2020 Hyundai Kona recalls and problems

The 2020 Hyundai Kona has 2 safety recalls and 162 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

162

Crashes / fires

8 / 3

Injuries / deaths

12 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2020 Hyundai Kona vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2020 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.

Recall 20V-022: Equipment

Reported Jan 17, 2020 · 477 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Kona vehicles. The certification label may indicate incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 567, "Certification" and 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: An incorrect GAWR could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install new label stickers displaying the correct GAWR over the affected areas of the certification label, free of charge. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 187.

2020 Hyundai Kona problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	109
Power Train	20
Unknown or Other	17
Electrical System	11
Vehicle Speed Control	7
Steering	7
Forward Collision Avoidance	7
Engine and Engine Cooling	4
Fuel/Propulsion System	4
Service Brakes	3
Suspension	2
Wheels	2

Most reported parts

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 6
Structure › Body — 2
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
Lane Departure › Assist — 1
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication — 1
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 12,000 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 2020 Hyundai Kona complaints

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

Engine · reported Oct 22, 2026

My 2020 Kona 2.OL failed an oil test losing 2.5 quarts in 960 miles, stalled on the highway, and blows oil out the tailpipe. Hyundai (Case #43141313) is denying repair coverage because my VIN was excluded from Recall 21V301000. This recall needs to be expanded to include my VIN.

Engine · at 53,976 miles · reported Oct 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle hesitated, and there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,976.

Engine · reported Sep 29, 2026

COMPONENT THAT FAILED: The engine short block piston rings (related to NHTSA recall 203) failed, causing severe cylinder wall scoring. The vehicle is currently located at an authorized Hyundai dealership and is available for manufacturer or NHTSA inspection. SAFETY RISK; The defective piston rings caused severe internal oil consumption, resulting in hydraulic oil starvation. This creates a high risk of sudden engine stalling, catastrophic engine seizure, and complete loss of motive power while driving in traffic. CONFIRMATION AND INSPECTION: Yes, the defect has been confirmed. The current…

Engine · reported Sep 27, 2026

I was fortunate to check my daughter's oil and noticed that it was almost empty. I alerted the dealer because I recently got an oil change and thought there was a leak, but no oil was on the driveway. The dealer performed an oil consumption test. They said it was 1 quart per 1,000 miles and this is acceptable. There are other models that are on the recall list, but mine is not. The dealer and Hyundai said that they will not pay for repairs because it is out of warranty. The bigger issue here is that Hyundai is aware of this issue (oil burning fast in these vehicles) and they are not warning…

Engine · reported Sep 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the dealer was unable to perform the recall repair because the vehicle had not experienced a failure associated with the recall and there were no fault codes displayed or retrieved associated with the recall. However, an independent mechanic recommended that the engine be replaced. The contact provided the dealer with the fault codes and the failures that the independent mechanic had found; however, the dealer was unable to retrieve the same fault…

Other Hyundai Kona years

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 202120202019 2018

Compare all Hyundai Kona years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2020 Hyundai Kona: 21V-301 (engine), 20V-022 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Hyundai Kona?

Owners report engine problems most often (109 reports), followed by power train (20). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 12,000 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.