Diagsheet

2020 Hyundai Kona · symptom sheet

Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing

  • 33owner reports
  • 12,000median miles
  • 0involved a crash

Newest report Aug 25, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

108 of the 157 complaints on this car are about the engine. 33 of those describe engine failure. Only stalling is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 33 reports

13
4
3
9
7
4

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (32 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the engine covers the 2020 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 9,000 and 72,000 miles, from the 15 reports that gave a mileage.

1121
322
223
124
925
726

What owners wrote

“The engine shut down when the car stops at a red light or stop sign. There are metal shavings in the oil due to issues with the pistons.”

Filed Oct 15, 2025

“I was driving when I heard a rattle below the car. About a mile later, my engine died. Turns out the oil plug fell out causing irreparable damage to my engine. Was fortunate to be able to coast down the bottom side of the bridge I was on to a safe spot off to the side.”

Filed Jul 3, 2025

“Defect engine failure stall or fire. Dealership will not reveiw vehicle without charge because no remedy has been destributed. This recall follows the same pattern asn the Hyndai theta lawsuit?”

Filed Aug 6, 2021

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 33 reports involved a crash. 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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