2022 Hyundai Kona: engine stalls while driving

Filed Apr 13, 2026 · Engine · MS

In January 2026, my engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The dealership found a sudden loss of compression across all four cylinders, requiring a total engine replacement. This occurred without warning, only two months after a routine oil change at the same facility where no issues were reported. Despite opening a case with Hyundai corporate, there has been no progress. My research indicates that while the federal safety agency Recall 21V301 (Safety Recall 203) specifies 2019–2021 models, the 2022 model shares the same engine design and identical reports of stalling and compression loss. My vehicle has been at the dealership for three months with no resolution. The dealership says they are running tests requested by tech line without providing documentation of the tests or the results. Although, the initial test performed indicated that it was a compression ring issue.

Filed Jan 20, 2026 · Engine · MI

The vehicle displayed a warning lamp indicating a Cooling System Performance failure. The specific defect relates to the Integrated Thermal-Management Module (ITM) and the thermostat opening prematurely, corresponding to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P218100. This issue requires a repair outlined in Technical Service Bulletin 25-EM-007H, involving a spring installation and ECU update. This failure creates a serious safety concern because improper thermal management can cause the engine to overheat or force the vehicle into a reduced-power 'limp mode' without warning. A sudden loss of acceleration or engine stall while driving in traffic significantly increases the risk of a crash.

Filed Jun 23, 2025 · NJ

I purchased a 2022 Hyundai Kona brand new, and since day one it has had serious performance issues — specifically, harsh jolting during acceleration and occasional stalling. These symptoms are dangerous, especially when driving in traffic, merging, or crossing intersections. I discovered that a recall existed prior to my purchase, but it was not performed until after nearly two service visits — even though I had already reported these symptoms. I was never informed of the recall by the dealership before those visits. After the recall was eventually performed, the issues continued, and the dealership began doing software resets during service visits. However, these resets have not resolved the problem, and the symptoms return shortly after. The dealership claims there’s nothing wrong and refuses to escalate the issue. I have contacted Hyundai Consumer Affairs and am working with a national case manager, but there is still no resolution. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle. I believe this may be related to a defect in the transmission control system, electronic throttle, or dual-clutch transmission. I’m requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this as a safety-related defect, as it has persisted since purchase and affects both the safety and drivability of the vehicle.

Filed Mar 17, 2025 · MI

On February 3rd 2025, directly after putting my Kona in park, I felt it pulsing, saw the RPM dial bouncing repeatedly up and down, and the overhead lights flickering in rhythm with the vibrating/pulsing and RPM dial bounces. I recorded this incident, then turned my car off and on again at which point these observations could not be repeated - in other words, the car was acting fine. There were no other observable issues until March 1st, 2025, when these exact symptoms emerged under different circumstances. I came to an idle at a red light (with the auto-start/stop feature turned off for this drive) when the RPM bouncing, car pulsing back and forth, and lights flickering happened again. My car felt as though it was about to stall this time until, thankfully, the light turned green and I could accelerate. The issues dissipated with acceleration. I have this incident on video as well. I have a little over 63K miles on this car. I drive all day for my job, so it's used often for short trips throughout the city.

Filed Nov 12, 2024 · Engine · TX

On 10/4/2024 I was driving my 2022 Hyundai Kona SEL (61, 492 miles on odometer) with a cruise control set at 75 mph for my morning commute into work. I was approx 15 miles away from my house and at least 7 miles away from my place of employement. Suddenly and without warning the engine revved to beyond 4500 RPM and shut off. The lights on the dashboard all lit up and a message flashed on the screen stating engine cut off, turn off car and restart. I was surrounded by several cars at this time. I was able to navigate to the shoulder of the 2 lane road I was on and bring the car to a stop. When I tried to turn the car back on it would not. I had the car towed to the dealership. First they had to replace the battery as they stated there was not even enough juice in the battery to update the onboard computer for diagnostic. Then, after a week of waiting, I called and was informed that the engine was deak (advisor used the phrase "the engine when clunck"). As of today, 11/12/2024, I do not have a full diagnosis for the engine failure as the dealership has yet to inform me even though I have submitted multiple requests through various means. Service advisors states that the engine will be covered under the CPO warranty. At the time of the incident, the engine had not given any indications of any issues (like noices, stalls, etc). My sister had driven the car two days before and said it was driving fine. I had had the oil changed a week before and the tech did an inspection at that time and all parts were in working/good condition.

Filed Apr 1, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · 19,842 miles · WV

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while at a complete stop and would restart independently while shifting into park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, a chime sounded, and the message "Think About Taking a Rest" was displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure via email. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,842.

Filed Mar 14, 2023 · GA

Transmission failed, to start with it wouldn’t go into reverse, then while trying to drive in forward it stalled and shut everything down with a code message going across the screen a possible condition with your transmission control system has been detected.a full check system is recommended to be done soon.please contact your local dealership to make appointment. Had to have car towed to dealership transmission would not operate at all.

Filed Nov 6, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · GA

22’ Kona N DCT Base US spec. 5,600 miles est (2nd Kona) Fuel used: Shell Premium Outside Temp: 76F/Dry-Clear Sky. This is my 2nd Kona N, this is the 4th experience I’ve had with my Kona N’s. Towed the first on Vin# [XXX] to dealer, engine stalled after refueling during a road trip. 6/7k miles. Misfire. No replaced parts, car started acting normal. Then I traded it in for another Kona N in June 22’. The vehicle in normal mode is fine. I believe. Switching from N Mode is where the engine starts misfiring and runs on 3,2cyl puffing out white smoke. Leaving me stranded. The codes all show via car touch screen, and OBD reader/history. All electronics perform properly, including active safety features. I am Hyundai affiliated but I do not know how to relay the message. All of the Kona N/Elantra N/Veloster N DCT. Need software updates. It’s a bug, I honestly think. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).