RoadVitals

2022 Hyundai Kona Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
102
Latest Nov 2, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2022 Hyundai Kona, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

33
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My radiator has coolant leak. I noticed the fluid getting low and the smell. I had to put fluid in 2-3 times the last month. I took it into the shop and they confirmed that it is the lower left part of the radiator that it’s leaking from and it has to get replaced. I did notice on a campaign 24\-EM\-005H\. for the Hyundai Kona 2022. But my VIN number wasn’t part of that. It is having the same leak and I have to get the radiator replaced. My car has 65000 miles on it so it wasn’t covered under warranty. It is in the auto shop now and will cost me over 1200 to get it fixed.

NHTSA ID 11765879 · filed Sep 21, 2026

COMPONENT/SYSTEM: Air Conditioning (HVAC) / Climate Control System and closed-loop refrigerant lines. The vehicle and all climate control components are available for immediate inspection. SAFETY RISK: Total loss of cooling in peak summer heat (90°F-95°F+) causes cabin temperatures to rapidly exceed 110°F. This sudden heat trapped in the vehicle caused me (the driver) acute heat exhaustion, culminating in a medical fainting episode. The vehicle regularly transports my newborn baby and toddler, subjecting them to severe heatstroke risks. Additionally, an ongoing 4-year chemical refrigerant leak inside an enclosed EV cabin creates an active toxic inhalation hazard for all passengers. DEALER CONFIRMATION: Yes. The failure has been repeatedly confirmed and documented by authorized Hyundai dealerships, including Paramus Hyundai, Garvey Hyundai, and Liberty Hyundai. Technicians repeatedly measured zero refrigerant charge/pressure, performed UV dye tests, and completed major repairs including AC line and radiator rebuilds without resolving the leak. INSPECTION HISTORY: Yes. Inspected multiple times by authorized Hyundai dealership technicians under official Corporate Case Nos #42549212, #41020884, and #23781133. WARNING LAMPS/SYMPTOMS: No dashboard warning lamps or error messages ever appeared. The only symptom was the AC suddenly blowing boiling hot air as refrigerant leaked out. This failure first appeared in Summer 2022 (shortly after vehicle purchase) and has recurred every summer for 4 consecutive years despite repeated warranty repair attempts.

NHTSA ID 11753892 · filed Jul 30, 2026
All 33 reports naming engine →

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

23
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle is a 2022 Hyundai Kona N Line, VIN [XXX]. The driver-assistance/safety systems have intermittently malfunctioned. The reported problems include false forward-collision warnings, unintended automatic emergency braking when there is no apparent obstacle or collision threat, false blind-spot/side warnings, and unwanted steering intervention from the lane-assist system. The exact failed component is UNKNOWN. Possible involved systems include the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system, Lane Keeping/Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning/Collision-Avoidance Assist, related cameras/radar sensors, control modules, wiring, or software. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request. These malfunctions create a serious crash risk because the vehicle may unexpectedly brake or steer while traveling at highway speed. Three different drivers in my household have independently experienced abnormal behavior from these systems. My greatest concern is that sudden braking or steering intervention could cause the vehicle to be struck from behind, leave its lane, enter another lane, or collide with another vehicle or fixed object. The vehicle was taken to AutoFair Hyundai for inspection and diagnosis. The dealership stated that it could not reproduce the condition during its evaluation and did not find a stored diagnostic trouble code. The dealership therefore did not identify a specific cause or perform a repair directed at the reported forward-collision, blind-spot, braking, or steering malfunction. A rocker cover assembly was replaced under warranty for a separate issue. The dealership has stated that it is checking whether the affected driver-assistance systems can be permanently disabled. Hyundai Motor America has also been notified through a national customer-care case. Hyundai is aware that the complaint remains unresolved. There are not always warning lamps or stored fault codes associated with the events. The symptoms are INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

NHTSA ID 11770622 · filed Oct 12, 2026

I purchased this 2022 Hyundai Kona used in May 2025 with approximately 55,000 miles. Within about one to two months of purchase, in June 2025, the transmission began to malfunction. When I pressed the accelerator, the speedometer and engine speed would climb but the vehicle would not accelerate, resulting in a sudden loss of acceleration while driving. This happened in traffic on a public road, which put me at serious risk of being rear-ended and left me unable to safely merge, cross intersections, or maintain speed. The vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership service center, which diagnosed a transmission failure and performed a transmission repair in August 2025. In October 2026, about 14 months after that repair and about 17 months after I purchased the vehicle, the exact same symptom returned. When accelerating, the speedometer surges while the vehicle fails to accelerate and loses drive. This has again occurred on public roads. The vehicle now has approximately 78,000 miles. This is a serious safety concern, not only for me but for everyone driving around me. The loss of acceleration is sudden and unpredictable, and it occurs while the vehicle is in motion, including in traffic. It puts the driver and surrounding vehicles at risk of a collision. I have stopped driving the vehicle until it is repaired. Warning signs: No warning lights or messages appeared before the failure. The first symptom was the speedometer surging with no corresponding acceleration. Confirmation and inspection: The first failure was diagnosed and repaired by a Hyundai dealership service center in August 2025. The current failure will be taken to the same service center for diagnosis. The vehicle and transmission are available for inspection. I am reporting this because the same symptom has led to transmission failure twice in only about 17 months of ownership.

NHTSA ID 11768313 · filed Oct 1, 2026
All 23 reports naming driver assistance →

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

COMPONENT/SYSTEM: Air Conditioning (HVAC) / Climate Control System and closed-loop refrigerant lines. The vehicle and all climate control components are available for immediate inspection. SAFETY RISK: Total loss of cooling in peak summer heat (90°F-95°F+) causes cabin temperatures to rapidly exceed 110°F. This sudden heat trapped in the vehicle caused me (the driver) acute heat exhaustion, culminating in a medical fainting episode. The vehicle regularly transports my newborn baby and toddler, subjecting them to severe heatstroke risks. Additionally, an ongoing 4-year chemical refrigerant leak inside an enclosed EV cabin creates an active toxic inhalation hazard for all passengers. DEALER CONFIRMATION: Yes. The failure has been repeatedly confirmed and documented by authorized Hyundai dealerships, including Paramus Hyundai, Garvey Hyundai, and Liberty Hyundai. Technicians repeatedly measured zero refrigerant charge/pressure, performed UV dye tests, and completed major repairs including AC line and radiator rebuilds without resolving the leak. INSPECTION HISTORY: Yes. Inspected multiple times by authorized Hyundai dealership technicians under official Corporate Case Nos #42549212, #41020884, and #23781133. WARNING LAMPS/SYMPTOMS: No dashboard warning lamps or error messages ever appeared. The only symptom was the AC suddenly blowing boiling hot air as refrigerant leaked out. This failure first appeared in Summer 2022 (shortly after vehicle purchase) and has recurred every summer for 4 consecutive years despite repeated warranty repair attempts.

NHTSA ID 11753892 · filed Jul 30, 2026

The vehicle trunk doors pops open. This has been happening for several months. We’ve taken it to the dealership. They said that it was not covered and there has been no recall on this, but it’s still happening and it’s very dangerous. It’s happened on the freeway on the back roads at night it doesn’t matter it just when it feels like it wants to open up it beeps loudly and light comes on the dashboard as something is wrong and It will just pop open.

NHTSA ID 11738915 · filed May 19, 2026
All 22 reports naming electrical →

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle hesitates, jerks, and shakes when accelerating into traffic. The vehicle is at the dealership right now and they said Hyundai won’t approve replacement of the dual clutch unless it’s its below 60%. It’s currently at 61% on one side and 66% on the other side. In my opinion this vehicle is unsafe to drive but they are forcing my daughter to keep driving the vehicle. This is unacceptable.

NHTSA ID 11775149 · filed Nov 2, 2026

I purchased this 2022 Hyundai Kona used in May 2025 with approximately 55,000 miles. Within about one to two months of purchase, in June 2025, the transmission began to malfunction. When I pressed the accelerator, the speedometer and engine speed would climb but the vehicle would not accelerate, resulting in a sudden loss of acceleration while driving. This happened in traffic on a public road, which put me at serious risk of being rear-ended and left me unable to safely merge, cross intersections, or maintain speed. The vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership service center, which diagnosed a transmission failure and performed a transmission repair in August 2025. In October 2026, about 14 months after that repair and about 17 months after I purchased the vehicle, the exact same symptom returned. When accelerating, the speedometer surges while the vehicle fails to accelerate and loses drive. This has again occurred on public roads. The vehicle now has approximately 78,000 miles. This is a serious safety concern, not only for me but for everyone driving around me. The loss of acceleration is sudden and unpredictable, and it occurs while the vehicle is in motion, including in traffic. It puts the driver and surrounding vehicles at risk of a collision. I have stopped driving the vehicle until it is repaired. Warning signs: No warning lights or messages appeared before the failure. The first symptom was the speedometer surging with no corresponding acceleration. Confirmation and inspection: The first failure was diagnosed and repaired by a Hyundai dealership service center in August 2025. The current failure will be taken to the same service center for diagnosis. The vehicle and transmission are available for inspection. I am reporting this because the same symptom has led to transmission failure twice in only about 17 months of ownership.

NHTSA ID 11768313 · filed Oct 1, 2026
All 19 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

When I purchased the car with in 2 weeks epb , auto hold and auto stop all 3 lights on dashboard came on orange. Took to dealership and they fixed the problem. 4 months later now the lights are back on. The vehicle does not feel safe at pulls to the right , I have problems with my ac as well as my transmission is slipping. The car loses power when I accelerate. I believe was sold a lemon car I purchased from carmax.

NHTSA ID 11681013 · filed Aug 15, 2025

When I first brought the car for its first service appointment (6 months after purchase), I informed the service dept at the dealership that the car seemed to accelerate itself when I was driving. They said they hit a reset button and that I shouldn't have any more problems. What I found was that the car then drove sluggishly but it did not accelerate anymore. Recently however (2.5 years into the purchase), the car started "sliding" when I hit the break pad. I took the car in again for service a few months ahead of time and they said that my car mat was wedged under the break pad and that was what was causing the car to slide when I hit the break. The car slid but also accelerated by about 5 miles, however I was able to quickly break and stop it without incident. This last service was on Friday, August 1st, and on Sunday August 3, the car slid and accelerated again - without the floor mat being wedged under the break. On Monday morning (August 4th) I called Hyundai so many times that I lost count. I was never able to speak with a service employee but I was given an appointment for a week and half later. According to ChatGPT, it is a common issue with the 2022 Kona and it should be recalled.

NHTSA ID 11678662 · filed Aug 6, 2025
All 9 reports naming brakes →

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof fractured without impact. The contact stated that the fractured glass fell onto the contact while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective sunroof glass. The contact was informed that the sunroof needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the sunroof glass needed to be ordered, and there was a 10-day waiting period before the parts would be delivered. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID 11599253 · filed Jul 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the front passenger’s side window exploded without impact. No medical attention was needed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence where the vehicle was then towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that the vehicle would be repaired under warranty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided case number. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

NHTSA ID 11480768 · filed Aug 23, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

22’ Kona N DCT Base US spec. 5,600 miles est (2nd Kona) Fuel used: Shell Premium Outside Temp: 76F/Dry-Clear Sky. This is my 2nd Kona N, this is the 4th experience I’ve had with my Kona N’s. Towed the first on Vin# [XXX] to dealer, engine stalled after refueling during a road trip. 6/7k miles. Misfire. No replaced parts, car started acting normal. Then I traded it in for another Kona N in June 22’. The vehicle in normal mode is fine. I believe. Switching from N Mode is where the engine starts misfiring and runs on 3,2cyl puffing out white smoke. Leaving me stranded. The codes all show via car touch screen, and OBD reader/history. All electronics perform properly, including active safety features. I am Hyundai affiliated but I do not know how to relay the message. All of the Kona N/Elantra N/Veloster N DCT. Need software updates. It’s a bug, I honestly think. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID 11492512 · filed Nov 6, 2022

My vehicle keeps shutting off with no warning and has almost killed me on multiple occasions The dealership keeps placating me about getting it fixed, saying that a repair is months out Meanwhile, I am driving a very dangerous vehicle that shuts off and shakes like it’s going to explode

NHTSA ID 11444554 · filed Dec 21, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated he noticed that there was water inside the driver’s side taillight assembly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer confirmed that they were aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 7,750.

NHTSA ID 11509686 · filed Mar 1, 2023

The low bean headlights are where the Brights should shine. The brights shine in the tree tops. Every time I go out at night I get flashed by almost all passing cars when the low beams are on. The dealership told us there is no way to adjust the lights. How am I supposed to drive this at night?

NHTSA ID 11453576 · filed Feb 23, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The tread came off the tire on the highway causing me to crash off I 75. The tires were made 6 of 2025 and the pressure was 31.5 according to the highway patrol officer on scene. I have the paperwork for the tires I purchased at Sams Club in Cape Coral Florida on 7/29/25. The tires are less than 11 months old and this shouldn't have happened. The tread damaged multiple parts of my car.

NHTSA ID 11743054 · filed Jun 9, 2026

Pirelli P Zero 235 / 40 R19 96Y Purchased a 2022 Hyundai Kona N on 7/23/22. At 8ooo miles all 4 tires are cracking on side wall and tread area. Hyundai said those tires are not to be driven on if the outside temperature is 40 degrees or lower. We currently live in Joplin Missouri. When we purchased the vehicle we were not informed about the situation with the tires and temperature. The warranty on the Hyundai website stated the tires should last for 30,000 miles. All 4 tires need to be replaced, if we knew about this issue we would have made arrangements, prior to the purchase, to have different tires placed on the vehicle. We feel that we have been taken advantage of due to the lack of information on Hyundai’s part. On 4/7/23 I contacted Hyundai and was told to take the vehicle to a Hyundai dealer and have the tires inspected. On 4/10/23 we took the vehicle to the Hyundai dealer and they inspected the tires and recommended that they be replaced and they would send a complaint to Hyundai. The service manager at Fletcher Hyundai, Zeb Nageotte 417-434-1601, said he has never seen anything like that before in that little time.

NHTSA ID 11516487 · filed Apr 11, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was rear ended waiting for the car in front of me to turn. Driver was going between 33-40 on a residential. My air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ID 11512117 · filed Mar 16, 2023

During collision, airbags did not deploy. In attempt to avoid collision, automatic breaks failed and did not stop the vehicle, cruise control continued to attempt to drive the vehicle despite collision warning and did not stop- coupled with my manual breaking, the car did not stop. Car is currently at a tow lot waiting for insurance. My safety was put at risk due to airbags not deploying during serious collision, the breaks malfunctioned. At this time, the car is in the beginning stages of insurance. My car did not display any prior failure features.

NHTSA ID 11467487 · filed Jun 4, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .