2019 Hyundai Kona: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
1 recall campaign to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 72% about engine & cooling.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2019 Hyundai Kona
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2019 Hyundai Kona recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2019 Hyundai Kona. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Engine & coolingFire risk
A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 21V301000
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.
Fix: 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.
2019 Hyundai Kona safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Warranty extension: Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions.
- Engine: A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped…
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2019 Hyundai Kona safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
191 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
What a 2019 Hyundai Kona is worth
Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.
| Mileage | Trade-in (rough) |
|---|---|
| 80,000 mi | $11,400 |
| 120,000 mi | $10,191 |
From new to now
New, a 2019 Hyundai Kona started at about $20,970. At a typical 84,000 miles today it trades in for about $11,279 — roughly 46% less.
Typical mileage = 12,000 miles a year; values between two published mileages are estimated in a straight line. “New” is the base price (cheapest version) as published, give or take destination fees; higher trims cost more.
Other Hyundai Kona years
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator