Last updated: 2026-03-27

2025 Hyundai Kona
RELIABILITY SCORE: 74/100 (GOOD)

2025 Hyundai Kona Reliability Report

The 2025 Hyundai Kona scores 74/100 ("Good"). With 0 recalls and 21 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

0

Complaints

21

Complaint Rate

3

per 10k sold

Est. Annual Cost

N/A

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity76/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs50/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact100/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity81/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)
  • POWER TRAIN (3)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)

Should You Buy the 2025 Hyundai Kona?

The 2025 Hyundai Kona scores 74/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory.

With 21 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 electrical system (7). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2026 Hyundai Kona. See also the 2024 Hyundai Kona for an earlier comparison.

Pros

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

Cons

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Several electrical system issues with the 2025 Hyundai Kona (7 complaints)
  • POWER TRAIN: Significant powertrain issues with the 2025 Hyundai Kona, including... (3 complaints)

Compare 2025 Hyundai Kona With

Common Problem Categories

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)
  • POWER TRAIN (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

0

recalls on record

The 2025 Hyundai Kona has no recalls on record, which is uncommon and a positive indicator of manufacturing quality.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

3

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 4.2

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

1

Crashes

0

Fires

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 4/5 Stars

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

2025 Hyundai Kona NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 15.1%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (No)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Optional)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Roof)
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.

2025 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 2025 Hyundai Kona.

  • Test electrical systems for unexpected shutdowns or power loss

  • Inspect transmission for shuddering or unusual noises during test drive

  • Verify moonroof operation to ensure it closes properly

  • Check cruise control for unexpected braking or speed fluctuations

  • Inspect underbody and wheel well covers for secure attachment

Buying a 2025 Kona? Check Its History First

Every 2025 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.

2025 Hyundai Kona Common Problems by Component

21 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

7
3
3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)POWER TRAIN (3)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)SEATS (1)ENGINE (1)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)SUSPENSION (1)Other (3)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 complaints

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2025 Hyundai Kona. A common problem is the car unexpectedly losing all electrical power, sometimes requiring a jump start, with occurrences noted at mileages as low as 5,000 and up to 12,000 miles. There are also reports of the electronic handbrake engaging without driver input, particularly when the vehicle perceives the liftgate as ajar, posing a risk of sudden stops while driving. Additionally, issues with the moonroof failing to close and navigation errors leading to unsafe driving conditions are mentioned. These problems have potential safety implications, such as sudden loss of vehicle control and exposure to elements due to the moonroof malfunction.

7 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

3 complaints

Owners report significant powertrain issues with the 2025 Hyundai Kona, including transmission failures and drivetrain problems. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as loss of drive power, sluggish acceleration, and vehicle shaking or wobbling, starting as early as 70 miles and persisting through various repair attempts. Additionally, there are reports of grinding, clanking, and snapping noises from underneath the vehicle, as well as loose steering and difficulty turning, which suggest potential safety implications like a lack of control. These issues often result in multiple service visits, highlighting ongoing reliability concerns that potential buyers should consider.

3 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Owners of the 2025 Hyundai Kona report two distinct issues in the UNKNOWN OR OTHER category. One complaint describes the front passenger door unexpectedly unlatching and partially opening while decelerating from highway speeds, particularly in hot weather, with no prior warnings or symptoms. Another owner reports the sunroof spontaneously exploding while driving at highway speeds, without any prior impact from debris. Both incidents occur without warning and involve safety implications, such as the potential for distraction or injury from the sunroof glass. These issues are noted without specific mileage ranges, and dealers have been unable to reproduce the door-latching problem.

2 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

Owners of the 2025 Hyundai Kona report issues with the vehicle's cruise control system. Complaints frequently mention unexpected braking when using adaptive cruise control, particularly when no other vehicles are present, leading to sudden speed drops. Another issue described is inconsistent speed maintenance on hilly terrain, where the vehicle's cruise control allows speed to drop significantly below the set point before slowly recovering, sometimes overshooting the desired speed. These problems are noted to occur regularly, with one owner experiencing them every other week. Safety implications include the potential for rear-end collisions due to abrupt braking and unpredictable speed changes that could affect other drivers' maneuvers on the highway.

2 complaints total
SEATS (1 complaints)

SEATS

1 complaint
2025-07-291 injury

The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the front driver's side seat independently ejected the contact forward into the steering wheel. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the failure was unidentified. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact sustained injuries to her back; however, no medical attention was sought. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 385.

ENGINE (1 complaints)

ENGINE

1 complaint
2025-09-17

Engine light was on - I was told by Belmont Enterprise on Sept 17th to keep driving the vehicle even though it needed repairs immediately.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint
2024-12-09

The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving 38 MPH, the exterior lights, taillights, daytime running lights, and interior lights became inoperable for two and a half seconds. The seat belt light flashed. Additionally, the seat heater and steering buttons were switched off and then reset. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,060.

SUSPENSION (1 complaints)

SUSPENSION

1 complaint
2025-10-04

The plastic covers such as the wheel wells, inner fender linings, under body shield, are very prone to coming off by either minor objects intruding them or hitting them such as branches, rocks, or even water and sand. While driving on a highway at the Upper Peninsula in Michigan on October, a large branch on the road got inside the front wheel well and it took it away. It flew into the highway as debris and cars began evading them. I had to replace it at my expense and it come off again while driving on sand on a beach in St. Augustine Florida on December (the car is 4x4 off-road capable and sold as such). The underbody shield began coming off in a highway in near Austin Texas around a construction zone where loose gravel was present. Almost all plastic clips were missing after I was informed by a driver that plastic parts were coming off my car striking his vehicle. The wheel well of the driver side also began to come off. I had to zip-tie it; no holes were damaged but it was fully scratch and cracked in multiple locations from touching the pavement. I was hit on the side of the rear of the passenger side door and the plastic cover came off. I replaced it but it seems those plastic parts are superimposed and not well secured into the body of the car and can come off fairly easily during driving becoming road hazards that can result in a crash to vehicles driving from behind or even people or animals. I had a Sonata and the same under shield came off while driving to Miami on December 2024, their service department only had it cut leaving the underbody exposed.

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint
2025-06-30

Mushy brake pedal after 1000 miles This just started yesterday, seemingly out of nowhere. When I push the brake pedal it's mushier than it used to be. If I push hard, I get more resistance at first but then it slowly sinks toward the floor as a I continue to press. If I push softer then it just sinks toward the floor. I still have plenty of stopping power. If I push the pedal repeatedly then it builds up more resistance ("pump the brakes") but then the resistance calms down and it becomes mushy again.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1 complaints)

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint
2025-07-01

The contact rented a 2025 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the driver's side front door independently unlatched and opened. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The Enterprise Car Rental Agency was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.

When Do 2025 Hyundai Kona Problems Start?

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

5,000–12,000 milesElectrical system failures
70–989 milesTransmission failures

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).

Top Pick
74
Good

2025

(Current Model)

0Recalls
21Complaints
69
Good

2018

0Recalls
66Complaints
68
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.

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
2025(selected)74/100+6Good021
202468/100+2Good350
202366/100+2Good268
202264/100+1Good2115
202163/100+6Good1102
202057/100+2Mixed2140
201955/100-14Mixed4224
201869/100Good066

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2025 Hyundai Kona reliable?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 74/100. It is reasonably reliable with 0 recalls and 21 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Hyundai Kona?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2025 Hyundai Kona include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7 complaints), POWER TRAIN (3 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints), SEATS (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2025 Hyundai Kona have?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona has no recalls on record, which is a positive indicator.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Kona expensive to maintain?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona should have average maintenance costs for its class. With a reliability score of 74/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2025 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