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2019 Hyundai Kona recalls and problems

The 2019 Hyundai Kona has 1 safety recall and 198 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
198
Crashes / fires
11 / 4
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2019 Hyundai Kona vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2019 Hyundai Kona recalls

Recall 21V-301: Engine

Reported Apr 28, 2021 · 158,493 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.

Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

2019 Hyundai Kona problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine138
Unknown or Other21
Power Train19
Electrical System18
Fuel/Propulsion System10
Forward Collision Avoidance9
Vehicle Speed Control9
Engine and Engine Cooling9
Lane Departure7
Air Bags5
Structure5
Exterior Lighting4

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 5
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 4
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 4
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Sump/Tank › Drain Plug — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 44,000 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 2019 Hyundai Kona complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Oct 24, 2026
I have a 2019 Kona that has an issue with excessive oil consumption. I know that Hyundai issued a recall for this problem in 2019 Konas, but they claim my car isn’t included in that recall, and they refuse to help me. It feels like a scam on Hyundai’s part. my plate is: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine · reported Oct 23, 2026
My vehicle was brought into Kerry Hyundai of Alexandria in December 2025 and is still there. It was brought in for warranty work. The original complaint was oil consumption. It is supposedly getting a replacement engine but it has been 10 months of them giving me the run around. I feel this timeline is unreasonable.
Engine · reported Oct 20, 2026
My 2019 Hyundai Kona (VIN: [XXX]) experiences violent shaking and complete engine stalling in active traffic when braking, creating an immediate safety hazard on public roads. This directly mirrors the failure mechanics of Safety Recall 203 ([XXX]). Upon inspection, physical evidence of massive silver aluminum metal flakes was discovered clogging the VVT solenoid mesh screens, originating from internal cylinder/piston ring degradation. However, the dealership Universal Hyundai in [XXX] (RO# XXX) issued a fraudulent diagnostic report stating 'no metal found' to evade recall liability. Hyundai…
Engine · reported Oct 16, 2026
While driving my 2019 Hyundai Kona with the 2.0L engine, the engine suddenly began making a loud knocking sound. Immediately after exiting the highway onto a main street, the vehicle stalled in active traffic, causing a sudden loss of motive power and creating a significant safety hazard. The first Hyundai dealership documented an engine knock and reported diagnostic trouble codes P0011, P0014, P0017, and P0366, involving camshaft timing and correlation. I was subsequently informed that the engine had suffered a catastrophic internal failure. A second Hyundai dealership later diagnosed a…
Engine · reported Oct 13, 2026
Large amounts of oil slipped past the damaged rings into the engine. Oil could not stay no matter how many oil changes and proper maintenance. Hard metal shards got loose into the engine causing the engine to blow. Many codes came up in the diagnoses done by a Hyundai dealership. This has been reported to be a common complaint and problem with this make and model/year of the car. It should not be my responsibility to fix. Its 100% a manufacturer error. Please assist me!

Other Hyundai Kona years

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Compare all Hyundai Kona years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2019 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2019 Hyundai Kona: 21V-301 (engine). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2019 Hyundai Kona?

Owners report engine problems most often (138 reports), followed by unknown or other (21). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 44,000 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.