There are no safety recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Kona, but owners have filed 75 complaints with NHTSA.
2018 Hyundai Kona problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Engine | 42 | |
| Unknown or Other | 25 | |
| Power Train | 11 | |
| Electrical System | 8 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | |
| Structure | 3 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 3 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | |
| Air Bags | 2 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 3
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 2
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1
- Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 1
- Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 17,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2018 Hyundai Kona complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Engine · reported Sep 19, 2026
car had an engine knock at 110,000 miles and took it to a repair shop and said they are pretty sure it was an engine rod and that the whole engine needed to be replaced still waiting to get it to the dealership to see what they are going to do due to this car being a leased car and it will not run anymore.
Vehicle Speed Control · reported Jul 21, 2026
I purchased a 2018 Hyundai Kona, and it has had one major issue after another. It burns an excessive amount of oil, the engine misfires, and now the turbocharger is failing. Iâve already spent approximately $2,300 repairing the air conditioner and engine, and I canât afford thousands more in repairs.
Engine · at 123,000 miles · reported Jul 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the engine bay, followed by grinding gear sounds. The vehicle lost drive power, causing the driver to coast over to the side of the road, where the vehicle eventually stalled. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the timing belt had failed, and the cam gear rod had sheared off inside the exhaust camshaft, which caused the timing belt to jump and the cam chain tensioner to fracture. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was…
Engine · at 98,000 miles · reported May 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving it began to smoke, a noise was hear, put in neutral to coast down a hill and had to pull the parking break to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with defective piston oil rings, and the engine was rebuilt. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was.98,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 90,000 miles · reported May 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Koa. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving the vehicle began to sputter and jerk before stalling. During the failure the oil warning light flashed off and on. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed due to carbon buildup. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000(ENGINE) The…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2018 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Kona as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Hyundai Kona?
Owners report engine problems most often (42 reports), followed by unknown or other (25). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 17,000 miles.
Are Hyundai recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.