2020 HYUNDAI KONA Complaints

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the recall repair failed to prevent the failure from occurring. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart using the ignition key. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, Capital Hyundai of Greensboro (801 E Bessemer Ave, Greensboro, NC 27405), where it remained for further diagnosis. The contact stated that during the prior recall repair, the Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) assembly, Engine Control Module (ECM), and Body Control Module (BCM) were replaced, a solenoid was installed, and the engine was inspected but not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Leaking oil...burns exceptionally fast even with dealership services. Pistons not sealed, melts new spark plugs, misfire on cylinder 3

My 2020 Hyundai Kona experienced an engine-related malfunction. An authorized Hyundai dealer inspected the vehicle, confirmed diagnostic code P1327, and determined that the complete engine required replacement. Hyundai authorized the replacement, and the vehicle remained out of service for approximately two weeks. The engine defect created a safety concern because an engine malfunction could cause reduced or complete loss of motive power while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. The dealer inspected and removed the original engine; I do not know whether it remains available for further inspection, but the repair order and diagnostic records are available. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA can document this engine failure and determine whether it is related to NHTSA Campaign 21V301 / Hyundai Recall 203 and whether additional investigation or corrective action is warranted.

I received the recall, brought the Kona in had the software download. Now the engine code indicates engine issues with the safety code. Hyundai customer service representatives stars because the issue wasn't found and the software download completed this doesn't fall under the recall. I do have an appointment to bring the Kona into the dealership but because Hyundai states it is no longer under the recall I am responsible for the towing and will not be remembursed. When I initially brought the vehicle in I was told if the pistons and engine codes appears under the recall layer on towing and replacement of the engine is covered. I was also told my engine covered up to 150,000 miles. Even through I only have 65,000 Hyndai dealer and customer service stated it is not as this is only if the engine showed signs at the time of the software download. This is absolutely wrong to be treated like this and been advised by my local mechanic this does appear to be part of the recall, will deregulate, or engine could seize up causing a safety issue.

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.

The Kona was driven a 1/2 hour before parking the vehicle. The Kona was turned off. Within 5 minutes smoke began wafting from under the hood. When I opened the hood to inspect I found the engine & underside of the hood was engulfed in flames. I closed the hood immediately. The Kona fully ignited with minor explosions & burnt completely to the metal frame within 25 minutes.

The car failed to accelerate on highway on multiple occasions, including when slowing down and then trying to accelerate when pulling out on highways.

The contact owns a 2020 Hyunndai Kona. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's fiance, who is an independent mechanic attached the portable diagnostic tester to the vehicle, and the failure code was P1327. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact as advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

I am receiving an intermittent "check regenerative brake" message. The message will clear automatically and then reappear every three to four weeks. An internet search reveals this is a common error for the Kona. Most people report no repair by the dealer. In several cases, the brakes stopped working, resulting in collisions. The hydraulic breaks do not work if the regenerative brake system fails leaving you with no way to stop the car. The manufacture has no solution.

2020 Hyundai Kona, ~36,300 miles. Driver's side door latch assembly. On or around May 9, 2026, an abnormal mechanical noise began coming from inside the driver's door whenever the key fob lock/unlock button was pressed, consistent with a failing latch actuator. I booked a service appointment, and on May 15, 2026, an authorized Hyundai dealership confirmed the defect and recommended full replacement of the driver's door latch assembly. The vehicle is available for inspection. A latch that does not reliably operate is a serious safety risk. The driver's door is the primary egress point. An intermittent or inoperative latch could prevent emergency exit, block post-collision egress, or prevent first-responder access. The vehicle regularly transports children, increasing the consequence of any failure. No dashboard warning lights, alerts, or messages preceded the failure. This is a mechanical defect that does not trigger electronic warnings. Hyundai TSB 21-BD-006H (May 2021) acknowledges this exact failure mode — door handle inoperative or requiring repeated attempts to open — on the Elantra (AD/ADa) and Tucson (TL). The remedy is full latch assembly replacement, and Hyundai extended warranty coverage on the latch to 10 years / unlimited miles on those models. The 2020 Kona is not named in 21-BD-006H despite exhibiting the identical failure mode at low mileage on a 6-year-old vehicle. The defect appears to extend to the Kona platform and is not currently covered. Vehicle has not been inspected by Hyundai corporate, police, insurance, or independent shops. Filing this complaint to record the cross-platform defect pattern and request that NHTSA evaluate whether the door latch warranty extension should be expanded to include the Kona.