2019 Hyundai Kona · symptom sheet

Burns oil or oil level rises

28owner reports
55,000median miles
1involved a crash

Newest report Sep 7, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

142 of the 188 complaints on this car are about the engine. 28 of those describe oil consumption.

Tick what matches of 28 reports

adding oil between changes

oil smells like gas

the oil level rises

low oil light came on

the dealer called it normal

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the piston rings (13 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 Petitionersâ 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. ODIâs 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 12,000 and 90,000 miles, from the 16 reports that gave a mileage.

121

422

423

624

625

726

What owners wrote

“The vehicle burns oil faster and the vehicle began to stall at highway speeds. Upon further research, a campaign recall for the same vehicle is open but only for specific VIN. Although this vehicle was not part of the recall campaign 21V301000 the vehicle shows issues aligned with the recall.”
Filed Apr 24, 2026

“My car is having problems due to excessive oil consumption. I took it to the dealership to get it fixed and tested for the recall. They said the recall had nothing to do with it. Took it to another mechanic for a diagnostic, the other mechanic stated that the excessive oil consumption was caused by recall that they didn't fix, and it can be stopped by getting the recall fixed.”
Filed Jun 18, 2024

“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

“Oil consumption!! No low oil lamp!! Just cuts off. Then there is no oil. The engine can blow up and catch fire!! Having a oil consumption test now. First 1000 miles it's already burned half quart!!”
Filed Jan 31, 2023 · 1,000 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 1 of 28 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.