Last updated: 2026-03-27

2019 Hyundai Kona
RELIABILITY SCORE: 55/100 (MIXED)

2019 Hyundai Kona Reliability Report

The 2019 Hyundai Kona scores 55/100 ("Mixed"). With 4 recalls and 224 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

Recalls

4

Complaints

224

Complaint Rate

30.5

per 10k sold

Est. Annual Cost

N/A

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity46/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs50/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact60/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity81/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ENGINE (92)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (55)
  • POWER TRAIN (19)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 2)

2019 is year 2 of the First generation (OS; 2018-2023).

  • Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
  • A refresh arrives in 2021.
  • 1st generation Kona (US).

What this means for buyers

Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.

If you're comparing prices, check 2018 (redesign year) vs 2019+ pricing and recalls.

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

Generation start — new platform.

2019: This Model Year

2019 is year 2 of the First generation (OS; 2018-2023).

2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

Should You Buy the 2019 Hyundai Kona?

The 2019 Hyundai Kona scores 55/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. 2019 is year 2 of the First generation (OS; 2018-2023).

With 224 owner complaints and 4 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in engine (92) — can be costly to repair.

An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on engine (92) is essential before committing.

Compared to the 2020 Hyundai Kona, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2018 Hyundai Kona for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +5-star NHTSA crash rating
  • +Not a first-year model

Cons

  • Below-average reliability score
  • Moderate recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for SUV
  • ENGINE issues reported (92 complaints)
  • 6 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
  • Safety recall: park-outside advisory issued

Compare 2019 Hyundai Kona With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 4 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ENGINE (92)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (55)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

4

recalls on record

Park Outside

The 2019 Hyundai Kona has 4 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

30.5

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 20.8

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

13

Crashes

6

Fires

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

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

2019 Hyundai Kona Recall Details

4 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Hyundai Kona. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

21V3010002021-04-28

ENGINE

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

21V1270002021-03-01Park Outside

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric and 2020 Ioniq Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.

Consequence

An electrical short in the Li-ion battery increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the interim action is complete. Hyundai will notify owners, and as an interim action, owners have the option to follow provided instructions to perform a battery update through the vehicle's infotainment system or request a Hyundai dealer to provide the update. Once parts are available, dealers will inspect the Battery System Assembly (BSA), and replace it if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk, and the interim action, with a letter mailed April 9, 2021. Final owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 200.

20V7480002020-12-01

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Nexo Fuel Cell and 2019-2021 Kona Electric vehicles. The Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system may detect an abnormal sensor signal and as a result, may significantly reduce braking performance.

Consequence

Reduced braking power could lengthen the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the IEB software, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 199.

2019 Hyundai Kona NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 13.6%

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) (Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Hyundai Kona Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

2.5Maintenance rating: 2.5 out of 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.

2019 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
RepairEstimated 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 2019 Hyundai Kona.

  • Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil levels and looking for signs of burning oil

  • Listen for engine knocking or abnormal sounds during a test drive

  • Verify that the engine has been inspected or repaired under relevant recalls

  • Test drive to check for hesitation or stalling during acceleration

  • Inspect for any warning lights on the dashboard, especially the check engine light

  • Ensure all doors open and close properly, checking for faulty latch actuators

  • Test the horn and electrical components for functionality

Buying a 2019 Kona? Check Its History First

Every 2019 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.

2019 Hyundai Kona Common Problems by Component

224 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

92
55
ENGINE (92)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (55)POWER TRAIN (19)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (9)ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (6)SERVICE BRAKES (5)AIR BAGS (5)Other (16)

ENGINE

92 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Kona frequently report issues related to engine performance, including stalling, knocking sounds, and excessive oil consumption. Typical symptoms include the engine shutting off while driving, high RPMs with little acceleration, and the check engine light illuminating. These problems often arise at mileages ranging from approximately 68,000 to over 100,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with reports of engine-related fires, crashes, and a loss of vehicle control, particularly when the engine stalls unexpectedly in traffic. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and the associated safety risks.

92 complaints total2 crashes3 fires1 injury

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

55 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Kona frequently report issues with the electrical system, including sudden loss of power while driving and electrical shorts leading to vehicle shutdowns. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling, failing to start, or experiencing flickering lights and electrical surges. These issues often occur at varying mileages, with some reports as early as 1,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of two crashes and two fires, and three injuries related to these electrical failures. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, especially regarding the vehicle's reliability and safety.

55 complaints total2 crashes2 fires3 injuries

POWER TRAIN

19 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Kona frequently report issues related to power train malfunctions, particularly with the transmission and acceleration. Common symptoms include sudden loss of power, hesitation during acceleration, and the vehicle stalling or failing to accelerate from a stop. These issues are often accompanied by warning lights, such as the check engine light or forward collision warning, and sometimes occur after the vehicle has warmed up or at highway speeds. Complaints suggest these problems can arise at various mileage points, with some occurring shortly after purchase and others at higher mileages, such as 66,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted, with several owners describing situations where the vehicle unexpectedly loses power, posing risks of accidents, especially on highways.

19 complaints total
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

17 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with excessive oil consumption in the 2019 Hyundai Kona, often leading to engine stalling and internal component failures, particularly around 60,000 to 70,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as the car stalling in traffic, loss of power, and abnormal engine noises. In addition to engine-related problems, multiple owners describe failures in the door latch actuators, which can prevent doors from opening, posing a safety risk in emergencies. Some owners also report non-functional horns and spontaneous sunroof explosions, which could affect driver safety. These issues, particularly the stalling and door latch problems, highlight potential safety hazards for prospective buyers to consider.

17 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (9 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

9 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Kona frequently report issues related to the fuel/propulsion system, with common complaints involving fuel leaks and acceleration problems. Some owners describe noticing strong gasoline odors and visible fuel leaks, with one instance involving a crack in the fuel pump's mounting flange. Acceleration issues are also prevalent, with reports of delayed response when the gas pedal is depressed, particularly during merging and from a full stop; these issues sometimes involve improper gear shifting or a lack of engine response. While specific mileage is not consistently noted, these issues often arise shortly after purchase. Safety implications include the potential for dangerous situations when merging or accelerating in traffic, though no crashes or fires are reported.

9 complaints total
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (6 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

6 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Kona frequently report issues related to excessive engine oil consumption and engine stalling. Common symptoms include low engine oil levels shortly after refilling, burning odors, and abnormal engine noises such as knocking and clicking. Several reports indicate engine stalling while driving, sometimes accompanied by loss of power steering and braking, with one incident resulting in a vehicle rolling backward and striking a tree. The issues typically arise at mileages ranging from approximately 40,000 to 150,000 miles. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, as some incidents involve loss of vehicle control.

6 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Kona frequently report issues related to the service brakes, with symptoms including intermittent brake failure and unexpected activation of the automatic emergency braking system. Two complaints involve crashes, with one incident where the brakes did not respond, leading to a collision, and another where the vehicle failed to stop despite desperate braking efforts. Multiple owners describe experiences where the vehicle either accelerates unexpectedly or the brakes shudder, sometimes resulting in the car stalling. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with one specific report at 70,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as these complaints include loss of control and near-collisions, which are critical for potential buyers to consider.

5 complaints total2 crashes
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)

AIR BAGS

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Kona frequently report issues with air bags during crashes, with several noting that the air bags did not deploy at all. In one case, the deployment of the driver’s side airbag resulted in the plastic frame breaking and causing injury. Another owner describes a situation where the air bag light only illuminated post-accident, and the vehicle is outside the warranty period but under 58,000 miles. Additionally, one report involves a fire after a front-end collision, which also resulted in injury. These complaints indicate potential safety implications, including non-deployment of air bags and physical harm upon deployment, which may be relevant for prospective buyers considering this model.

5 complaints total5 crashes1 fire2 injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Kona report several issues related to vehicle speed control. Complaints frequently mention problems with stalling, particularly when the vehicle is stopped in drive or park, accompanied by multiple warning lights and a non-responsive tachometer, occurring around 62,000 miles. Another owner reports a loss of speed while driving uphill, though dealer inspections found no related issues. A significant safety concern is highlighted by an incident where an owner experienced unintended acceleration from a complete stop, resulting in a collision and injury at approximately 70,000 miles. These reports suggest potential risks related to speed control malfunctions, including loss of control and accidents.

4 complaints total1 crash1 injury
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

2 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Kona report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, primarily involving unintentional emergency braking and system inoperability. Complaints frequently mention the emergency braking system engaging during lane changes, mistakenly detecting nearby vehicles and causing abrupt deceleration, which can lead to near misses in traffic. Additionally, some owners describe the system as entirely non-functional, failing to respond to speed limits, provide warnings, or apply braking force, despite dealer assessments indicating normal operation. These issues are noted to occur within the first few months of ownership and present potential safety implications, particularly in city driving conditions.

2 complaints total

When Do 2019 Hyundai Kona Problems Start?

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

60,000–80,000 milesEngine oil consumption
68,000–100,000 milesEngine stalling

Best & Worst Hyundai Kona Years

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

Best Hyundai Kona Years to Buy

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).

Hyundai Kona Years to Avoid

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

55
Mixed

2019

(Current Model)

4Recalls
224Complaints

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
YearScoreRating
201869/100Good
201955/100Mixed
202057/100Mixed
202163/100Good
202264/100Good
202366/100Good
202468/100Good
202574/100Good

Hyundai Kona Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202669/100 (predicted)Predicted24
202574/100+6Good021
202468/100+2Good350
202366/100+2Good268
202264/100+1Good2115
202163/100+6Good1102
202057/100+2Mixed2140
2019(selected)55/100-14Mixed4224
201869/100Good066

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona reliable?
The 2019 Hyundai Kona has a "Mixed" reliability rating (55/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 4 recalls and 224 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Kona?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Hyundai Kona include: ENGINE (92 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (55 complaints), POWER TRAIN (19 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17 complaints), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (9 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Kona have?
The 2019 Hyundai Kona has 4 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Hyundai Kona may have above-average maintenance costs. Its reliability score of 55/100 and 224 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely.

Don’t buy a 2019 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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

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

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue