Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Kona or the Subaru Crosstrek?

The Subaru Crosstrek has more recalls (19) compared to the Hyundai Kona (16). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Hyundai Kona or the Subaru Crosstrek?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Hyundai Kona has a lower complaint rate at 13.4 per 10,000 sold versus 72.5 for the Subaru Crosstrek. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-03-28

Hyundai Kona vs Subaru Crosstrek: Reliability Compared

Hyundai Kona

Good

More Reliable

Subaru Crosstrek

Good

Choosing between the Hyundai Kona and the Subaru Crosstrek? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Subaru Crosstrek currently leads with an average score of 71/100 compared to 65/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Hyundai Kona and Subaru Crosstrek Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Subaru Crosstrek is in its third generation (GU), which was introduced in 2024. This means it is relatively early in its generation cycle, where new platforms can sometimes encounter initial reliability issues as any early bugs are worked out. In contrast, the Hyundai Kona is in its second generation (SX2), also launched in 2024, similarly positioned early in its cycle. Both models had significant facelifts in 2021 during their previous generation, which often improve reliability as manufacturers address earlier issues. Buyers should consider that mature platforms, like those nearing the end of a generation, tend to have more sorted reliability.

Verdict

The Subaru Crosstrek is more reliable than the Hyundai Kona, scoring 71/100 vs 65/100.

The Subaru Crosstrek outperforms the Hyundai Kona in reliability, with an average score of 71/100 compared to the Kona's 65/100. The Crosstrek, however, has a higher owner complaint rate of 72.5 per 10,000 sold versus the Kona's 13.4, suggesting more frequent issues despite its higher reliability score. While both vehicles have similar recall counts over nine years, the Crosstrek's independent repair cost estimate of $492 annually is a key consideration, as Hyundai's estimate is unavailable. Overall, the Crosstrek offers a better reliability score, but the Kona's lower complaint rate suggests fewer day-to-day issues for owners.

Key Differences

1Hyundai Kona has 59.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold
2Subaru Crosstrek scores 6 points higher in reliability
3Hyundai Kona has 3 fewer total recalls

Category Scoreboard

2Hyundai Kona

—

1Subaru Crosstrek

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Hyundai Kona vs Subaru Crosstrek: Which Is More Reliable?

Hyundai Kona vs Subaru Crosstrek at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Hyundai Kona	Subaru Crosstrek
Reliability Score	65/100	71/100
Years Tracked	9	9
Total Recalls	16	19
Complaints per 10k Sold	13.4	72.5
Year Wins	1	7

What Are the Common Problems With the Hyundai Kona and Subaru Crosstrek?

The Subaru Crosstrek and Hyundai Kona exhibit distinct problem profiles despite having a similar total number of complaints. The Crosstrek's most prevalent issue is with visibility/wipers, amassing 239 complaints, whereas the Kona's primary concern lies with its engine, accounting for 264 complaints. Notably, the Crosstrek has a higher incidence of crash-linked complaints in the vehicle speed control category (8), compared to the Kona's 5 in the same category. Additionally, the Kona faces significant issues with its electrical system, registering 193 complaints, while the Crosstrek's electrical system complaints are fewer at 96 but still noteworthy for their crash-linked implications.

Hyundai Kona vs Subaru Crosstrek common problem areas comparison
Component	Hyundai Kona	Subaru Crosstrek
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	21.8High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	1.8Low	11.3Above Avg
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	3.3Average	8.8Above Avg
ENGINE	4.5Average	3.3Average
POWER TRAIN	1.6Low	4.8Average
STEERING	0.3Very Low	3Low
VISIBILITY	—None	2.6Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.5Very Low	1.9Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	0.1Very Low	1.5Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.2Very Low	1.3Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.4Very Low	0.8Very Low
STRUCTURE	0.1Very Low	1.1Low
AIR BAGS	0.2Very Low	0.7Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.2Very Low	0.7Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE	0.1Very Low	0.2Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	0.2Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	—None	0.2Very Low
WHEELS	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Hyundai Kona or Subaru Crosstrek?

Based on independent repair cost data, the Subaru Crosstrek has an annual repair cost of $492 with a repair frequency of 0.1 visits per year and a 7% risk of major repairs. Although specific figures for the Hyundai Kona are unavailable, industry estimates suggest that the Crosstrek’s low repair frequency and moderate major repair risk indicate a reliable vehicle. For cost-conscious buyers, the Subaru Crosstrek offers a measurable benchmark for maintenance expenses, making it a potentially better choice for those concerned about long-term repair costs. Over five years, the Crosstrek's predictable expenses could translate to approximately $2,460, providing a clearer picture of ownership costs compared to the unknowns of the Kona.

How Does Hyundai Kona vs Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Compare by Year?

Hyundai Kona vs Subaru Crosstrek year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Hyundai Kona	Subaru Crosstrek	Edge
2025	74/1000R / 21C	83/1000R / 25C	Subaru Crosstrek
2024	68/1003R / 50C	69/1002R / 95C	Subaru Crosstrek
2023	66/1002R / 68C	81/1000R / 28C	Subaru Crosstrek
2022	64/1002R / 115C	78/1001R / 28C	Subaru Crosstrek
2021	63/1001R / 102C	67/1002R / 97C	Subaru Crosstrek
2020	57/1002R / 140C	72/1001R / 62C	Subaru Crosstrek
2019	55/1004R / 224C	56/1008R / 272C	Subaru Crosstrek
2018	69/1000R / 66C	60/1005R / 186C	Hyundai Kona
2026(predicted)	69/100(predicted)	78/100(predicted)	Subaru Crosstrek

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Hyundai Kona scored 74/100 and the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek scored 83/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Hyundai Kona vs the Subaru Crosstrek?

If you prioritize reliability and lower repair costs, the Subaru Crosstrek is the better choice. With a reliability score of 71/100, it outperforms the Hyundai Kona's 65/100. The Crosstrek's estimated annual repair cost is $492, with a repair frequency of 0.1 times per year and a major repair risk of 7%. While it has more recalls (19), its overall reliability and cost-effectiveness make it a solid option for budget-conscious buyers who want peace of mind on the road. On the other hand, if you are concerned about owner satisfaction and complaint rates, the Hyundai Kona might suit you better. It has significantly fewer owner complaints at 13.4 per 10,000 sold compared to the Crosstrek's 72.5, indicating higher customer satisfaction. Despite its slightly lower reliability score, the Kona's fewer recalls (16) and focus on addressing customer concerns may appeal to those who value a smoother ownership experience.

Hyundai Kona vs Subaru Crosstrek: Common Questions

Is the Hyundai Kona more reliable than the Subaru Crosstrek?: Based on our data, the Subaru Crosstrek is more reliable with an average score of 71/100 compared to 65/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Kona or the Subaru Crosstrek?: The Subaru Crosstrek has more recalls (19) compared to the Hyundai Kona (16). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Hyundai Kona or the Subaru Crosstrek?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Hyundai Kona has a lower complaint rate at 13.4 per 10,000 sold versus 72.5 for the Subaru Crosstrek. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Hyundai Kona comparisons

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More Subaru Crosstrek comparisons

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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.

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