2021 Hyundai Kona problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 116 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Hyundai Kona, filed between 2021-04-02 and 2026-09-11. The most common problem areas are the engine (77, 66%), power train (14, 12%) and electrical system (11, 9%). Owners reported 2 crashes, 3 fires and 3 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 1 recall for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Hyundai Kona complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 77 | 66% | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 18 | 16% | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Power train | 14 | 12% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 9% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 4 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 3% | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 3 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Engine: 77 complaints
- 77 complaints of 116 (66%) name the engine.
- 5 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 fires in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Hyundai Kona; the recall, campaign 21V301000, says: “The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.”
Power train: 14 complaints
- 14 complaints of 116 (12%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 5 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Hyundai Kona covers this system.
Electrical system: 11 complaints
- 11 complaints of 116 (9%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 5 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Hyundai Kona covers this system.
Forward collision avoidance: 4 complaints
- 4 complaints of 116 (3%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- Owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Hyundai Kona covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 4 complaints
- 4 complaints of 116 (3%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 4 of them also name the engine; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Hyundai Kona covers this system.
Vehicle speed control: 4 complaints
- 4 complaints of 116 (3%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 2 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Hyundai Kona covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 23 |
| 2022 | 18 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 25 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names KONA, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Hyundai Kona recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Hyundai Kona's most common problem areas are the engine (77 of 116 complaints), power train (14 of 116 complaints) and electrical system (11 of 116 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Hyundai Kona have?
NHTSA has 116 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Hyundai Kona, including 2 reported crashes and 3 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Hyundai Kona's problems?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Hyundai Kona; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.