Last updated: 2026-03-27

Hyundai Kona

1 Hyundai Kona Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Hyundai Kona average of 65/100

The Hyundai Kona years to avoid are 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2019 with a reliability score of 55/100. The best Hyundai Kona year to buy is 2025 74/100.

Verdict

The 2019 Hyundai Kona scores significantly below the model average of 65/100. The weakest year is 2019 with a score of 55/100 due to engine (92) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2018 69/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Hyundai Kona Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Hyundai Kona average of 65/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201955/100Mixed4224Engine (92)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

55
MixedReliability score: 55 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019 Hyundai Kona

The 2019 Hyundai Kona has mixed reliability. There are 4 recalls and 224 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Hyundai Kona. Severity signals include 13 crash-related complaints and 6 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (92), Electrical System (55), Power Train (19).

4 recalls224 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (92), Electrical System (55), Power Train (19), Unknown Or Other (16), Fuel Propulsion System (9), Engine And Engine Cooling (6)

View full 2019 reliability report →

What Are Common Hyundai Kona Problems?

Top reported issues across all Hyundai Kona model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

264 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

193 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

104 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

96 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

28 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

SERVICE BRAKES

21 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

Best Hyundai Kona Year to Buy Instead

69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Hyundai Kona

The 2018 Hyundai Kona has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 66 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Hyundai Kona. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints and 10 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (19), Engine (18), Power Train (8).

Score: 69/100 (Good)0 recalls66 complaints
View full 2018 reliability report →

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Hyundai Kona year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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All Hyundai Kona Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Hyundai Kona Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Hyundai Kona years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Hyundai Kona years: 2019 (score: 55/100). These model years score significantly below the Hyundai Kona average of 65/100.
What is the best year for the Hyundai Kona?
The best year for the Hyundai Kona is 2025, with a reliability score of 74/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 21 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Hyundai Kona have?
Across all years in our database, the Hyundai Kona has a total of 16 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Hyundai Kona worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 74/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 65/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Hyundai Kona problems?
The most common Hyundai Kona problems are engine (264 complaints), electrical system (193 complaints), unknown or other (104 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Hyundai Kona reliable long-term?
The Hyundai Kona has an average reliability score of 65/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Hyundai Kona generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Hyundai Kona generation is the First generation (OS; 2018-2023) with an average score of 62/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Kona a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Hyundai Kona is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 74/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 21 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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.

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