2021 Hyundai Kona: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
1 recall campaign to confirm with a dealer.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2021 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.
2021 Hyundai Kona recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2021 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.
2021 Hyundai Kona safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Engine: Certain Kona (OS) vehicles equipped with the 1.6T-GDI engine may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions that may not meet engine-out NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) and Particulate Matter (PM) emission standards.
- Warranty extension: Certain 2021-2023 model year Kona, 2021-2023 model year Kona Electric, and 2022-2023 model year Kona N vehicles may experience an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize.
- Warranty extension: Some vehicles may have an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize.
- Warranty extension: Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2021 Hyundai Kona safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
116 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, about average.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Hyundai Kona years
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator