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
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.
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 9,000 and 72,000 miles, from the 15 reports that gave a mileage.
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.
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 55 reports