Last updated: 2026-03-27

RELIABILITY SCORE: 69/100 (GOOD)

2018 Hyundai Kona Reliability Report

Name: 2018 Hyundai Kona
Brand: Hyundai

The 2018 Hyundai Kona scores 69/100 ("Good"). With 0 recalls and 66 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

per 10k sold

Est. Annual Cost

N/A

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity60/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs50/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact100/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity86/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

ENGINE (18)
POWER TRAIN (8)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Redesign Year

2018 is the first model year of the First generation (OS; 2018-2023).

First-year models may have unresolved issues from the new design.
Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
Refreshed in 2021.
1st generation Kona (US).

What this means for buyers

First-year models carry more risk — early production issues are common. Consider waiting for the second year if reliability is a priority.

Compare 2018 pricing and recall counts against 2019+ before deciding.

2018: First generation (OS; 2018-2023) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2018 Hyundai Kona?

The 2018 Hyundai Kona scores 69/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. As a first-year redesign, early-adopter issues are common.

With 66 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to unknown or other (19). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2019 Hyundai Kona, which scored 14 points lower.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+No recalls issued
+Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

−UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Engine performance and electrical systems (19 complaints)
−ENGINE issues reported (18 complaints)

Compare 2018 Hyundai Kona With

2018 Chevrolet Trax

Reliability: 75/100

Good

2018 KIA Sportage

Reliability: 68/100

Good

2018 Honda HR-V

Reliability: 78/100

Good

2018 Nissan Kicks

Reliability: 71/100

Good

2018 Subaru Crosstrek

Reliability: 60/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Other

HIGH RISK

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (19)
ENGINE (18)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recalls on record

The 2018 Hyundai Kona has no recalls on record, which is uncommon and a positive indicator of manufacturing quality.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 24.4

LowAvgHigh

Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Hyundai Kona NHTSA Safety Ratings

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (TBT)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Hyundai Kona Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

2.5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

2018 Hyundai Kona Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
Repair	Estimated Cost
AC Diagnosis	$122 – $179
AC Condenser Replacement	$814 – $905
Battery Test	$49 – $72
Brake Booster Replacement	$471 – $578
Fuel Level Sending Unit Replacement	$1,433 – $1,484
Headlamp Alignment Adjust	$49 – $72
Hood Latch Replacement	$177 – $205
Intake Manifold Gasket Replacement	$413 – $487
Water Pump Replacement	$624 – $738
Exhaust Muffler Replacement	$959 – $988

Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Hyundai Kona.

Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil levels and looking for signs of engine knocking
Test drive to check for transmission shudder or jolting, especially at low speeds
Inspect for any signs of engine or electrical fires, such as burn marks or smoke odors
Verify that all doors, especially rear passenger doors, open from the inside
Ensure the airbag system is functioning properly and inquire about any past airbag deployment issues
Check for any unusual noises or vibrations from the engine during acceleration

Buying a 2018 Kona? Check Its History First

Every 2018 Hyundai Kona has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN

2018 Hyundai Kona Common Problems by Component

66 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (19)ENGINE (18)POWER TRAIN (8)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)STRUCTURE (3)AIR BAGS (2)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)Other (6)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

19 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several recurring issues with the 2018 Hyundai Kona, particularly related to engine performance and electrical systems. Complaints frequently mention engine misfires, excessive oil consumption, and stalling, often occurring around 50,000 to 110,000 miles. Some owners describe incidents involving crashes and fires, with symptoms such as unexpected acceleration, steering lock, and brake failure. Additionally, multiple reports highlight problems with the blind collision warning system shutting off unexpectedly. These issues present potential safety risks, including loss of vehicle control and collision hazards, which prospective buyers should consider.

19 complaints total4 crashes2 fires4 injuries

ENGINE

18 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Hyundai Kona frequently report significant engine issues, including excessive oil consumption and engine knocking. Complaints commonly describe symptoms such as engine stalling, loss of power, and in some cases, total engine failure. These issues often appear around 60,000 to 115,000 miles, with several owners noting the absence of warning lights despite severe symptoms. Safety concerns are evident, with three reports of engine fires, one of which resulted in injury, and multiple instances of sudden loss of vehicle control on highways. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring problems and the associated risks.

18 complaints total3 fires1 injury

POWER TRAIN

8 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Hyundai Kona frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving engine oil consumption and dual clutch transmission (DCT) problems. Complaints often describe symptoms such as engine knocking, oil burning, and stalling, as well as transmission jolting and failure to accelerate. These issues typically arise around 30,000 to 72,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of sudden loss of power on highways, stalling in traffic, and two incidents of engine fires. These patterns suggest potential risks for used car buyers, especially concerning engine reliability and transmission performance.

8 complaints total1 fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Hyundai Kona report several issues related to the electrical system, with a notable number of complaints involving fires and crashes. Multiple owners describe incidents where their vehicles experienced electrical fires, sometimes while parked and other times leading to crashes, with some reports indicating injuries. Complaints frequently mention problems with door locks and electrical components like the map display and headlights, with one owner noting that headlights flicker intermittently. These issues have been reported at various mileages, including as low as 22,000 miles. The safety implications are significant, with reports of fires occurring unexpectedly and in some cases, leading to vehicle damage and personal injury.

7 complaints total2 crashes4 fires5 injuries

STRUCTURE (3 complaints)

STRUCTURE

3 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Hyundai Kona report several issues related to the vehicle's structure. A common issue involves the inability to open the rear passenger door from inside the vehicle. Another complaint describes the car's antenna detaching while driving, which could potentially become a projectile hazard. Additionally, one owner reports a severe structural failure where the front passenger side of the car disconnected from the frame, resulting in the front end dragging on the ground. These incidents highlight potential safety implications, particularly concerning the structural integrity and functionality of the vehicle. The reported issues do not specify mileage, indicating they may not be tied to vehicle age or wear.

3 complaints total

AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Hyundai Kona report issues with airbag deployment during crashes. Specifically, there are accounts of the main driver airbag failing to deploy, even in severe collisions, such as hitting another vehicle or multiple trees. In one case, this non-deployment resulted in significant head injuries, including a scalp laceration. These incidents often occur during high-impact situations, indicating a critical safety concern. Used car buyers should be aware that, based on these reports, the airbag system may not function as expected in crash scenarios.

2 complaints total2 crashes1 injury

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Hyundai Kona report issues with the vehicle's exterior lighting, specifically regarding the LED headlights. Complaints frequently mention excessive glare from the headlights on models manufactured before June 2018, leading to flashes from oncoming traffic who believe the high beams are on. Another issue noted is insufficient headlight illumination in early SE and SEL models, which was reportedly corrected in later versions. These problems are reported to cause unsafe driving conditions, particularly on narrow roads. Buyers should be aware that models produced from February to May 2018 may have unresolved headlight issues unless modifications were made.

2 complaints total

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

2024-10-10

The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds, the engine warning light illuminated. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined there was knock in the cylinder. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the cam was overworked and both cams had overproduced. Additionally, there was a misfire in cylinders number 1, 2, and 4. There was a power imbalance test performed, which determined that cylinder #3 was the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,745.

TIRES (1 complaints)

TIRES

1 complaint

2024-08-23

At approximately 10,000 miles the tread is separating from the tire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

2024-12-19

my Kona sputters when I put it in gear EVERY TIME. I have purchased gas at several stations so getting bad gas in the tank cannot be an issue. I’ve also had to replace the coil packs twice within 6 months. December 2024 and July 2025

When Do 2018 Hyundai Kona Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

60,000–115,000 milesEngine failures

30,000–72,000 milesTransmission issues

Best & Worst Hyundai Kona Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Hyundai Kona Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

The best Hyundai Kona year is 2025 with a reliability score of 74/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2018 (69/100) and 2024 (68/100).

Top Pick

Good

2025

0Recalls

21Complaints

Good

2018

(Current Model)

0Recalls

66Complaints

Good

2024

3Recalls

50Complaints

Hyundai Kona Years to Avoid

The worst Hyundai Kona year is 2019 with a score of 55/100, primarily due to engine (92) issues.

Mixed

2019

4Recalls

224Complaints

See full Hyundai Kona years-to-avoid analysis

Hyundai Kona Reliability Score Trend

Hyundai Kona reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 68/100 compared to 61/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Hyundai Kona reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	69/100	Good
2019	55/100	Mixed
2020	57/100	Mixed
2021	63/100	Good
2022	64/100	Good
2023	66/100	Good
2024	68/100	Good
2025	74/100	Good

Hyundai Kona Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	69/100 (predicted)	—	Predicted	2	4
2025	74/100	+6	Good	0	21
2024	68/100	+2	Good	3	50
2023	66/100	+2	Good	2	68
2022	64/100	+1	Good	2	115
2021	63/100	+6	Good	1	102
2020	57/100	+2	Mixed	2	140
2019	55/100	-14	Mixed	4	224
2018(selected)	69/100	—	Good	0	66

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Hyundai Kona reliable?

The 2018 Hyundai Kona has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 69/100. It is reasonably reliable with 0 recalls and 66 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Hyundai Kona?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Hyundai Kona include: UNKNOWN OR OTHER (19 complaints), ENGINE (18 complaints), POWER TRAIN (8 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7 complaints), STRUCTURE (3 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2018 Hyundai Kona have?

The 2018 Hyundai Kona has no recalls on record, which is a positive indicator.

Is the 2018 Hyundai Kona expensive to maintain?

The 2018 Hyundai Kona should have average maintenance costs for its class. With a reliability score of 69/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2018 Hyundai Kona without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.