Vehicles / Hyundai / Kona / 2020

2020 Hyundai Kona

160 federal complaints (203 component records) · 2 recall campaigns on file · 2 federal investigations · 73 service bulletins · 7 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
160
Recall campaigns
2
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
111
Power train
20
Other
17
Electrical system
11
Driver assistance
10
Steering
7
Speed control
7
Fuel system
4
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: 20 complaints01 years old: 59 complaints2 years old: 13 complaints3 years old: 10 complaints4 years old: 7 complaints5 years old: 28 complaints56 years old: 23 complaints7 years old: 0 complaints8 years old: 0 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 160 of 160 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 28 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 5 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 0 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 4 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 0 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 4 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 1 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 1 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 0 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 0 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 43 of 160 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

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

111 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"Basically normal driving the car stalled. It slowed to a stall. I had to restart the car. This has happened a couple to times...."- 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

20 complaint records1 fire report
"Leaking oil...burns exceptionally fast even with dealership services. Pistons not sealed, melts new spark plugs, misfire on cylinder 3..."- 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

11 complaint records
"2020 Hyundai KONA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BATTERY DEFECT. THE CONSUMER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO COMPLETE THE RECALL REPAIR,..."- 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
DP22005
opened Jan 2023
closed Aug 2023Electrical SystemPedestrian alert sounds - led to recall 22V063000
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States.
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...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
21V301000EngineHyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines.Normally free
20V022000EquipmentHyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Kona vehicles. The certification label may indicate incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).Normally free

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",...
2021252
2021-04-28
Engine76,192Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine's piston oil rings may be defective. This can cause engine wear that can lead to increased oil consumption.
2021109
2021-03-01
High Voltage3,558Issue: On certain electric vehicles, there could be a problem inside the high-voltage battery. As a result, the high-voltage battery could short circuit while the vehicle is parked, charging, or driving.
2020593
2020-12-02
Brakes10,794Issue: On certain vehicles, an abnormal sensor signal to the Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system could cause a sudden reduction in braking performance. If this happens, a brake warning light will turn on in the instrument cluster.
Show 2 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2020477
2020-10-13
High Voltage4,375Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be problems with the high-voltage battery that cannot be detected by the battery management system (BMS). As a result, the high-voltage battery could short circuit after it is fully charged.
2020016
2020-01-20
Label529Issue: The compliance label on certain vehicles lists an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This could lead to overloading of the vehicle and cause poor handling or a tire failure.

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
Power TrainHyundai 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
EquipmentThis 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.
22-01-043H
May 2022
Electrical SystemHyundai is conducting a service campaign to enhance the knock sensor logic with the Cylinder Noise Diagnostic System (CNDS) software update. CNDS is to detect abnormal cylinder wall scuffing or noise of the engine block before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
22-EM-008H
May 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingHyundai is conducting a service campaign 974 to enhance the knock sensor logic with the Cylinder Noise Diagnostic System (CNDS) software update. CNDS is to detect abnormal cylinder wall scuffing or noise of the engine block before potentially severe engine damage occurs.
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
EquipmentThis bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures.
21-BE-004H
Mar 2021
EquipmentWhen using Wireless CarPlay, the system may intermittently auto disconnect. When Wireless CarPlay is disconnected, a pop up message “Phone Not Responding. Please reconnect it and try again” will appear on the radio screen.
21-BR-001H
Mar 2021
EquipmentThis bulletin provides a front brake pad backing plate grease application procedure to address squealing during braking.
21-EM-003H
Mar 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin provides the inspection procedure and repair guidelines for certain vehicles listed below.
20-BE-014H
Dec 2020
Electrical SystemWhen using Wireless CarPlay, the system may intermittently auto disconnect. When Wireless CarPlay is disconnected, a pop up message “Phone Not Responding. Please reconnect it and try again” will appear on the radio screen.
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.
20-01-039H
Oct 2020
Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information and procedures for collecting OBD “In Use Monitor Performance Ratio” (IUMPR) data on certain 2019-2021MY vehicles at California dealers. This reporting is mandated by CARB (California Air Resources Board).
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
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityCertain 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
SteeringThis 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-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
Engine And Engine CoolingThis 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.

Showing 60 of 73 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. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. 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 →