CarRecallDB

2021 Hyundai Kona recalls and problems

1 recall and 120 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Hyundai Kona.

1
recalls
120
owner complaints
2
complaints mentioning a crash
3
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2021 Hyundai Kona recalls

Engine

NHTSA campaign 21V301000 · reported April 28, 2021 · Hyundai Motor America · 158,493 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 13, 2026 · Service brakes

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…

Oct 5, 2026 · Engine

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

Oct 2, 2026 · Engine

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…

Sep 30, 2026 · Engine

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…

Sep 11, 2026 · Engine

"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…

Kona model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2018 075910
2019 1198114
2020 216283
2021 112023
2022 010130
2023 16640
2024 45350

Across all years, the 2019 Kona has the most complaints (198). All Hyundai Kona years →

Questions

Does the 2021 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Hyundai Kona, the most recent reported on April 28, 2021 (Engine). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
Owners have filed 120 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (80 complaints), followed by unknown or other (19).
How many 2021 Hyundai Kona complaints mention a crash or fire?
2 of 120 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 13, 2026.