Last updated: 2026-03-27

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
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (92)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (55)
- POWER TRAIN (19)
Generation & Refresh (US)
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

2019 Chevrolet Trax
Reliability: 75/100

2019 KIA Sportage
Reliability: 74/100

2019 Honda HR-V
Reliability: 75/100

2019 Nissan Kicks
Reliability: 73/100

2019 Subaru Crosstrek
Reliability: 56/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 4 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ENGINE (92)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (55)
Recall Overview
4
recalls on record
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 soldSegment avg: 20.8
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.
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.
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.
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
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 13.6%
Safety Technologies
Hyundai Kona Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2.5Maintenance rating: 2.5 out of 5Based 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.
| 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 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.
ENGINE
92 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
55 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN
19 complaintsOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (17 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
17 complaintsOwners 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (9 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
9 complaintsOwners 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (6 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
6 complaintsOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (5 complaints)
AIR BAGS
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsOwners 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.
When Do 2019 Hyundai Kona Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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 scoreThe 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.
2019
(Current Model)
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.
| 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Kona?
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Kona have?
Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona expensive to maintain?
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.
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.
Browse More Hyundai Models

Hyundai Elantra
Score: 87/100

Hyundai Ioniq 5
Score: 53/100

Hyundai Palisade
Score: 70/100

Hyundai Santa-FE
Score: 75/100

Hyundai Sonata
Score: 76/100

Hyundai Tucson
Score: 75/100
Browse More 2019 Vehicles

2019 Lexus RX
Score: 82/100

2019 KIA Sedona
Score: 80/100

2019 Lexus IS
Score: 79/100

2019 Lexus GX
Score: 78/100

2019 Chevrolet Colorado
Score: 78/100

2019 Mazda 3
Score: 78/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue