Last updated: 2026-03-27

2022 Hyundai Kona Reliability Report
The 2022 Hyundai Kona scores 64/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 115 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
115
Complaint Rate
18
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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33)
- ENGINE (19)
- POWER TRAIN (18)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
- Year 5 in the First generation (OS; 2018-2023) (2018–2023).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 1st generation Kona (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2018: First generation (OS; 2018-2023) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2022: This Model Year
2022 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2022 Hyundai Kona?
The 2022 Hyundai Kona scores 64/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2022 is 1 year after the facelift refresh.
Its complaint rate (18 per 10k sold) is above the SUV segment average of 13.7. The most common reports involve electrical system (33).
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (33). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2023 Hyundai Kona, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2021 Hyundai Kona for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Part 96611-J9500 (33 complaints)
- −ENGINE issues reported (19 complaints)
Compare 2022 Hyundai Kona With

2022 Mazda CX-30
Reliability: 67/100

2022 Toyota Corolla Cross
Reliability: 80/100

2022 Chevrolet Trax
Reliability: 81/100

2022 KIA Sportage
Reliability: 79/100

2022 Honda HR-V
Reliability: 83/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33)
- ENGINE (19)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2022 Hyundai Kona has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
18
per 10k soldSegment avg: 13.7
Safety Incidents
3
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Hyundai Kona Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Hyundai Kona. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Consequence
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 9, 2024. Some interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 262 and 023G.
POWER TRAIN
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
Consequence
Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 236.
2022 Hyundai Kona NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.1%
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.
2022 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 2022 Hyundai Kona.
Test horn functionality multiple times
Inspect engine for knocking or stalling symptoms
Check for any signs of coolant leaks
Verify transmission shifts smoothly
Test adaptive cruise control for delays
Check for any dashboard warning lights
Inspect sunroof and windows for cracks or damage
Ensure emergency braking system does not activate unexpectedly
Buying a 2022 Kona? Check Its History First
Every 2022 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.
2022 Hyundai Kona Common Problems by Component
115 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
33 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the horn on the 2022 Hyundai Kona, with complaints indicating multiple failures and replacements, particularly involving part 96611-J9500. Symptoms include the horn intermittently failing or completely not working, often discovered in critical situations requiring use. These failures are noted at various mileage points, some as early as a few months after purchase, and are described as a significant safety concern due to the inability to alert other drivers. Additionally, several owners describe problems with the vehicle's electrical system, such as failure to start, unexpected shutdowns, and dashboard warning lights related to the electronic stability control and ABS systems. These issues, occurring at various times and mileage, suggest potential safety risks, including loss of vehicle control and failure to restart after stopping.
ENGINE
19 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Hyundai Kona frequently report engine-related issues, notably involving sudden loss of power and engine stalling. Common symptoms include the engine shutting off unexpectedly, loss of acceleration, and knocking noises. These problems often occur without warning lights, although some owners mention check engine lights and diagnostic trouble codes. The issues are reported across various mileage ranges, from as low as 103 miles to over 80,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as these failures often happen while driving, posing risks of crashes due to sudden loss of vehicle control. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, especially concerning unexpected engine shutdowns and oil drain plug failures.
POWER TRAIN
18 complaintsOwners report several powertrain issues with the 2022 Hyundai Kona, primarily involving transmission failures and unusual noises. Complaints frequently mention transmissions slipping, failing to shift, or staying in first gear, often occurring between 4,000 and 37,600 miles. Symptoms include the vehicle entering limp mode, significant power loss, and metal debris found in the gear reduction oil. Safety implications are noted, with some owners experiencing sudden loss of power on highways, posing potential risks. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers, especially regarding transmission performance and associated safety issues.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (18 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
18 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Hyundai Kona frequently report issues with the horn, with many stating it stops working intermittently, often in cold weather, and sometimes after less than a year of ownership. This problem is noted as a safety concern because it prevents drivers from signaling to other vehicles and pedestrians. Additionally, some owners describe performance-related issues such as harsh jolting during acceleration and stalling, which persist even after recall repairs and software resets. These issues often occur at various mileages, with some reports mentioning symptoms at just over 1,000 miles. The complaints highlight potential safety risks, including loss of engine power and failure to alert others, which could lead to dangerous driving situations.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (9 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report significant issues with the 2022 Hyundai Kona's adaptive cruise control, frequently mentioning delays in speed engagement, with the vehicle slowing by 10-15 mph before the system activates. Complaints often describe inconsistent functionality, particularly during highway driving, where the cruise control fails to maintain set speeds, leading to abrupt speed reductions and potential traffic hazards. One crash is reported involving unintended acceleration while parking, resulting in the vehicle hitting a building. These issues are noted throughout various mileage ranges, with some owners experiencing these problems shortly after purchase. The reported malfunctions pose safety implications, especially when the vehicle unexpectedly loses speed or accelerates, which could lead to dangerous situations in traffic.
SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Hyundai Kona report issues related to the service brakes, specifically involving unexpected activation of the automatic emergency braking system. Complaints frequently mention the brakes engaging without apparent cause while driving on highways, even when no obstacles are present, leading to abrupt stops. Additionally, one owner describes a significant loss of braking functionality due to a faulty caliper, resulting in a complete depletion of brake fluid and necessitating the use of the parking brake to stop the vehicle. These issues are reported to occur at varying mileages and pose potential safety risks, such as sudden stops in traffic and impaired braking capability.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Hyundai Kona report unexpected activations of the emergency braking system, often without any apparent obstacles or reasons for the intervention. Typical symptoms include sudden braking, dashboard notifications indicating "emergency brake activated," and alert noises, even when the vehicle is at a safe distance from other cars. These incidents are noted at various speeds, including expressway driving at around 60 mph and slower speeds under 10 mph. The complaints arise at low mileages, such as 1,322 miles, and suggest potential safety implications due to the abrupt nature of the braking, which could lead to loss of driver confidence and possible accidents if occurring at higher speeds or in traffic. Potential buyers should be aware of these reports and consider the implications of unexpected braking on their driving experience.
VISIBILITY (2 complaints)
VISIBILITY
2 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Hyundai Kona report issues with the vehicle's glass components, specifically the sunroof and side windows. Complaints frequently mention the sunroof and the front passenger's side window shattering without any apparent impact while driving. These incidents occur at various mileages, with one report at approximately 40,000 miles for the sunroof and another at around 2,000 miles for the side window. Safety implications include broken glass falling into the cabin, although no injuries or accidents are reported. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential issues and consider inspecting these components when evaluating the vehicle.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Hyundai Kona report issues with airbag non-deployment during collisions. In two separate incidents, airbags did not deploy when the vehicles were involved in crashes. One report includes a failure of the automatic braking system and cruise control, which did not stop the vehicle despite a collision warning, and resulted in an injury. The mileage at which these issues occur is not specified. These complaints highlight potential safety risks associated with non-deploying airbags and malfunctioning braking systems.
LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
2 complaintsOwners report that the 2022 Hyundai Kona's lane departure and lane keeping systems exhibit problematic behaviors. Complaints frequently mention the lane assist system attempting to steer the vehicle off the road, with one owner experiencing this issue multiple times daily since the first week of ownership. Another owner describes the lane keeping system as fighting against the driver, specifically noting sudden jerks to the left, which nearly caused a head-on collision. These issues often occur when road markings are inconsistent, involve reflectors instead of painted lines, or near exits. Safety implications include near-accidents and loss of control, making it significant for potential buyers to consider these reported experiences.
When Do 2022 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.
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 2022 Hyundai Kona reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Hyundai Kona?
How many recalls does the 2022 Hyundai Kona have?
Is the 2022 Hyundai Kona expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2022 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 2022 Vehicles

2022 Lexus RX
Score: 90/100

2022 Mazda CX-5
Score: 87/100

2022 Toyota Camry
Score: 84/100

2022 Honda HR-V
Score: 83/100

2022 Lexus IS
Score: 83/100

2022 Nissan Altima
Score: 83/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue