems in other years

201820192020202120222023202420252026

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2021 Hyundai Kona owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 27, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NE

I am writing to express my frustration and concern regarding my 2021 Hyundai Kona, which currently has only 88,754 miles. My vehicle has been experiencing excessive oil consumption along with an ongoing check engine light. The diagnostic trouble codes are P0017 and P0011. In an effort to resolve the issue, I have had both the intake and exhaust VVT components replaced and the oil changed. When the problem persisted, my mechanic advised that Hyundai OEM parts were required. I then spent approximately $700 replacing the components with OEM parts, yet the check engine light remains on and the same issues continue. At fewer than 89,000 miles, I do not believe these are problems that should be occurring on a properly maintained vehicle. I have already invested significant money trying to repair what appears to be a larger issue, and I am left with a vehicle that is still not functioning correctly. I am requesting that Hyundai investigate this matter and provide assistance in diagnosing and repairing the underlying cause. Given the known concerns regarding excessive oil consumption and timing-related issues reported by other Hyundai owners, I believe this situation warrants Hyundai's attention and consideration for goodwill assistance. I would appreciate a prompt response outlining what steps Hyundai is willing to take to help resolve this issue. I have been a Hyundai owner in good faith, and I am disappointed that after spending hundreds of dollars on recommended repairs, my vehicle remains unresolved.

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · OR

I am reporting a persistent and unresolved excessive oil consumption issue that I began to notice at approximately 61,000 miles. I follow all routine maintenance and oil change schedules, but my car has returned to the dealership I purchased from (only owner), three times for this specific problem. - First Visit (64,074 miles): I shared my observations of excessive oil consumption to the dealership, they stated there was an oil leak at the timing cover and oil pan. They repaired the leaks, however this did not resolve the consumption issue. - Second Visit (65,273 miles) - The oil change done by Mobil at 75,238 miles, before I brought my car in for the third time to Hyundai for the consumption issue, documented that my oil level was at the 'Low'(L) level, this is the case each time I get an oil change around 3,000 miles - The third time bringing my car to Hyundai my mileage was at 78,913, less than 3,000 miles since my last oil change. Before making the appointment my cars engine sounded like it was running rough so we took a look at the oil level, which was at L - The first two times I did the 1000 mile oil test, Hyundai reported that my oil level remained above Full when I returned for a check, shortly after, within an additional 2000 miles, my dipstick would show L. The third reading is TBD.

Filed Feb 13, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

The cars engine vibrates when accelerating and hesitates. It is always dangerous to stall after hitting the gas. This issue causes many near accidents. It began to vibrate at less than 70k. It has 90k now. These engines have had issues and mine is no exception. They should recall this engine as it's dangerous. top of the line and poop.

Filed Oct 18, 2024 · Transmission · 96,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted unintendedly. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission piston ring had failed. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

Filed Sep 1, 2024 · Transmission · MA

Transmission has hard shift sometimes, and disengages in other times. It's very irratic.

Filed Aug 2, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · NE

Unknown the vehicle stopped running and won’t start back up

Filed Feb 24, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · OH

My 2021 Hyundai Kona AWD will not operate. It only has 18,000 miles on it and I bought it new. I had the oil changed at 7,000 miles. The dealership made me wait a month to take a look at it, and I believe that they know there is an issue with this model so they are trying to stall. I plan to request a buyback. The last time I tried to drive it, it died every time the car came to a brake. I had to sit with my emergency lights flashing for a few minutes to get it to start again, only to have it die at the next light. This is very dangerous.

Filed Jan 12, 2024 · Driver assistance, Transmission · VA

The 2021 Kona SEL PLUS AT AWD suddenly changed into the manual low gear and abruptly stalled in traffic. The Kona was stopped at a traffic light. When the traffic light turned green and the car was driven, the Kona's transmission seemed to switch into the manual low gear creating a high RPM. After it crossed the intersection, the Kona stalled and stopped abruptly in traffic. Shortly thereafter, the car was restarted and it went back to driving normally. The Kona was taken to the dealership but they could not find any code. So they say without a code, they can not do anything. This is a serious safety problem. I have a video of the incident. I have contacted HyundaiUSA and they will not do anything without a code.

Filed Aug 26, 2023 · Electrical, Transmission · WI

When slowing down to a stop and im not completely stopped and then step on the gas the vehicle makes a winding noise and has no transmission engagement for several seconds so if im in s turning lane or even going forward when a street light turn green, there's been dozens of times where this happened and i need to let off the gas pedal slowing me down while e everyone else is gaining speed making them to jam on their breaks. I let the dealership know and their answer was just come to a complete stop, i was like during a green light? The other thing everyday I drive it the blind spot warning lights keep turning on even when theres no one around me and now i had the low tire pressure light turning on then off when the tires are completely inflated

Filed Aug 17, 2023 · Transmission · CO

* The 7 speed DCT transmission (automatic) jerks and down shifts hard and lunges forward when braking and coming to a stop. Upon acceleration the transmission also is jerky in first gear. It's like driving a manual transmission for the first time. * If not properly controlled by braking, I could hit the car in front of me. * I have had the vehicle in twice to the Hyundai dealership, but they say the judder not bad enough to replace the transmission. They also did a software update that did not change anything. There is a Hyundai Technical Service Bulletin #22-AT-007H * There were no warning lights or messages to indicate the problem. The vehicle currently has 35,200 miles. I noticed the bad shifting at about 12,000 miles and it has gotten worse.

Questions about the 2021 Hyundai Kona transmission

Does the 2021 Hyundai Kona have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the transmission of the 2021 Hyundai Kona, 12% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2021 Hyundai Kona transmission problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Hyundai Kona transmission?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Hyundai Kona have bad transmission?

The Hyundai Kona model years with the most transmission complaints are 2020 (20 complaints), 2019 (19 complaints) and 2022 (19 complaints).

Other 2021 Hyundai Kona problems

Engine 81Electrical 11Driver assistance 8Fuel system 5Acceleration 4Brakes 4Steering 2Wheels 2Body 1Lights 1Seats 1Tires 1Visibility 1

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