2021 Hyundai Kona recalls

1 safety recall, 120 owner complaints and a 5-star NHTSA crash rating. Official NHTSA data.

1Recalls
120Complaints
5Crashes & fires reported
5/5NHTSA overall rating

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2021 Hyundai Kona recall list

Engine recall

21V-301
April 28, 2021 · Hyundai Motor America
Problem
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.
Safety 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.

2021 Hyundai Kona owner complaints

120 complaints filed with NHTSA, including 2 crashes, 3 fires, 3 injuries and 0 deaths.

Problems by component

Engine80
Unknown or Other19
Power Train14
Electrical System11
Forward Collision Avoidance5
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Service Brakes4
Vehicle Speed Control4
Lane Departure3
Engine and Engine Cooling2

Recent complaints

October 13, 2026Unknown or OtherService BrakesForward Collision Avoidance

My 2021 Kona has undergone five separate oil consumption checks. The engine is depleting oil at an abnormal rate, creating a clear risk of sudden catastrophic engine failure and highway stalling. Dealership service personnel have repeatedly dismissed consumption data despite documented top-offs between 500 and 1,000 miles. Furthermore, this vehicle has already required an entire brake system replacement due to unidentifiable system failures, establishing a continuous history of substantial defects impairing its safety, market value, and use.

October 5, 2026EngineFuel/Propulsion System

All 4 fuel injectors failed. They were replaced but the check engine light came back on. Crank shaft sensor was then replaced and now the check engine light is back on. Driving the car waiting for something to fail is not safe

October 2, 2026Engine

My exact engine was as in a recall but not my car which failed prematurely at 84,000. I have taken extensive maintenance in the car in the for the past 2 years. Hyundai made me pay to tow my car to a dealership denied me for a goodwill replacement with the same exact problems as the same exact recalled engine and stuck me with the bill.

September 30, 2026Engine

My 2021 Kona Limited 1.6L Turbo is consuming oil so rapidly that the Low Oil Pressure light has activated on the highway, creating a sudden risk of stalling and engine failure, that the dealership and Hyundai are declining service. According to research, when your oil pressure light flashes, your engine is moments away from locking up. If that happens at 65 mph on a highway, it is a catastrophic safety risk. I am the original owner of 2021 Kona Limited under warranty. The dealership refused to help me after my car lost oil, citing one missed service from over three years ago. That gap was due to a severe family medical emergency where my partner was hospitalized off and on for over three mon

September 11, 2026Engine

"The vehicle suffered sudden internal engine failure while in operation due to catastrophic oil starvation, presenting a severe risk of engine stalling and loss of propulsion on the road. Active diagnostic codes are P0014, P0017, and P0303. An independent mechanic confirmed the engine was found 3 quarts low on oil with absolutely no external leaks or pooling under the vehicle, indicating massive internal oil consumption. This vehicle has been meticulously maintained with 11 consecutive oil changes logged between 15,202 miles and 115,926 miles. This oil loss starved the hydraulic timing components of fluid pressure, causing immediate timing failure. The manufacturer's current safety recall ca

2021 Hyundai Kona crash test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 Hyundai Kona SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2021 Hyundai Kona SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Driver aids on the tested 2021 Hyundai Kona: electronic stability control standard, forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard. Rollover risk: 14.1%.

2021 Hyundai Kona recall FAQ

Does the 2021 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2021 Hyundai Kona. The most recent, filed April 28, 2021, concerns the engine.

What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Kona problems?

Owners have filed 120 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported area is engine (80 reports), followed by unknown or other.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona safe?

The 2021 Hyundai Kona earned up to a 5-star overall safety rating in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program crash tests.

How do I get a recall fixed on my 2021 Hyundai Kona?

Contact any authorized Hyundai dealer. Recall repairs are free, even if you are not the original owner or the warranty has expired.