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2020 Hyundai Kona

2020 Hyundai Kona: the engine drives most owner complaints

Owners filed 150 complaints with NHTSA. The engine dominates at 65% of all reports, far ahead of the power train (12%) and electrical system (7%). No deaths or fires are reported on the engine itself, but vehicle speed control stands out: only 7 reports, yet the most crashes (3) and injuries (5) of any area. Take both the engine and any unexpected acceleration seriously on a test drive.

Most reported areas

Engine safety 65%
By far the most reported area: 97 reports (65%), with 2 crashes and 3 injuries. No fires noted. Listen for unusual noises and watch for engine trouble while driving.
Power Train safety 12%
Second most reported: 18 reports (12%), including 1 with fire. No crashes or injuries noted. Watch how the transmission shifts and behaves on the highway.
Electrical System0 7%
11 reports (7%), with no crashes, fires, or injuries noted. A smaller complaint area than the engine or power train.
Vehicle Speed Control safety 5%
Only 7 reports (5%) but the most serious by outcome: 3 crashes and 5 injuries, the highest of any area. Reports describe sudden, unexpected acceleration.
Steering safety 5%
7 reports (5%), tied to 1 crash and no injuries. Reports describe the car wandering at highway speed; check tracking on a test drive.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints · 150 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.