2021 Hyundai Kona recalls and problems

The 2021 Hyundai Kona has 1 safety recall and 120 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

120

Crashes / fires

2 / 3

Injuries / deaths

3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Hyundai Kona vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Hyundai Kona recalls

Recall 21V-301: Engine

Reported Apr 28, 2021 · 158,493 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.

Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

2021 Hyundai Kona problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	80
Unknown or Other	19
Power Train	14
Electrical System	11
Forward Collision Avoidance	6
Fuel/Propulsion System	5
Vehicle Speed Control	4
Service Brakes	4
Lane Departure	3
Steering	2
Wheels	2
Engine and Engine Cooling	2

Most reported parts

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 3
Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 3
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 3
Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
Tires › Sidewall — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
Structure › Body — 1
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 23,700 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Hyundai Kona complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Oct 13, 2026

My 2021 Kona has undergone five separate oil consumption checks. The engine is depleting oil at an abnormal rate, creating a clear risk of sudden catastrophic engine failure and highway stalling. Dealership service personnel have repeatedly dismissed consumption data despite documented top-offs between 500 and 1,000 miles. Furthermore, this vehicle has already required an entire brake system replacement due to unidentifiable system failures, establishing a continuous history of substantial defects impairing its safety, market value, and use.

Engine · reported Oct 5, 2026

All 4 fuel injectors failed. They were replaced but the check engine light came back on. Crank shaft sensor was then replaced and now the check engine light is back on. Driving the car waiting for something to fail is not safe

Engine · reported Oct 2, 2026

My exact engine was as in a recall but not my car which failed prematurely at 84,000. I have taken extensive maintenance in the car in the for the past 2 years. Hyundai made me pay to tow my car to a dealership denied me for a goodwill replacement with the same exact problems as the same exact recalled engine and stuck me with the bill.

Engine · reported Sep 30, 2026

My 2021 Kona Limited 1.6L Turbo is consuming oil so rapidly that the Low Oil Pressure light has activated on the highway, creating a sudden risk of stalling and engine failure, that the dealership and Hyundai are declining service. According to research, when your oil pressure light flashes, your engine is moments away from locking up. If that happens at 65 mph on a highway, it is a catastrophic safety risk. I am the original owner of 2021 Kona Limited under warranty. The dealership refused to help me after my car lost oil, citing one missed service from over three years ago. That gap was due…

Engine · reported Sep 11, 2026

"The vehicle suffered sudden internal engine failure while in operation due to catastrophic oil starvation, presenting a severe risk of engine stalling and loss of propulsion on the road. Active diagnostic codes are P0014, P0017, and P0303. An independent mechanic confirmed the engine was found 3 quarts low on oil with absolutely no external leaks or pooling under the vehicle, indicating massive internal oil consumption. This vehicle has been meticulously maintained with 11 consecutive oil changes logged between 15,202 miles and 115,926 miles. This oil loss starved the hydraulic timing…

Other Hyundai Kona years

2026 2025 2024 2023 202220212020 2019 2018

Compare all Hyundai Kona years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Hyundai Kona: 21V-301 (engine). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Hyundai Kona?

Owners report engine problems most often (80 reports), followed by unknown or other (19). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 23,700 miles.

Are Hyundai recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.