2019 Hyundai Kona · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 42owner reports
- 81,000median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Sep 7, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
135 of the 188 complaints on this car are about the engine. 42 of those describe engine failure.
Tick what matches of 42 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (38 reports) and the timing chain (5 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2019 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Kona
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
NHTSA summary
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 36,500 and 100,902 miles, from the 20 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“96,247 mi Engine knock and complete oil loss within 3,000 miles of last oil change Symptoms consistent with NHTSA Recall 21V301 (Hyundai Recall 203) and Warranty Extension TXXM coverage”
Filed May 20, 2026 · 96,247 miles
“Engine blew a head gasket so had to have the engine rebuilt @ a cost of $13,000. Car only had 22,500 miles on it. I think that should instigate a recall.”
Filed May 6, 2026 · 22,500 miles
“On Dec 25, 2025 my 2019 Kona' s engine started to knock and lose power, no lights on the display- no warning- the mechanics said it is a rod in eating failure, the Hyundai Corp refused to pay for a new engine - I was out of warranty for a high mileage - 122K.”
Filed Feb 6, 2025
“car shut down while driving, would not turn back on. My safety was put at risk when I was driving on the highway and my car shut off 3 times without warning. I noticed rapid oil consumption, and now my engine has seized.”
Filed Aug 3, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 42 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 67 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 43 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 28 reports