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2018 Hyundai Kona

2018 Hyundai Kona: engine complaints dominate, with several fires reported

Owners filed 72 complaints with NHTSA. The engine is by far the largest cluster at 39 reports (54%), and it carries the most fires of any area (7), plus 1 crash and 4 injuries. Power train follows at 10 reports (14%), then the electrical system at 8 (11%), which despite its smaller count is tied to 4 fires, 2 crashes, and 5 injuries. Fuel/propulsion and engine cooling round out the top five with no crashes, fires, or injuries reported. Across these reports there were no deaths. Watch especially for engine trouble and signs of burning or smoke.

Most reported areas

Engine safety 54%
The most-reported area by a wide margin: 39 complaints (54%), and the most fires of any category (7). Owners describe a burning smell and smoke from under the hood after the car drops into limp mode. Tied to 1 crash and 4 injuries.
Power Train safety 14%
10 complaints (14%), with 1 fire reported. No crashes or injuries logged for this area.
Electrical System safety 11%
8 complaints (11%) but the most injuries of any area (5), along with 4 fires and 2 crashes. Owners report problems such as headlights flickering off and on while driving.
Fuel/Propulsion System0 6%
4 complaints (6%), including reports of blue smoke and misfiring under acceleration. No crashes, fires, or injuries logged.
Engine And Engine Cooling0 4%
3 complaints (4%), with reports of the engine warning light coming on and abnormal knocking sounds. No crashes, fires, or injuries logged.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints · 72 complaints

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General information compiled from public NHTSA complaint data, for reference only — not professional advice and not reviewed by automotive experts. Verify before acting; Team AM is not responsible for decisions made from it.