general problems of the 2019 Hyundai Kona - part 1

Vehicle struggling to accelerate and rolling back when brake is not being used. It stays at a few miles per hour even with full pressure on the gas pedal. A mechanic reviewed and stated the problem was due to low compression in the engine, causing the pistons to misfire. This issue has happened a total of 5 times and has almost caused other vehicles to crash into me due to sudden loss of speed and not being able to accelerate fast enough to properly get to safety.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle, with the low engine oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while checking the dipstick, the contact became aware that the engine oil level was low. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was shutting down while on the way to work, with a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine); however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair, because there were other failures with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,902.

I was traveling on the interstate when my car began to slow down and the rpms kept going up. I pulled over on the side of the highway and turned the motor off. I waited 10 minutes and started the car again thinking it was just a misfire. The motor began making weird noises and shaking. My engine like came on the dashboard display reported major malfunction get help. I was told by my mechanic that I was lucky the car did not catch on fire. He determined that pistons 1 and 3 were misfiring. He said it was being flooded with fuel. I have complained about the excessive burning of oil and that there must be an issue. Several have been recalled but not specific car.

Vehicle started to stall at low rpms. While idling at red lights, engine would stall and go into limp mode. All safety features, such as forward collision would stop working. Car would need to be turned off and restarted for a temporary fix. No engine lights would come on. Car inspected by dealership and cannot figure out what the cause is. VIN comes up saying that my car is not part of the recall.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 45 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine); however, the vehicle was towed to a dealer and the dealer declined to honor the recall repair due to sludge in the oil cap. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,220.

The car's engine stuttered after pressing on gas pedal when engine is cold. When pressing on gas pedal from idle position at stop sign, engine does not switch from 1st -> 2nd gear.

Vehicle safety complaint narrative on Saturday, December 6, 2025, I brought my 2019 Hyundai Kona to millennium Hyundai in hempstead, new york, the dealership where the vehicle was purchased, for evaluation due to engine safety concerns. While driving the vehicle, we heard a knocking sound coming from the engine. One week earlier, on November 29, 2025, we brought the vehicle to our local mechanic after noticing the noise. The mechanic advised that the engine oil level was low and refilled the oil. Despite this, the knocking sound continued. Due to ongoing concerns about potential engine failure and because the vehicle is still under warranty, we scheduled an appointment with millennium Hyundai for further diagnosis. The knocking noise raised serious safety concerns. On December 6th, we contacted the service manager, who advised us that the pistons were bad and they would need to replace the engine. On Monday, December 8th, we called the dealer and they then told us, that before any work could be done, that we would have to do an oil change for $90, drive the car for 1,000 miles and come back for an oil consumption test for $600 before they could make the repairs under the warranty. We are submitting this complaint to report a potential safety defect related to engine performance and reliability in the 2019 Hyundai Kona, as unexpected engine failure could pose a significant safety risk and, their requirement that we have to drive an unsafe car for 1,000 miles could be dangerous to the driver, passengers, and others on the roadway.

I believe that I’m leaking oil somewhere and that it’s due to the recall with the piston oil rings that’s on my car.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine); however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,634.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, with a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle shutoff while idling. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Later, while idling at a stoplight, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was eventually towed to the local dealer, who confirmed that the connecting rods had failed and punctured a hole in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 94,000.

My vehicle turns off while driving, which has almost cost mine and my child's life twice on the highway and once inside a roundabout. It often happens after acceleration and slight braking soon after, rpm goes to zero and a few dash lights come on. I am completely unable to accelerate, have to coast to a full stop until I can brake and put it into park and then push to start again. I'm sure you can see how absolutely life threatening this situation is when it happens in moving traffic! I have replaced spark plugs, ignition coils, all fuel injectors, camshaft sensor. The mechanic cannot get it to replicate the problem when he has it as it does not happen every time but I see that this is a common problem with Hyundai. After all above repairs, this problem persists and I have no direction as to how to remedy this, but driving this vehicle now has me completely anxiety ridden and terrified for my life.

I own a 2019 Hyundai Kona with around 110,000 miles. The vehicle has been consuming an excessive amount of engine oil, approximately one quart every 1,000 miles. I first noticed the issue around 80,000 miles when oil levels began dropping significantly between oil changes. The problem has worsened over time, and during a long family road trip, I had to add a total of about 8 quarts of oil just to keep the engine from running dry. I took the vehicle to a Hyundai dealership for an official oil consumption test, which confirmed the loss rate (1 quart per 1,000 miles). However, Hyundai motor America stated that this level of oil consumption is "within factory specifications" and denied any repair or assistance. This seems unreasonably high for a modern engine and creates both a safety concern (risk of running low on oil during travel) and a financial burden (frequent oil top-offs between changes). I am concerned this may indicate a defect similar to oil consumption issues seen in other Hyundai and kia engines.

The contact owned a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the vehicle stalled while driving uphill, and the contact heard a loud clanking sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer suggested that an oil consumption test be performed and return the vehicle be returned to the dealer every 1,000 miles. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

On Monday [xxx] I was driving to work when my vehicle abruptly stopped in the middle of traffic. I had several cars behind me slam on their brakes due to my vehicle stopping. It was super scary and dangerous and at a four way stop. There was loud knocking from the engine seconds before it stopped on me. I called roadside assistance and had it towed to the dealership I work at. I looked up my VIN and was informed that my vehicle has an engine recall. It was sent to Hyundai river oaks in calumet city who I do not recommend. They never once called me with an update. They then informed me via text that my vehicle would not be covered under the recall due to, “jumped timing”. I then opened a case with Hyundai and they were not any better and closed my case and said there was nothing they would do for me and case was closed. I am furious that my vehicle has an engine recall and my engine failed on me and almost caused a very serious wreck for myself and others. They can get away with not covering the recall due to “jumped timing”. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that the engine oil was low, and the contact added oil to the engine. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine). The contact continued to investigate the failure and discovered that the vehicle was previously repaired before owning the vehicle. The contact reached out to several dealers and the manufacturer about the issue; however, no assistance was provided. The contact continued to speak with the manufacturer, and the manufacturer agreed to have an oil consumption test performed on the vehicle. The vehicle tested by two dealers for the consumption test and the results came back inconclusive. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

On June 18th I was driving my car home when the engine shut off. I had it towed to my mechanic who ran a diagnostic test and told me the problem was under an active recall and I needed to take it to the dealership. I had it towed to the dealership, who informed me it would 300+ dollars to run a diagnostic test, I agreed to it, and then they took almost a month to notify me that my troubles were a timing chain and not the engine recall (which matches my symptoms exactly) the dealership said I could pay 5k+ to have the timing chain replaced but they would not be doing the active recall work on the vehicle and if I wasn't going to have the 5k in repairs done I could come pick up the car. I contacted the corporate complaint, and was assigned a case manager who just relayed the same information from the dealership, I asked to speak with a supervisor and was denied. Multiple times I asked and multiple times I was told there was no one above my case manager so I would not be transferred to a supervisor. The dealership relayed that it was "not practical" to fix the recall work until I had the timing chain repaired. On a recorded line they stated they would not be fixing the recall work.

This vehicle was sold to me advertised as a certified pre-owned by somersworth Hyundai in new hampshire. They have since shut down and I now see that they have a long history of bad reviews and scamming. When I had my first issue with this car, I brought it in thinking that it was covered by a certified pre-owned situation only to find out that it was not. I had a rare, bizarre, and expensive transfer case replacement done and was forced to pay out of pocket. Now, my check engine light has been flashing for about a month. It also started having a slight stutter or shudder in low speed acceleration. It hesitates or feels like I let off the gas for a split second even though I didn't. This happens everyday. I had the spark plugs replaced and that did not turn the flashing check engine light off. The service shop that installed the new spark plugs printed out an NHTSA recall bulletin on my vehicle for piston oil rings that may not have been properly heat treated which could result in engine damage. Consequences being damaged engines may stall and increase the risk of a crash. As well as oil leaks may leak on to hot exhaust components increasing the risk of a fire. Hyundai dealership and Hyundai corporate. Both say there are no open recalls on my exact vehicle. It is not included in this recall. I need the diagnostic process including knock test performed on this vehicle.

I'm the owner of a 2019 Hyundai Kona (us spec) imported to poland. The VIN is included in recall 21v-301 (fire risk). The engine showed symptoms consistent with this defect and failed at 44,000 miles. Photos confirm cylinder damage. Following Hyundai motor America (hma) instructions, I completed diagnostics at an authorized Hyundai service center in poland. Results: error p0366, compression 2–3 bar. Hma refused to accept these documents, demanding a specific “repair order” format, which european dealers cannot issue. No real coordination with regional offices occurred, making compliance impossible. Hma then issued a warranty-related denial (not requested), citing salvage status, although it is irrelevant to the mandatory recall remedy. Hma also stated diagnostics must be done in the USA, which is impossible for a non-operational vehicle located in poland. At the same time, Hyundai motor poland provided incorrect information (claiming two total-loss incidents instead of one) and advised dealers not to perform any work. As a result, Hyundai service centers in poland refused further diagnostics and repairs, blocking access to the recall remedy. The manufacturer provided no feasible path to obtain the remedy and created barriers that made the recall effectively inaccessible. I also incurred unnecessary diagnostic costs. I request that NHTSA review hma’s actions under campaign 21v-301 regarding my VIN, assess the creation of barriers preventing remedy access, evaluate Hyundai’s refusal to provide a feasible solution, and determine whether Hyundai fulfilled its obligations to ensure remedy accessibility for an owner located outside the USA. Additional evidence and a detailed timeline are attached. Details are provided in the attached file complaint. Pdf.

Yes my 2019 Kona started sounding funny was having loss of power took it to have codes read it comes up as code p0011 which is timing issues bank 1 the next day went to start it and it would not even start have to have it towed to shop to find out there was absolutely no engine compression and will need a new engine I have had this car less than a year and still owe a balance of 12,000 and now stuck with a payment and no vehicle to drive and will cost upwards of 7000. 00 to fix further investigation found open recall for the engine not being properly heated rings on the motor but my VIN does not show mine to be affected so they will not cover the costs of replacing but it is the same year make and model ect. As the recall.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving 35 mph and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated while responding, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil level as low and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine). The vehicle was currently at the dealer to be repaired; however, the contact was unaware of the exact repair to be performed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.

I am reporting a recurring safety issue involving engine stalling in active traffic due to excessive oil loss and internal component failure. This has occurred three times within approximately 12,000 miles and has created dangerous conditions for my family, including my 2. 5 year old child who rides in the vehicle. Summary of incidents: • may 15, 2025 – 61,736 miles: vehicle stalled in traffic and lost acceleration. Dealership confirmed abnormal noise and low oil, but no oil consumption test was ordered. • fall 2025 – 66,448 miles: vehicle stalled and died on the highway. Diagnosis showed broken camshaft timing components. Service invoice states the engine oil system was too low and caused internal failures. Major timing components replaced. • October 30, 2025 – 69,175 miles: vehicle stalled in traffic again. Oil was low after only 2,727 miles since previous repair. Dealer advised oil consumption test after another 1,000 miles, but I do not feel the vehicle is safe to drive due to repeated stalling and internal failures. At the most recent incident the dealership confirmed the oil level was again low, but did not identify the cause or perform consumption testing until after repeated failures. These repeated stall events are serious safety hazards and could result in a collision or injury. I have lost confidence in the safety of the vehicle. Based on consultation with an experienced engine mechanic, underlying internal damage from oil starvation is likely and may indicate piston ring or engine defect consistent with known Hyundai/kia oil consumption issues. Hyundai has declined to provide a buyback or full repair solution and the vehicle continues to demonstrate dangerous conditions. We have purchased a full warranty for the engine but warranty company will not cover it as they are saying this is a pistons issue - wear and tear. I am requesting NHTSA investigation and assistance to ensure this defect is addressed before someone is injured.

Engine smoke’s every now and then I go through a quart of oil every 600-1000 miles doubt it’s supposed to do that one time I went the full oil change limit I was completely out of oil the car was ticking and all this other stuff scene then I’m topping off my oil every 1000 miles till I need a oil change and it don’t stop ticking now so that’s a defect I don’t know if it’s apart of the 19-21 recall or not but this is not an okay engine.

I was unaware of the 203 recall until 2 weeks ago. I took my car into the dutch miller huntington wv dealership on may 5. Today is may 27th and I'm getting the car back with only an oil change. When I took my car in on may 5th- I reported all the symptoms of the 203 recall. My car has reduced speed when accelerating or "boggs down", does not shift properly, idles hard at times, sometimes it doesnt start. On or around April 25th it died while driving, while in motion. Thankfully I had turned into a long driveway, but still, that was the straw that made me take it in. I reported these symptoms and more with no knowledge of the recall. My car failed the ackison test (the specific engine noise test for this recall) initially and I was told I needed a new engine. Then the dealership was told to update their testing software, and surprise my car passed the test it originally failed. So now they wont replace the engine. They performed a multi point inspection on may 5 and my oil was marked as good, I have this documented. Then on may 22, I was told my oil was a little low and dark. They have changed the oil and are now sending me on my way in this know unsafe car. I still have a warranty on this car too. Please help?.

Car stalled while stopped in drive or while in park. Forward collision system error warning. Every yellow warning light illuminated. Car would restart and would shift gears up when accelerating but would not shift back down. Tachometer would not move although engine was revving. Park and turn off car. Open door. Close door. Restart and all lights off and engine runs fine until it stalls again. Repeat process. No accidents. Car at 62000 miles. Very dangerous on highway.

1-the turn lights(right and left turn)died too quickly. I change my bulb every month . I went to independent service center and they told me the car must have some wrong wire that doesn't support bulb. Even if I change my bulb ,it doesn't take long and a warning signal come out and stated that I need to check my light. It is so annoying. This happened one year after I start driving the car. 2- the passenger seat is too low that you don't feel comfortable seating inside. It is not possible to bring it up. I went to the dealer but they wasn't at the same location anymore. 3- the windshield wipers fails to operate properly, component can't wipes properly. After one year driving the car I noticed that wipers are loosing their components. 3-defective straps by passenger side,I noticed it when I start to give ride to a friend after a year owned this car. 4-my engine symbol is showing. I went to an independent center ,nobody can fix it . I sent the car to Hyundai ,they told me I have to spend $10000 to have the engine fix. I don't understand I was doing all my oil changes on time. Now I have to drive this car with my engine light on. I am still fixing it but it is costing me too much.

On [xxx] I drove my Hyundai Kona from louisville ky to the cincinnati area when my car started to stumble and I was able to pull off the highway in florence, ky. I tried to start the car but there was a very bad noise from the engine so I turned it off. I called the Hyundai service number and let them know what had happened. They had my car towed to a local Hyundai dealership. I was told by that dealership that my oil plug had fallen out and the engine seized. I had no indicator lights come on until the car lost power. The Hyundai dealership in louisville has completed all my maintenance on my car since I bought it. I had my 50k maintenance done on [xxx} where my oil was changed. I was still under my mileage for an oil change. After talking with the local dealership they stated that my warranty will not cover the repairs and advised that teenagers have been vandalizing cars and that is likely what happened. They advised me to enter a claim with my car insurance company for vandalism. After researching this issue, I feel that this is a defect as the temperature that day was -5 and during my drive the oil pan expanded and the plug fell out. I had not seen any oil leaking from my vehicle until the engine seized. I am still working with the dealership but they are sticking to the vandal theory and that I will have to pay for the repair which they have estimated will be around 12k. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the engine oil was 4 quarts low; however, the contact stated that an oil change had recently been performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v301000 (engine). The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall, and the vehicle was not covered under an extended warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 137,578.

On christmas, Wednesday 25, 2024, my husband and son were in the car with the husband's driving and they heard a knocking sound as if going from the engine, and the car was losing power; there was no the "check engine sign" but it was remembered that few days before that there was the oil lamp sign lighting up for seconds and then disappearing, and also, the blind spot signal not working. So, we brought the car to our local mechanic, and he inspected the engine and said that the left back cylinder is broken. I called the Hyundai corporation and they advised to bring the car to the Hyundai repair shop- the car was then inspected in the shop - found some " lower rod bearing failure" but the Hyundai denied a goodwill claim because of some maintenance neglect which has not been true - they had all our oil change receipts - I am the original owner - bought the car in finance and overall paid it off in 5 years - the car cost me 30k brand new- we were changing oil as soon as the message for the need to change oil would come up - every 5 - 5. 5 k miles, all the records have been sent to the corporation, they have just said " neglect" out of the blue. . . They have denied the goodwill engine replacement based on that falsely stated "neglect. " I see there have been recalls for the oil ring piston issues in Konas including 2019 - for the engines 2. 0l nu mpi- the cylinders would start knocking from some overheat of the ring. Our engine is 1. 6 gti - but the engines are related, and our problem seems to be the same as in that 2. 0l nu mpi engine. Please, look for the similar cases for those Kona gti turbo engines for 2019- the one we have, seems that our Kona is fitting into the profile of those defected engines and the recalls like the one under the number 21v 301 203. Please, help!.

On Dec 25, 2025 my 2019 Kona' s engine started to knock and lose power, no lights on the display- no warning- the mechanics said it is a rod in eating failure, the Hyundai corp refused to pay for a new engine - I was out of warranty for a high mileage - 122k.

In line with NHTSA recall notice 21v301000, affecting 2019 Hyundai Kona's for piston oil ring defects, I believe the date of manufacture (dom) range should be extended. Currently, the recall notice indicates vehicles manufactured between 11/2/2018 and 9/1/2020 are impacted, however my vehicle, with the indicated VIN, was manufactured 10/31/2018, two days before the indicated start date on this recall notice. My vehicle has been experiencing many of the same indicated symptoms of the faulty piston oil ring, such as abnormal knocking/rattling from the engine during acceleration, hesitation and engine dying randomly (while in motion), and significant oil consumption (half of the engine's capacity in just 2-3k miles. Given the symptom matches and the fact that my vehicle's dom is within 2 days of the indicated recall start point, I believe it should be included in the above mentioned recall notice.

My 2019 Kona seems to have the same o-rings that are in the hybrid model. It keeps stalling and losing oil consistently. This engine is no good and needs to be replaced!.

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle loss motive power without warning. The contact stated there were abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle. The check engine light illuminated. The contact's daughter was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft had failed. No repairs were made. The contact stated the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the crankshaft failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who referred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Burning oil faster than normal.

Car idles down and dies while driving, unable to restart, no codes showing.