2020 Hyundai Kona Powertrain (other) Problems

I am filing a safety complaint against Scott Stark’s South Point Hyundai for selling me a vehicle with an active open safety recall, a blown transmission, an A/C failure, and a dry-rotted tire. Before returning the car for service under a promised 1,000-mile warranty, my sister, who has worked for Corporate Hyundai for 15 years, helped me conduct a full intake baseline inspection at her dealership. We performed a recorded 360-degree video inspection, took high-resolution photos of every square inch, and ran full computer diagnostics, which confirmed zero tool marks on any bolts under the hood or on the transmission, and all diagnostic readings were perfectly recorded. South Point Hyundai kept my vehicle for 10 days for repairs, making excuses about test drives and failing to find technicians. However, a hidden GPS tracker tucked deep under my passenger side carpet meticulously documented every single time the vehicle moved or remained completely stationary on their lot. Upon picking up the vehicle, my sister scanned the car immediately with her diagnostic computer. The readings are now completely erratic and all over the place compared to the baseline corporate readings we documented 10 days prior. Physical inspection reveals that bolts have been turned, internal components have been actively tampered with, and parts have been structurally altered. The evidence directly indicates that this dealership used my personal vehicle as an unauthorized parts donor vehicle to harvest components, severely compromising its mechanical integrity, structural reliability, and overall road safety. This severe tampering has left the vehicle completely unsafe to operate. We possess full video evidence, high-resolution photographs, GPS tracking logs, and comparative corporate Hyundai diagnostic data verifying this severe mechanical fraud. I have turned this info over to Corporate Hyundai, the DMV, and federal enforcement agencies due to safety risks.

NHTSA ID

11754634

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that during a regular maintenance visit, the contact was informed that there was a leak coming from the front axle transfer case, which was initially unrepaired. The vehicle was subsequently taken to a dealer in Colorado, where the seal was replaced. However, while an oil change service was being performed later, it was discovered that the failure recurred because the previous repair was performed incorrectly. The first failure was for an inoperable seal, and the second failure was due to an improper repair. The third inspection confirmed that the seal had not been installed correctly during the prior service. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 146,000.

NHTSA ID

11730363

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

Mileage

146,000 mi

My 2020 Hyundai Kona (VIN: [XXX] ) has a persistent engine stalling safety defect that matches Recall 203 (22-01-042H, NHTSA Campaign 21V301000 – Nu 2.0L Atkinson Engine Inspection and Replacement). The recall addresses improperly heat-treated piston oil rings causing cylinder bore scuffing, accelerated oil consumption, abnormal knocking, and potential engine stall while driving (increasing crash/fire risk).I first brought the vehicle to Corona Hyundai for repeated stalling while driving. They performed the recall vibration inspection and software update (Campaign 974), stated the test passed, and declared the vehicle "fixed", safe and "good-to-go" Immediately after pickup, the stalling returned worse: approximately 60-80 miles later on XX near the XXX exit (four-lane high-speed highway), the engine completely stalled at 65 mph while merging for an exit. This caused vehicles and semi-trucks behind me to swerve dangerously and very nearly collide with me. The vehicle stalled four more times on the way to my destination in [XXX] .I then took it to the nearest dealer, Carlsbad Hyundai for safety reasons. They performed the vibration inspection again, which also "passed," yet the real-world symptoms would continue unchanged: accelerated oil consumption (I monitor the dipstick and refill regularly), sputtering, knocking noises, and complete engine stalls (dozens of incidents, especially on local roads and turns). The vehicle remains undrivable due to imminent stall risk while moving and putting myself, my passengers and other commuters at high risk of severe injury or death.Both dealers and Hyundai Customer Care (Case #XXX) have refused further action, stating the vibration test passed, they cannot duplicate the concern, and no additional claim can be submitted for engine replacement. Hyundai's TSB [XXX] requires only the vibration inspection; engine replacement is authorized if "NO PASS" – no separate oil consumption test or monitored drive INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.

NHTSA ID

11725552

Incident

Mar 5, 2026

While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle’s dual-clutch transmission (DCT) failed to engage properly, causing a sudden and unexpected loss of propulsion. When the accelerator was pressed, the vehicle hesitated and did not respond as commanded, resulting in delayed or no acceleration. This occurred while driving in traffic at approximately 30 mph while trying to acceletate to merge onto highway and has happened multiple times. In some instances, the vehicle appeared to remain in gear but would not accelerate, and in other instances the transmission disengaged before re-engaging unpredictably. This created an unsafe situation, as the vehicle could not maintain speed or merge safely, significantly increasing the risk of a collision, especially in traffic or at intersections. The issue occurred without sufficient warning and continues to happen intermittently during normal driving.The vehicle was inspected by a dealership, which stated the condition is related to a clutch issue within the dual-clutch transmission and acknowledged it is a known issue affecting this transmission. The dealership further stated the issue would not be repaired because the vehicle is out of warranty.

NHTSA ID

11708967

Incident

Jan 2, 2026

The timing system was repaired in February 2025. After similar symptoms of vehicle stalling, the check engine light came on Found a software update that needed to be completed to determine if engine needed replaced. Dealership has refused for seven weeks to complete the entire job of the update which includes running a diagnostic of codes. Instead, they have been arguing that the timing system needs replaced and not providing the codes from the safety software update. Obviously there's a much deeper issue if the timing system keeps breaking down.

NHTSA ID

11699021

Incident

Sep 26, 2025

The vehicle has ~51K miles. It has been maintained according to the manufacturer's recommended repair schedule. At low speeds (<10 mph) or when coming from a full stop the vehicle hard shifts. When driving up inclines at low speeds (<10 mph), the vehicle shakes and stutters on the verge of shutting off. This happened twice on [XXX]. I experienced a full vehicle shut off on [XXX} while the vehicle was stationary, but shifted into drive . In August, the vehicle stuttered and shook before shutting off. I have reported three instances of this issue to my local Hyundai dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11695939

Incident

Aug 30, 2025

Ignition, speed and driving halts. I've had this Kona repaired a couple years ago and it took about 6-8mos to get my vehicle back, the this year 2025 the vehicle again is giving me problems. I thought of applying the lemon law however the week of the 6-8months being in the repair shop, I got the vehicle back, and the owner(mr. Crisostomo was very kind and understanding) so it made me be more patience nonetheless there's only so much he could do if he is not the one repairing the vehicle. I was offered carpets for my patience yet still have not gotten them and feel like a bother when I call to inquiry about them and it's not the service manager that I talk to , I feel otherwise. That could just be me, however I know good customer service if it's presence. For the actually year, I would need to check emails and records. But it's probably the year after so 2022 ( almost certain) now, This year, 2025.. I see that there is a recall that the dealership did not inform me. The vehicle is paid of last year, because I was going to relocate but that had changed. I found out about the recall cause my dad had died and step mother is using my other car so I'm using the Kona much more that 3 days a week. I keep dying out in one (1) day.. I died out twice. So I checked if there's a recall and there is. I would like my vehicle repurchased or credit for the amount purchased or I like a jeep 2 door ( is fine) as a recovery vehicle, thank you.

NHTSA ID

11688598

Incident

Sep 18, 2025

The engine on my 2020 Hyundai Kona failed suddenly while driving, causing complete loss of power. There were no warning lights until after the failure. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership. Initially, the dealership stated the failure was related to an open recall from 2021 and warned that repairs might not be covered because the recall had not been completed. I sent them a written request outlining both NHTSA Recall 21V-301 (federally mandated) and Service Campaign 974, asking for documentation supporting their diagnosis and any communications with corporate. This request was ignored. Afterward, the dealership said they would replace the engine, but upon completion they recommended replacing certain bolts and hoses at my expense ($849), claiming that if I declined, any future related repairs would not be covered. When asked why these parts were not included in the repair or how their condition would void future coverage, I was told they were “normal wear” items not covered under warranty. No documentation or policy basis was provided. When asked whether the repair was processed under Recall 21V-301 or Campaign 974, they stated it was not tied to either and was filed under the powertrain warranty without corporate involvement. Multiple shop personnel had earlier confirmed verbally that the failed part matched the recall defect, but the service manager provided a different explanation and refused supporting documents. The dealership also claimed Recall 21V-301 was “completed” in October 2021 via a software update, despite the vehicle never having been at the dealership since purchase. No proof of recall completion or CNDS software installation was provided. The lack of evidence that Recall 21V-301 was properly remedied, the possibility of an improper closure in Hyundai’s system, and the fact that the failure matched the recall defect raise serious concerns about compliance with federal recall requirements. I am waiting for corporate to contact me also.

NHTSA ID

11680070

Incident

Jul 30, 2025

My vehicle has a very rough idle-vibrating at idle or stopped and not shifting properly-gear slipping. There is sluggish acceleration or jerking and the problem worsens while at a stop light/stop sign or at times when making a turn. The RPM goes between 200-300 when I accelerate to go from a stop and the car revs as it slowly hits 20 mph and then jerks into the 30-40mph on the streets. I took it to the dealer January 2025 where they could not duplicate the concern, and all they did was a TCM judder improvement update for the DCT. The problem was dismissed as being an issue associated with the DCT and was told that unless a warning light turned on or my car broke down on me, they couldn't do anything more. The service representative advised that if I am in stop and go traffic and the car starts vibrating or shaking, I should pull over the side and turn off the car for a few minutes before continuing on my way. It has been less than 2 months and I have to take it back to the dealer so they can run diagnostics on it again. Same issues, no warning lights on the dashboard indicating there is a problem, but I am not comfortable driving the car anymore.

NHTSA ID

11647527

Incident

Mar 4, 2025

Vehicle has problems shifting between 1st and 2nd gear. Stutters and has issues accelerating. Has almost caused me to be hit while turning left against traffic. Was serviced at Hyundai dealership today and they cannot replicate the issue or find anything wrong and reprogrammed the clutch touch point engagement. It happened again on the way home.

NHTSA ID

11640412

Incident

Feb 3, 2025

When stopped at a light, I hit the gas and the car just sputtered. The car jolted and did not move, finally, hit the gas again it was able to move. It has happen before. My roommate's Dad told me I need to keep track of problem and file a report. I was told the injectors needed to be cleaned. I put injector cleaner into it, It seem to help but it happened again. It seems the dealer just says something needs to be cleaned.

NHTSA ID

11616081

Incident

Sep 20, 2024

The issue is when I'm decelerating to around 5 mph and go to accelerate again, there is a horrible grinding sound from the transmission and I can no longer accelerate. I then have to stop and re accelerate. This is dangerous if there is a car coming and I pull out and have to stop all of a sudden. I have 2 separate videos of the issue. The dealership won't fix it under warranty because they can't replicate it. The dealership won't even take a look at anything.

NHTSA ID

11577828

Incident

Jan 19, 2024

Letter below was sent to Hyundai corporate 7 Feb 22. They replied I should work with my Dealership to resolve the issue. Dealership cannot duplicate the fault. Vehicle has 7 speed DCT and currently has about 40k miles. "SUBJECT: 2020 Hyundai Kona DCT disengages and/or makes loud banging noise upon normal acceleration from standing stop. Occurrence is random but more prevalent in warm weather. ISSUE: While our Kona has been a mostly faithful servant over the last 17 months, including a trip from Florida to Oregon and back, it still, at random times, will violently disengage the 1st gear clutch, sometimes with a very loud 'bang.' Local Dealership mechanics cannot duplicate the fault, so what can be done? OPINION: For my wife in particular, this is a Safety Issue. When you step on the gas and the car begins moving forward but then BANG! and it coasts, bad things can happen. Like when you are trying to move out into fast moving traffic? The last time our Kona did this to me a couple weeks ago, the ‘BANG’ shook the car as violently as a collision, and I reflexively looked in the rearview mirror expecting to see an oil slick behind me. But nothing further happened and the car drove normally afterwards. Very disconcerting. NOTES: Don't get me wrong here. We like Hyundai vehicles and have owned two Sonatas, one Elantra, one Sante Fe and now, a Kona over the last 10 years. I love the' zip' from the Kona turbocharged 1.6ltr ‘mouse motor,’ the mileage is very good, and fit and finish are excellent. This is our vehicle of choice for all local trips and some longer ones." Help! Are there other owners in the same boat as I am? Is a recall pending?

NHTSA ID

11559897

Incident

Feb 6, 2022

Vehicle hesitates and does not accelerate from a complete stop, then jerks and changes into 2nd gear. Same hesitation and lack of power to accelerate occurs at 3rd gear. Causes a near accident when the car would not accelerate as I pulled into normal traffic

NHTSA ID

11554623

Incident

Nov 8, 2023

Transmission stutters and slips between 1-2k rpms, especially at low speeds and in stop and go traffic. I took my vehicle to the dealer. At less than 20,000 miles they said transmission wear is at 85%. Unacceptable performance and concerning that this will continue to degrade.

NHTSA ID

11551145

Incident

Oct 21, 2023

For the last 2 weeks I’ve been hearing weird engine noises. Like metal pieces being grinded. The car has issues accelerating. Will not change gears properly causing the car to redline on the tachometer. Just today I hear noises a lot more frequently and as I’m driving and coming to a slow turn the car stalled out on me. I quickly put the car in park and started the car and it started back up. But now I feel a loss in power In the car. The car stalled on me more than six times. Every time I came to a complete stop the car would stall. So every stop sign and red light the car was stalling. The car is still under warranty but I do hope this can be resolved. I know it’s the engine that’s definitely having internal mechanical issues and transmission as well. Also the 2 lower headlights are also out as well. This is with the car having 34705 miles only. Wast expecting to have this many issues. I have a video of the car stalling out as well and another showing a rough idle on the car.

NHTSA ID

11497174

Incident

Dec 12, 2022

After driving the car for several hours, I arrived at my destination and as I was parking the vehicle, it would not move when put in reverse. I received a message on the dashboard that said, “transmission problem detected.” I had the car towed the nearest Hyundai dealer. They diagnosed the issue as a transmission failure. They ordered and replaced the transmission with a rebuilt unit under warranty. I picked up the vehicle approximately 3 weeks later when the repair was completed. I drove the vehicle for 1 week before a similar problem occurred. While driving the vehicle, I received a warning message on the dashboard and the vehicle stopped on the road. The symptom of this subsequent failure was that the vehicle could not go over 2-3 mph. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest Hyundai dealer approximately 10 days ago. It is currently sitting in the dealer's lot waiting for them to "get around to check it".

NHTSA ID

11476520

Incident

Jun 18, 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving the vehicle stalled. The gear shifter was stuck in reverse and drive. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but, the failure recurred. The vehicle failed to turn on and there was an abnormal odor of fire. Additionally, The vehicle failed to start. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000. The contact mentioned a complaint was filed with the BBB.

NHTSA ID

11448690

Incident

Apr 1, 2020

Mileage

13,000 mi

WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, A MESSAGE "COLLISION DETECTION SYSTEM FAILURE" FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND THE BRAKES SLAMMED ON FULL, FOLLOWED BY THE TRANSMISSION STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. I HAD TO LEAVE THE HIGHWAY, AND POWER OFF THE ENGINE - EFFECTIVELY REBOOTING THE CAR. I CONTINUED ON TO WORK BUT I SHUT OFF THE COLLISION DETECTION SYSTEM, WHICH HAS TO BE SET AT EACH POWER CYCLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY CAR 3 TIMES, TWICE ON THE HIGHWAY. DEALER SERVICE DOWNLOADED LOGS WITH NO INDICATION OF THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

11400028

Incident

Mar 9, 2021

Mileage

29,000 mi