Vehicles / Hyundai / Kona / 2018

2018 Hyundai Kona

75 federal complaints (117 component records) · 0 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 86 service bulletins · 2 Canadian recalls
See all 9 model years of the Hyundai Kona →
Engine
1.6L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
AWD
EPA economy
26 city / 29 hwy
Federal complaints
75
Recall campaigns
0
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Engine & cooling
45
Other
25
Power train
11
Electrical system
8
Driver assistance
5
Fuel system
4
Glass & wipers
3
Body & structure
3
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 11 complaints01 years old: 2 complaints2 years old: 3 complaints3 years old: 7 complaints4 years old: 6 complaints5 years old: 9 complaints56 years old: 12 complaints7 years old: 14 complaints8 years old: 10 complaints9 years old: 0 complaints10 years old: 0 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 74 of 75 complaints with a usable failure date.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Engine & cooling

45 complaint records7 fire reports1 crash report
"The car stalls out and I have to now replace the entire engine. There has been recalls for this exact issue on other years of this car but not on this one...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Power train

11 complaint records1 fire report
"According to the garage Piston Ring failure causing engine damage and oil consumption. Vehicle shut off while excelling on a high traffic route. Vehicle has been in the garage since 1/13/23. As of today 2/1/23 still awaiting news of engine replacement...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Electrical system

8 complaint records4 fire reports2 crash reports
"WHEN CAR SHE STARTS CAR AND IN MORNING AND NIGHT , WHEN I PUTS IN GEAR AND AND STEPS ON GAS THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER OFF AND ON UNTIL SHE GETS ON ROAD ABOUT A MILE. HAD THIS CHECK AT HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY SAID NOTHING IS WRONG BUT IT STILL CONTINUE TO DO THIS...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP22003
opened Sep 2022
closed Dec 2023EngineLoss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain...

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2025636
2025-11-17
Other332,486Issue : Hyundai Auto Canada is conducting an extended warranty campaign for certain vehicles as water could enter the horn assembly and cause the horn's electrical contacts to corrode. As a result, the horn may not work properly or at all.
2024552
2024-09-23
Label824,695Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus",...

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
26-EE-003H TSB
Apr 2026
EngineSome vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary, replace the starter magnetic switch (solenoid) assembly.
DTN DCS
Apr 2026
Air BagsThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S.
DTN DL
Apr 2026
Air BagsThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN).
P33 OL
Dec 2025
Electrical SystemIn response to this trend, we engineered a software upgrade that addresses the social media theft method and made it available to owners of eligible models free of charge at authorized Hyundai dealers since early 2023.
TRW Settlement Notice
Dec 2025
Air BagsHyundai has settled a class action lawsuit that alleges that certain Hyundai and Kia Class Vehicles (defined below) contain defective ZF-TRW airbag control units (“ZF-TRW ACUs”) that are vulnerable to a condition called electrical overstress, which may cause the vehicles’...
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
TRW Summary Notice
Dec 2025
Air BagsA Class Action settlement regarding the TRW Airbag was recently decided. Based on the Class Action, customers are eligible for certain settlement benefits. Impacted vehicles are also noted below.
TRW Settlement DCS
Dec 2025
Air BagsA Class Action settlement regarding the TRW Airbag was recently decided. Based on the Class Action, customers are eligible for certain settlement benefits. Please see attached for details. Impacted vehicles are also noted below.
25-01-089H TSB
Dec 2025
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.
25-01-089H DN
Dec 2025
Electrical SystemIn addition to the Anti-Theft software provided under Service Campaign 993 (TSB 24-01-009H-1), a zinc reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade is being made available to customers upon request.
25-01-089H DCS
Dec 2025
Electrical SystemUpon customer's request ONLY, the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-01-089H provides the service procedure for installation of a key cylinder reinforcement protector assembly and two anti-theft decals on the front windows.
25-BD-012H TSB
Nov 2025
Exterior LightingThis bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly.
25-01-024H-1 TSB
May 2025
SERVICE CAMPAIGNElectrical SystemSome vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions. This may be due to an irregular disconnection on Verizon’s communication network.
25-01-024H EM
Apr 2025
SERVICE CAMPAIGNElectrical SystemSome vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions. This may be due to an irregular disconnection on Verizon's communication network.
25-01-024H TSB
Mar 2025
SERVICE CAMPAIGNElectrical SystemSome vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions. This may be due to an irregular disconnection on Verizon’s communication network.
24-01-009H-1
May 2024
SERVICE CAMPAIGNElectrical SystemA class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer (called the “Class Vehicles”) contain design flaws, including the failure to manufacture the Class...
24-BD-001H
Feb 2024
Visibility/WiperThis bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated on the inner side...
24-01-009H
Feb 2024
Electrical SystemHyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and anti-theft ignition cylinder protector campaign (Campaign 9A5) in response to an increase in thefts of...
23-01-014H-6
Jan 2024
Electrical SystemHyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and anti-theft ignition cylinder protector campaign (Campaign 9A5) in response to an increase in thefts of...
23-01-014H-6
Dec 2023
Electrical SystemHyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), and anti-theft ignition cylinder protector campaign (Campaign 9A5) in response to an increase in thefts of...
23-01-014H-6
Nov 2023
Electrical SystemHyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine...
23-01-014H-5
Oct 2023
Electrical SystemHyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine...
23-EM-005H
Oct 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
23-BE-010H
Aug 2023
Electrical SystemSome models from service campaign 993 (IBU/BCM Software Update and Decals Application) equipped with the Hyundai OEM remote start system may exhibit the horn honking when remote starting the vehicle after receiving the software update.
23-01-014H-5
Aug 2023
Electrical SystemHyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993), combined with an anti-theft steering wheel lock campaign (Campaign P32), in response to an increase in thefts of certain 2011-2022MY Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine...
23-BE-007H
Jul 2023
Electrical SystemThis Service Information bulletin provides information on how to update the Apple Carplay software from Hyundai’s Navigation Updates page. The current version of Google Maps has 10 times the data transmission compared to the previous version.
23-01-014H-5
Jul 2023
Electrical SystemCertain Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This bulletin provides the service procedure to update the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module), to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operation and ignition start logic, and...
23-01-014H-5
Jun 2023
Electrical SystemCertain Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This bulletin provides the service procedure to update the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module), to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operation and ignition start logic, and...
23-01-014H-4
May 2023
Electrical SystemCertain Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This bulletin provides the service procedure to update the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module), to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operation and ignition start logic, and...
23-BD-007H
Apr 2023
StructureHyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the PPF.
23-01-014H-4
Apr 2023
Electrical SystemHyundai has launched an anti-theft software upgrade and window decal campaign (Campaign 993) in response to an increase in thefts of certain Hyundai vehicles not equipped with engine immobilizers targeted through social media.
23-01-014H-3
Apr 2023
VisibilityCertain Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This bulletin provides the service procedure to update the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module), to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operation and ignition start logic, and...
23-01-014H-2
Mar 2023
Electrical SystemCertain Hyundai vehicles may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This bulletin provides the service procedure to update the IBU/BCM (Integrated Body Control Unit/Body Control Module), to revise the OEM Hyundai burglar alarm system operation and ignition start logic, and...
23-BD-002H
Jan 2023
VisibilityThis bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly.
23-01-007H
Jan 2023
Engine And Engine CoolingCertain 2018-2022MY Kona (OS) vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines and 4WD may exhibit transfer case oil leaks and/or an oil smell caused by the transfer case pinion oil seal overheating.
22-EM-010H
Jul 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingFollow the guidelines outlined in this bulletin to inspect and clean or replace certain components of the engine intake system accordingly during engine short block or sub-assembly replacement.
22-GI-006H
Jul 2022
TiresEffective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale.
218/231 amend
Jun 2022
SteeringCertain vehicles may develop a bearing noise within the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) column worm shaft assembly. If bearing noise is heard, follow the procedure in this bulletin to replace the worm shaft bearing.
22-AT-007H
May 2022
Power TrainCertain vehicles (listed below) equipped with 7-speed Double Clutch Transmissions (DCT) may exhibit abnormal vibration at low speeds.
22-ST-005H
Apr 2022
SteeringCertain vehicles may develop a bearing noise within the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) column worm shaft assembly. If bearing noise is heard, follow the procedure in this bulletin to replace the worm shaft bearing.
21-ST-003H
Oct 2021
SteeringCertain vehicles may develop a bearing noise within the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) column worm shaft assembly. If bearing noise is heard, follow the procedure in this bulletin to replace the worm shaft bearing
21-EM-004H
Mar 2021
EquipmentThis bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next required steps.
21-BR-002H
Mar 2021
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
21-EM-003H
Mar 2021
EquipmentThis bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
20-BR-002H
Nov 2020
Service BrakesThis bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area.
20-SS-004H
Nov 2020
TiresThis bulletin provides tire vibration service procedures, including how to optimize vehicle vibration performance. For all wheel/tire balance claims, the “Tire Balance Data Sheet” must be fully completed including imbalance and Road Force Variation (RFV) data.
20-ST-001H-2
Sep 2020
EquipmentThis bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system as separate components.
20-ST-003H-1
Sep 2020
EquipmentCertain vehicles may develop a bearing noise within the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) column worm shaft assembly. If bearing noise is heard, follow the procedure in this bulletin to replace the worm shaft assembly.
20-ST-001H-1
Aug 2020
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information regarding replacement of the column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system as separate components.
20-ST-003H
Aug 2020
SteeringCertain vehicles may develop a bearing noise within the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) column worm shaft assembly. If bearing noise is heard, follow the procedure in this bulletin to replace the worm shaft assembly.
20-FL-006H-1
Jul 2020
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information related to the Engine Control Module (ECM) software logic update for DTC P0300-P0304 Misfire. This update addresses the intermittent misfire that may only occur at cold engine warmup.
20-BD-014H
Jul 2020
Exterior LightingThis bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to moisture accumulation in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. The TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly.
20-FL-006H
Jun 2020
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information related to the Engine Control Module (ECM) software logic update for DTC P0300-P0304 Misfire. This update addresses an incident of intermittent misfire that may only occur at cold engine warmup.
20-AT-018H
May 2020
Power TrainIf you are servicing an applicable vehicle with the following symptoms and DTC, follow the Service Procedure on Page 3.  Check Engine light on  DTC P0880/P088000 - TCM Power signal error open/short  Transmission stuck in 4th gear fail-safe  Harsh shift into Drive and...
20-SS-002H(1)
May 2020
WheelsThis bulletin provides information on tire maintenance best practices and procedures for dealers and customers to maximize tire life and performance.
20-BD-007H-1
May 2020
EquipmentThis bulletin describes the general guidelines to help disinfect and protect vehicle exterior/interior surfaces using recommended safe chemical products.
20-EE-003H
Apr 2020
EquipmentThis bulletin provides information on identifying dealer stock vehicles with either: • A Battery SOC alert - low Battery State of Charge (SOC) at or below 50%. • A 30 Day alert - vehicle has not started and reported an SOC in 30 days.
20-AT-016H
Apr 2020
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThe automatic transmission warranty repair policy authorizes in-dealership repairs of the following components for both OEM (new) and remanufactured automatic transmissions:
20-AT-015H
Apr 2020
Power TrainIf you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a “Check Engine” light on and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the oil pressure harness.
20-AT-012H
Mar 2020
Service BrakesIf you are servicing an applicable vehicle with a (Check Engine Light on) and one or more of the DTC listed below, follow the repair procedure and replace the input/output speed sensor and oil pressure harness.
20-BD-007H
Mar 2020
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis bulletin describes the general guidelines to disinfect and protect vehicle interior surfaces using certain safe chemical products.

Showing 60 of 86 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  2. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Hyundai Kona →