2019 Hyundai Kona Problems

I took my vehicle to a dealership for a recall and they refused to honor it. They made excuses and performed an unrelated service.

Vehicle starting using extreme amounts of oil, lose acceleration and stalling while driving and making klicking noises. All symptoms point to Hyundai recall 203 (NHTSA campaign number 21V301000). Dealer and manufacturer refuse to fix it, citing lack of extended warranty and high mileage, as well as insist of oil consumption test that would require me to drive the vehicle for another 1000 miles for them to be able to determine the oil consumption. Because I don't fee it is safe to drive the vehicle, I declined the test, but was willing to allow the dealer's service employees to drive it. They refused. I ended up donating the vehicle to Kars for Kids and notified them about the situation.

Vehicle (2019 Kona) is subject to Recall 203 (piston ring/bore defect). On XXX Puente Hills Hyundai refused the mandatory physcial inspection, instead attempting to charge $1,100 for 'leak repairs.' An independent inspection by Valvoline on XXX confirmed the engine is dry with no leaks, proving the dealer's claim was fraudulent. Following a recent ECU update, the vehicle triggered a P0420 code—a known symptom of the internal engine damage covered by Recall 203. My Hyundai Corporate Case (#XXX) is currently stalled as the dealer refuses to provide technician notes or perform the safety inspection. I am operating an unsafe vehicle with documented internal mechanical failure. Requesting immediate intervention for a physical cylinder inspection. Please refer to the attached document (SUMMARY OF EVENTS) for the full chronology, supporting evidence, and email correspondence related to the dealership's refusal to perform Recall 203. See attached PDF (Evidence_Email_Correspondence) for documentation of the dealership's refusal to provide technician notes and their unprofessional communication regarding this safety recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While stopped our 2019 Kona EV at a traffic light with my foot on the brake, the car spontaneously accelerated and crashed into the car also sitting at the light about eight feet in front of us. If there wasn't a car in front of us, we would have gone through a busy intersection at very high speed. The front end of the car was destroyed and both airbags deployed. The car was towed to a collision center and is considered: "Totaled" . We tried to get it inspected for the computer system to confirm what happened, but there was no interest by any party. There was no pre-warning or issues with the vehicle before this happened. The incident happened about ten miles from our house, and we had been driving it for about 15 minutes. The temperature outside was extremely cold at about 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

My 2019 Hyundai Kona SE (2.0L Nu MPI/Atkinson engine) was previously subject to NHTSA Recall 21V301000 (Hyundai Recall 203) for defective piston oil rings that can chip and cause accelerated oil consumption, engine knocking, and stalling. That recall's remedy was performed under a prior owner in December 2021. In November 2025, a Hyundai dealership installed a Cylinder Noise Diagnostic System (CNDS) software update (Service Campaign 974) specifically meant to detect this defect's vibration signature before it causes engine damage. Approximately 7,000-8,000 miles and about nine months after that software update, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly while being driven on two separate occasions, with no check-engine light or other warning beforehand. A third stall left the vehicle unable to restart. It was towed to a service station, which found no engine oil and no external leak. A Hyundai dealership subsequently diagnosed cracked valves that allowed approximately 5 quarts of oil to burn through the engine, and determined the engine requires complete replacement. This is the same failure mode (oil consumption/engine damage leading to stalling) that the original recall and the 2025 software update were both meant to prevent, and the software gave no advance warning before the stalling occurred. The vehicle and dealership diagnosis are available for inspection upon request.

96,247 mi Engine knock and complete oil loss within 3,000 miles of last oil change Symptoms consistent with NHTSA Recall 21V301 (Hyundai Recall 203) and Warranty Extension TXXM coverage

The engine was spewing oil into the air filter and also out of a hose near the turbo. It was also consuming high amounts of oil, yes its available for inspection. I was driving on a busy public highway and my car lost power and would not accelerate no the problem has not been confirmed as of yet vehicle has not received official inspection yet there was zero warning lamps, messages, or any indicator of any kind that there was a problem. there still isnt

While stopped our 2019 Kona EV at a traffic light with my foot on the brake, the car spontaneously accelerated and crashed into the car also sitting at the light about eight feet in front of us. If there wasn't a car in front of us, we would have gone through a busy intersection at very high speed. The front end of the car was destroyed and both airbags deployed. The car was towed to a collision center and is considered: "Totaled" . We tried to get it inspected for the computer system to confirm what happened, but there was no interest by any party. There was no pre-warning or issues with the vehicle before this happened. The incident happened about ten miles from our house, and we had been driving it for about 15 minutes. The temperature outside was extremely cold at about 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

My 2019 Hyundai Kona SE (2.0L Nu MPI/Atkinson engine) was previously subject to NHTSA Recall 21V301000 (Hyundai Recall 203) for defective piston oil rings that can chip and cause accelerated oil consumption, engine knocking, and stalling. That recall's remedy was performed under a prior owner in December 2021. In November 2025, a Hyundai dealership installed a Cylinder Noise Diagnostic System (CNDS) software update (Service Campaign 974) specifically meant to detect this defect's vibration signature before it causes engine damage. Approximately 7,000-8,000 miles and about nine months after that software update, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly while being driven on two separate occasions, with no check-engine light or other warning beforehand. A third stall left the vehicle unable to restart. It was towed to a service station, which found no engine oil and no external leak. A Hyundai dealership subsequently diagnosed cracked valves that allowed approximately 5 quarts of oil to burn through the engine, and determined the engine requires complete replacement. This is the same failure mode (oil consumption/engine damage leading to stalling) that the original recall and the 2025 software update were both meant to prevent, and the software gave no advance warning before the stalling occurred. The vehicle and dealership diagnosis are available for inspection upon request.

The fuel system appears to have a small leak from either a bad seal or a problem fuel line.

I am reporting this for my daughter, [XXX] , while she's recovering on pain meds. She is the owner and driver of the car. no passengers in this 1-car accident. the weather and road conditions were terrible. car skidded of side of road into a ditch. When the airbags deployed, the plastic frame on the drivers side A-pillar broke and exploded out towards the driver. it appears the sharp edge of the broken plastic frame struck driver in left eye, slicing it cornea area of her eye causing a ruptured globe. thankfully, she has no other injuries. the plastic frame on the passenger side A-pillar did not break when it's airbag deployed. reporting by [XXX] . please contact me at [XXX] . [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I would like to file a complaint regarding a major problem with our 2019 Hyundai Kona. We currently have Case #[XXX] opened with Hyundai Corporate Customer Care [XXX] ) but are having major problems getting this air bag issue resolved as it is currently an “unrecalled vehicle,” but having the same issue with air bags as a very recent recalled vehicle list and there is a current class action lawsuit. The car was in a minor rear end accident when major air bag issues were discovered not due to the accident. We were told to file a supplemental claim with our insurance company but as to no surprise to us it was denied because it had nothing to do with this car’s air bag issues. I have included the timeline and pertinent info on this car. It is currently outside the warranty period by date only. The vehicle has less than 58,000 miles on it. The vehicle’s air bag light was not illuminated until after the accident otherwise we would have resolved the issue right away The car has been at Hyundai Glassman in Southfield, Mi., for over 2 months while we have tried to get this resolved as the repair estimate is close to $9000.00. Please review attached. Thank you! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My Blue Hyundai Kona Ultimate paint is peeling from the roof. This can create a hazard if the paint chips in large pieces and flys obstructing visibility. The paint chipping is also close to the front windshield which can block the path of the wiper blades. Hyundai has acknowledged that certain year vehicles have a manufactures default of delaminated paint that could possible fly off in sheets. However, they have only recalled white colored vehicles for repair while doing nothing about other colored vehicles.

First notice was exterior top railing coating wearing down after just 3 years of having car. Notified dealership of this issue and was stated that my car was out of warranty. (Now 7yo) Exterior Paint is peeling off hood; exposing primer layering, as well as in some spots, the main body itself. This is a known defect caused by factory laquer coating and of which dealership states they STILL will not cover repair.

1-The turn lights(right and left turn)died too quickly.i change my bulb every month .I went to independent service center and they told me the car must have some wrong wire that doesn't support bulb.Even if I change my bulb ,it doesn't take long and a warning signal come out and stated that I need to check my light.it is so annoying. This happened one year after I start driving the car. 2- The passenger seat is too low that you don't feel comfortable seating inside.It is not possible to bring it up.I went to the dealer but they wasn't at the same location anymore. 3- The windshield wipers fails to operate properly, component can't wipes properly.After one year driving the car i noticed that wipers are loosing their components. 3-Defective straps by passenger side,I noticed it when I start to give ride to a friend after a year owned this car. 4-My engine symbol is showing.I went to an independent center ,nobody can fix it . I sent the car to Hyundai ,they told me I have to spend $10000 to have the engine fix. I don't understand i was doing all my oil changes on time.now I have to drive this car with my engine light on.i am still fixing it but it is costing me too much.

Headlights do not project far enough in front of vehicle to safely drive at dark or low light conditions. Hyundai told us there is nothing they can do to fix it as it is a defect in how the headlight housing is placed on the body of the car.

While stopped our 2019 Kona EV at a traffic light with my foot on the brake, the car spontaneously accelerated and crashed into the car also sitting at the light about eight feet in front of us. If there wasn't a car in front of us, we would have gone through a busy intersection at very high speed. The front end of the car was destroyed and both airbags deployed. The car was towed to a collision center and is considered: "Totaled" . We tried to get it inspected for the computer system to confirm what happened, but there was no interest by any party. There was no pre-warning or issues with the vehicle before this happened. The incident happened about ten miles from our house, and we had been driving it for about 15 minutes. The temperature outside was extremely cold at about 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

AS I WAS COMING TO A STOP LIGHT I PRESSED MY BRAKE PEDALS I FELT A SHUDDER THROUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL AND MY CAR DIED. THIS OCCURRED THREE TIMES IN A SHORT. OF TIME. THIS OCCURRED THREE TIMES IN A SHORT. OF TIME I WAS ON A HIGHWAY AND IT WAS VERY DISCONCERTING I WAS ABLE TO FINALLY GET IT BACK HOME.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger’s door latch did not unlatch as intended. In addition, the passenger's side front door latch failed to unlock using the key. The contact had to exit the vehicle using the front driver's side door. The contact sustained anxiety issues due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not diagnosed, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was required to pay a diagnostic fee to diagnose the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred, and the contact was locked inside the vehicle for 45 minutes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed trunk latch assembly. The contact was informed that the trunk latch assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the failure was due to a previous crash which caused damages to the trunk latch assembly. The contact stated the vehicle was not in a crash. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 10,228.

1-The turn lights(right and left turn)died too quickly.i change my bulb every month .I went to independent service center and they told me the car must have some wrong wire that doesn't support bulb.Even if I change my bulb ,it doesn't take long and a warning signal come out and stated that I need to check my light.it is so annoying. This happened one year after I start driving the car. 2- The passenger seat is too low that you don't feel comfortable seating inside.It is not possible to bring it up.I went to the dealer but they wasn't at the same location anymore. 3- The windshield wipers fails to operate properly, component can't wipes properly.After one year driving the car i noticed that wipers are loosing their components. 3-Defective straps by passenger side,I noticed it when I start to give ride to a friend after a year owned this car. 4-My engine symbol is showing.I went to an independent center ,nobody can fix it . I sent the car to Hyundai ,they told me I have to spend $10000 to have the engine fix. I don't understand i was doing all my oil changes on time.now I have to drive this car with my engine light on.i am still fixing it but it is costing me too much.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 HYUNDAI KONA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM SUDDENLY ACTIVATED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ABRUPTLY SLOW DOWN. ALSO, WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATED AND THE DOORS WOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHEN SWITCHING TO THE DRIVE POSITION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. JIM BURKE HYUNDAI (4445 13TH ST NORTH, BIRMINGHAM, AL) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

UPON COLLISION (FRONT END) AT ABOUT 35 MPH THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES AND CONTINUED TO BURN UNTIL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP. IN ADDITION, THERE MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH THE SEAT BELT MECHANISM. DRIVER'S CLAVICLE WAS FRACTURED AND DISPLACED UPON IMPACT.

AT ABOUT 8300 MILES I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN. TOOK TO HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. 1ST VISIT THEY WERE CLOSED DUE TO POWER OUTAGE. 2ND TRIP. MECHANIC COULDN'T HEAR NOISE. HAD ANOTHER MECHANIC ALONG. HAD TO PLAY A VIDEO I RECORDED ON MY CELL PHONE. MECHANIC PULLS BACK INTO SHOP. HALF HOUR LATER, I GET TOLD THEY HAD TO ORDER A STEERING COLUMN. CAR NOW HAS JUST OVER 8600 MILES. THE NOISE SOUNDS LIKE A BAD BEARING. CAN BE HEARD PARKED AND TURNING STEERING WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT. *TR

Sunglass holder overhead near rear view mirror opens when the car hits a bump, obscuring rear view 30-40% suddenly and sometimes the sunglasses fall out onto the driver or passenger. Latch will not stay engaged due to hot and cold temperature condition changes.