Last updated: 2026-03-27

2022 Hyundai Kona
RELIABILITY SCORE: 64/100 (GOOD)

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

Complaint Severity57/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs50/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact80/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity87/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33)
  • ENGINE (19)
  • POWER TRAIN (18)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

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

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 2 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33)
  • ENGINE (19)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

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 sold

Segment avg: 13.7

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

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.

24V5280002024-07-12

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.

22V7460002022-10-06

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

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

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 14.1%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)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)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)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.

2022 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 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.

33
19
18
18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33)ENGINE (19)POWER TRAIN (18)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (18)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (9)SERVICE BRAKES (4)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)VISIBILITY (2)Other (9)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

33 complaints

Owners 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.

33 complaints total

ENGINE

19 complaints

Owners 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.

19 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

18 complaints

Owners 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.

18 complaints total
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (18 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

18 complaints

Owners 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.

18 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (9 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

9 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

9 complaints total1 crash
SERVICE BRAKES (4 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

4 complaints

Owners 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.

4 complaints total
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 complaints

Owners 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.

3 complaints total
VISIBILITY (2 complaints)

VISIBILITY

2 complaints

Owners 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.

2 complaints total
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

2 complaints total2 crashes1 injury
LANE DEPARTURE (2 complaints)

LANE DEPARTURE

2 complaints

Owners 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.

2 complaints total

When Do 2022 Hyundai Kona Problems Start?

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

7,000–8,000 milesHorn failures
60,000–80,000 milesEngine failures
4,000–7,000 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

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.

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
2022(selected)64/100+1Good2115
202163/100+6Good1102
202057/100+2Mixed2140
201955/100-14Mixed4224
201869/100Good066

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2022 Hyundai Kona reliable?
The 2022 Hyundai Kona has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 64/100. It is reasonably reliable with 2 recalls and 115 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Hyundai Kona?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2022 Hyundai Kona include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (33 complaints), ENGINE (19 complaints), POWER TRAIN (18 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (18 complaints), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (9 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2022 Hyundai Kona have?
The 2022 Hyundai Kona has 2 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2022 Hyundai Kona expensive to maintain?
The 2022 Hyundai Kona should have average maintenance costs for its class. With a reliability score of 64/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

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.

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