Last updated: 2026-03-27
2026 Hyundai Kona Reliability Report
The 2026 Hyundai Kona has a predicted reliability score of 69/100 based on prior model year data. Early data shows 2 recalls and 4 owner complaints.
Recalls
2
Complaints
4
Complaint Rate
3.6
per 10k sold
Est. Annual Cost
N/A
The Verdict
Based on historical reliability patterns, predicted to score 69/100 — worth considering.
Top Issues to Watch
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
- FUEL SYSTEM (1)
- POWER TRAIN (1)
Should You Buy the 2026 Hyundai Kona?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona has a predicted reliability score of 69/100 ("Good") based on prior model year performance.
So far: 2 recalls, 4 owner complaints. Early complaint volume is still developing.
Prior model years suggest some reliability concerns. A thorough pre-purchase inspection and extended warranty are recommended. This is a predicted score — real-world data is still developing.
See also the 2025 Hyundai Kona for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable predicted reliability based on prior model years
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- −Score is a prediction — real-world data still developing
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)
- −VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
Compare 2026 Hyundai Kona With
2026 Mazda CX-30
Predicted: 68/100
2026 Chevrolet Trax
Predicted: 82/100
2026 Honda HR-V
Predicted: 81/100
2026 KIA Sportage
Predicted: 76/100
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Predicted: 79/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2026 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
3.6
per 10k soldSegment avg: 5.9
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2026 Hyundai Kona Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2026 Hyundai Kona. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
STEERING
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Kona vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front steering knuckles may crack and break, which can result in a loss of vehicle steering control.
Consequence
A loss of vehicle steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckles, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 5, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 295. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 7, 2026.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, Kona, Palisade, Palisade Hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, and Tucson vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Consequence
An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 27, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 293. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 28, 2026.
2026 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.
2026 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 2026 Hyundai Kona.
Inspect fuel lines for rodent damage or punctures
Check for proper hood alignment and gaps exposing engine components
Test vehicle acceleration for unexpected speed control issues
Verify brake responsiveness and check for any dragging sounds
Inspect steering mechanism for resistance or restriction
Test infotainment system for glitches or shutdowns
Buying a 2026 Kona? Check Its History First
Every 2026 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.
2026 Hyundai Kona Common Problems by Component
4 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaintHyundai needs to eliminate the “CONSIDER TAKING A COFFEE BREAK “ alert! Its completely distracting, comes in way too frequently, and is loud
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintI bought the car in November 2025. I was on a highway, going at a comfortable, 65 mph speed (a few weeks after purchasing this happened the first time ). Suddenly, the car stopped accelerating, of course I panicked, slowly pulled off to the shoulder, and shut the car off. Luckily, it was not rush hour . I restarted the car, and it was normal driving. I texted my salesperson and asked if he had heard about this issue. He said no. No warning lights or messages appeared as that happened. The speed had decreased and stayed at 36 mph for a few seconds. A few weeks later, it happened again, this time it stayed at around 36 mph. I pulled over and shut the car off, restarted, and no issues. This time I told my salesperson I wanted to bring it in, but they had a one-month wait and offered no help, didn't seem phased or concerned. I took the appointment for February 17, which was approximately a 4-week wait. Again, no lights or warning signals. The third time this happened I was merging on to a very busy ramp to enter a busy highway, and the speed stopped at 11 mph, and I panicked, pulled over restarted the car and that was enough for me to call and insist they take the car as soon as possible, as we were expecting a major snowstorm which did happen the next day. I did not take the car out and brought it in to the dealer on Monday. Again, they seemed unconcerned but took the car after I insisted. The car has been there for 2-weeks now and they claim they cannot find a problem. I called Hyundai corporate. After investigating, they too said there was nothing they could do since they could not find a problem. I may add that while this is happening I am stepping on the gas and nothing happens.
FUEL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, an inspector discovered a puddle of fuel on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the hood insulation was damaged, and the fuel lines were punctured. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that two other GSA fleet vehicles of the same year, make, and model, as well as a coworker who owns a 2025 Hyundai Konda had experienced the same failure. The contact related the failure to rodents chewing the organic-based fuel lines. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 900.
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
1 complaintBody: The hood/Under the hood: There is a wide ½“ or more gap on the right and left side of the hood. I can see inside under the hood from a distance. It is not flush while connecting to the rest of the vehicle. I can see the ground after opening the hood. The engine and all the components are exposed to the elements. This is a new vehicle from the dealership brand. There is no cover for the bottom to protect the engine or protection for wirings and other mechanisms under the hood. Winters in Illinois is brutal and floods. Poor acceleration and Brakes Restriction while steering experienced dragging sounds and forced pushing and pulling. I do not trust the steering wheel mechanism at all and have to grip it to make sure I keep complete control of the steering wheel and fearful of the reliability of the breaks because I have experience being pulled or pushed while merging and having to panicky while using the brakes. I must press extremely hard to brake in slow traffic and use extreme hard brake to slow to a complete stop during rush hours. Fuel performance is horrible. This model requires gasoline. When I feel my vehicle up with fuel the tank is a fuel guzzler. The fuel disappears in days. I must refill the tank once a week. This car does not have good mileage. Doors All the doors automatically unlock when put in park. Fuel performance is horrible. This model requires gasoline. When I feel my vehicle up with fuel the tank is a fuel guzzler. The fuel disappears in days. I must refill the tank once a week. This car does not have good mileage. The steering mechanism is terrorizing my driving experience. Merging and changing lanes while driving in traffic I experience resistance and restriction. Inside the front panel Inside the car appears to have glitches such as the temperature settings flipping from inside/outside air. The radio shuts down. Window fluid splatters the entire windshield obstructing view. Purchased 2025
When Do 2026 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 2026 Hyundai Kona reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Hyundai Kona?
How many recalls does the 2026 Hyundai Kona have?
How is the predicted score calculated?
Don’t buy a 2026 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 2026 Vehicles
2026 Honda HR-V
Predicted: 81/100
2026 Lexus RX
Predicted: 84/100
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Predicted: 79/100
2026 Mazda CX-5
Predicted: 73/100
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Predicted: 78/100
2026 Toyota Corolla
Predicted: 79/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue