2021 Hyundai Kona · symptom sheet
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 39owner reports
- 23,700median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 11, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
92 of the 116 complaints on this car are about the engine. 39 of those describe stalling, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2021 Kona.
Tick what matches of 39 reports
Stalling on other Kona years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them.
What this problem usually is
Stalling reports are some of the most alarming on the site. The engine quits while the car is moving, sometimes on a highway and sometimes at a stop. Many owners say it restarted right away and the dealer found no stored code, which is part of why these complaints pile up before anything gets fixed.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the battery (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
The recall on the 2021 Hyundai Kona, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Kona
Pedestrian alert sounds. Closed aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V-063.
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 14,000 and 60,000 miles, from the 23 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Low speed hesitancy and shuddering. Car has lost power when driving at 55 mph. Car does not want to move at very slow speeds as in a parking garage. It hesitates and starts to roll backwards.”
Filed Jun 30, 2026
“The cars engine vibrates when accelerating and hesitates. It is always dangerous to stall after hitting the gas. This issue causes many near accidents. It began to vibrate at less than 70k. It has 90k now. These engines have had issues and mine is no exception. They should recall this engine as it's dangerous. top of the line and poop.”
Filed Feb 13, 2026
“I have experienced the same issues with a known recall for my year, make and model. I am not sure why my VIN is not showing. Have records from a mechanic that there was a fire hazard. I have experienced stalling on several occasions. Could I have help getting my VIN recognized so Hyundai will help me?”
Filed Aug 21, 2025
“Ongoing issues with the motor consuming oil despite passing a safety recall inspection. Issues with knocking, oil consumption, engine light on. Issues with the dealership fixing the problem. Issues since January of this year. Issues with stalling and motor locking up. Now no oil and not due for oil change, knocking, hesitates, motor light on.”
Filed Jun 16, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 39 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. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works