Last updated: 2026-03-27

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
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 (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

2025 Mazda CX-30
Reliability: 68/100

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
Reliability: 86/100

2025 Chevrolet Trax
Reliability: 85/100

2025 KIA Sportage
Reliability: 82/100

2025 Honda HR-V
Reliability: 88/100
Common Problem Categories
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (7)
- POWER TRAIN (3)
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 soldSegment avg: 4.2
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
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.1%
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.
2025 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 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
7 complaintsOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN
3 complaintsOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsOwners 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.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintThe 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 complaintEngine 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 complaintThe 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 complaintThe 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 complaintMushy 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 complaintThe 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.
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).
2025
(Current Model)
2018
2024
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 2025 Hyundai Kona reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Hyundai Kona?
How many recalls does the 2025 Hyundai Kona have?
Is the 2025 Hyundai Kona expensive to maintain?
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.
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 2025 Vehicles

2025 Honda HR-V
Score: 88/100

2025 KIA Carnival
Score: 88/100

2025 Hyundai Elantra
Score: 87/100

2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
Score: 86/100

2025 Chevrolet Trax
Score: 85/100

2025 Chevrolet Silverado
Score: 85/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue