Diagsheet

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

25
8
4
8
12
6

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.

21V-301Apr 28, 2021
Engine

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
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.
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

DP22-003opened Sep 12, 2022
Engine · model years 2018 to 2022

Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.

NHTSA summary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan as

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 36,500 and 100,902 miles, from the 20 reports that gave a mileage.

321
422
423
924
1025
1226

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.

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