Equipment Problems of Hyundai Kona - part 2

I was driving on the highway around 70 to 75 mph and suddenly the sunroof exploded. No debris impact. Just suddenly and randomly the glass just exploded and shattered.

See all problems of the 2025 Hyundai Kona 🔎.

My horn on my car has went out the first time and now it just went out again and it’s a manufacturing issue! Hyundai refuses to fix it because it’s not under warranty anymore! and it’s so dangerous now since I don’t have a horn again! I should have not have to fix it when it’s not my fault! and other people have the same issue with your Kona’s to! the dealership even told me that’s it’s been an issue with the horns!.

See all problems of the 2022 Hyundai Kona 🔎.

Rear latch unlocks while vehicle is running or not running up to 30 times at once. Rear latch unlocks without key being in vehicle. This has been reported to Hyundai motor America since August 2025. The front collision warning goes off at random times, left side departure goes off at random times.

See all problems of the 2023 Hyundai Kona 🔎.

The hvac drainage system in my 2021 Hyundai Kona failed due to a clogged ac drain line, which led to water leaking into the cabin and mold growth. The dealer reported the drain was blocked by a spiderweb and that moisture had collected under the driver and passenger carpets. They unclogged the line, but did not inspect beneath the carpet or inside the hvac system. Soon after, I experienced musty odors, asthma flare-ups, and headaches while driving. At-home mold tests under the passenger seat and footwell came back positive. White mold was also visibly growing under the carpet. A similar issue occurred in my fiancé’s Hyundai elantra, also purchased from the same dealer. His ac drain was clogged and mold tested positive in the cabin, though his car had no smell. Our vehicles are stored in different environments, which rules out external environmental causes and points to a broader design flaw. There are Hyundai forums online confirming this same issue is not isolated to us. Even if spiderwebs were involved, a single web should not disable a critical drainage function and cause health risks. Hvac systems should be designed to resist common environmental factors like debris or insects. I am a cancer survivor (diagnosed in 2024) and must avoid environmental toxins like mold. Despite repeated outreach to Hyundai and the dealer, I was told no inspection or remediation would be provided beyond detailing, which is not sufficient for mold. Component that failed: ac evaporator drain tube confirmed by dealer: yes manufacturer inspection: no – Hyundai declined to investigate safety concern: yes – mold has triggered respiratory symptoms and makes the vehicle unsafe for passengers.

See all problems of the 2021 Hyundai Kona 🔎.

Manufacturing defect . . . Took it in 4 times for "refill inverter coolant" warning . They had a campaign ' tried by couldn't get the light to go away . It was their first time ever performing this on an ev at kerry Hyundai alexandria . Now td ev in mason ohio is confirming my inverter failed as a direct result of the poor flushes and poor manufacturing. I am seeking for Hyundai to cover all related costs. I haven't had my vehicle for over a month . It's out of warranty 'however this was a known issue they issued a campaign for 'and then couldn't fix the issue after 4 or 5 tries and 2 different hyundia dealers . All work performed will be listed at kerry hounding in alexandria ky and jefferson wyler Hyundai cincinnati ohio.

My wife was pulling into a parking place at home depot when the car suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb & hit a tree on the sidewalk. It did significant damage to the front bumper of the car but the airbags did not deploy & my wife was not hurt. I am guessing that it will be several thousand dollars to repair.

See all problems of the 2020 Hyundai Kona 🔎.

The horn is not working. On forums for this specific car it is a common problem for this make and model. This means I cannot alert other cars or pedestrians.

Significant mechanical and drivetrain problems: ? loss of drive power and sluggish acceleration: reported as early as November 7, 2024 ("bumpy driving, grinding and clanking noise"), with issues worsening by January 2, 2025 ("slower acceleration, bumpier ride, metal clinking and cracking sounds"), and most severely on June 6, 2025 ("car shifts hard to the left then goes back and forth (wobble)," "greatly reduced" power, and "snapping" noises). You've had at least five repair attempts for these issues. ? vehicle shaking/wobbling: this has been a recurring complaint since November 18, 2024 ("car shakes when accelerating") and continued through multiple visits, including may 21-27, 2025 ("wobbly feeling"), June 6, 2025 (shifts "back and forth (wobble)"), and July 16, 2025 ("bounces excessively"). ? loose steering/difficulty turning: you've reported "difficulty turning" and "resistance when turning left," with a feeling of "less control" or "lack of control" while turning. This was noted on November 18, 2024, and persisted through April 14, 2025, and July 16, 2025. ? noises from underneath the vehicle: complaints include "grinding and clanking noise" (November 7, 2024), "loud noises" (November 18, 2024), and "metal clinking and cracking sounds" (January 2, 2025), and "snapping" noises (June 6, 2025). • electrical/infotainment system malfunctions: ? interior and exterior lights turning off while driving: on January 2, 2025, all interior and exterior lights turned off for approximately 3 seconds while driving. ? bluelink service and infotainment system disconnects/shutdowns: ongoing issues with bluelink service, including loss of connectivity and interruptions. • numerous repair attempts and days out of service: ?at least eight separate service visits for these issue.

There has been a continuous popping noise on the right side of the vehicle near the tire like it’s an axle or something with the suspension. It has been checked and I was told it was normal. The horn will stop working along with the radio and other components in the car. The forward front accident component will say I’ve been in an accident when I have not even been near a vehicle. This has happened on several occasions. I don’t have all specific dates.

The horn stopped working. I have owned several cars and never had a horn malfunction. This is an important safety feature and is mandated, like airbags. They should work.

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.

See all problems of the 2019 Hyundai Kona 🔎.

Message: "check/refill coolant light has intermittently come on for past two days. I checked coolant and it is lower than "max" but higher than "min". Also, why is this website saying 0 unaddressed recalls on my car? there are recalls that were not done on my car. Message: "0 unrepaired recalls associated with this VIN".

The window on the drivers, passenger side. Yes it could be inspected. Fingers caught in the area where the window goes into the door at the bottom, 2 and a half year old child in car seat next to window. This is the first time it happened. She does not ride in the car often. I have not contacted the dealership yet. No others have been contacted yet. The window went down and the child was screaming with her fingers caught. Unknown.

See all problems of the 2024 Hyundai Kona 🔎.

On 3. 22. 2025 the rear view camera did not display; either a black screen with text "check surroundings for your safety," a green screen reading "no camera signa received. Please try again later," or distorted images appeared. Camera was replaced under warranty on 4. 14. 2025; I learned from crossroads Hyundai that other vehicles had a recall in effect. Images and work order are included.

I have had my horn replaced three separate times at my local Hyundai dealership. It recently passed the nc vehicle inspection, but the horn failed the third time sometime after that inspection in Feb-2025. I have never had a horn ever fail on any car I have owned for the past 50 years. A horn is a critical safety necessity and it is expected to work - especially in times of emergency. I was almost run off the highway, once by a semi-trailer and each time I discovered my horn had failed - it was due to my needing to use it to alert pedestrians or other motor vehicles to avoid accidents. The dealer would not reveal why this has failed three times except to state that they 'replaced the horn'. The dealer is the only one to have attempted an examination, diagnosis and supposed repair for this problem. There are no warning lights or other type of notification that would let me know of a horn failure. The only way to know that it had failed - was my immediate need to employ the use of the horn in an emergency - and it's silence aka malfunction at the worst possible times.

Rear camera is not working properly. Either I have a blurry image or a black screen when in reverse position.

On February 3rd 2025, directly after putting my Kona in park, I felt it pulsing, saw the rpm dial bouncing repeatedly up and down, and the overhead lights flickering in rhythm with the vibrating/pulsing and rpm dial bounces. I recorded this incident, then turned my car off and on again at which point these observations could not be repeated - in other words, the car was acting fine. There were no other observable issues until March 1st, 2025, when these exact symptoms emerged under different circumstances. I came to an idle at a red light (with the auto-start/stop feature turned off for this drive) when the rpm bouncing, car pulsing back and forth, and lights flickering happened again. My car felt as though it was about to stall this time until, thankfully, the light turned green and I could accelerate. The issues dissipated with acceleration. I have this incident on video as well. I have a little over 63k miles on this car. I drive all day for my job, so it's used often for short trips throughout the city.

Horn stopped working for third time. Replaced by dealership twice, awaiting parts for third repair.

Sunroof on Hyundai Kona spontaneously exploded in cold weather driving on the freeway early in the morning after being parked in the warm garage overnight. Read about a class action lawsuit for Hyundai panoramic sunroofs but Kona is a standard sunroof; however, cases seem the same in terms of spontaneous explosion.

Component or system: the brake system, specifically what appears to be a false abs activation or ieb (integrated electronic brake) system malfunction. The component is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: while braking at speeds between 25-40 mph, typically on dry pavement and more frequently on downhill grades, the brake pedal exhibits a chugging sensation, erratic stopping behavior, and pedal softening consistent with unintended abs activation or ieb malfunction. This occurs on dry roads where abs activation is neither warranted nor expected, creating unpredictable braking response and extended stopping distances. The defect has occurred 24 documented times since [xxx], and existed prior to that date. Dealer confirmation: yes. During a ride-along at edmond Hyundai on [xxx], a technician directly witnessed and confirmed the occurrence. Despite this confirmation, it was not documented on the repair order. Two prior repair attempts returned cannot-reproduce results: March 2, 2026 at bob howard Hyundai and March 10, 2026 at edmond Hyundai. Additional repair/inspection attempts: on April 7, 2026, norman Hyundai opened and closed a repair order without the consumer's knowledge and refused to provide a copy despite an explicit request. On may 23, 2026, a scheduled appointment at bob howard Hyundai was missed; a reschedule request was subsequently ignored by the dealership. Hma case no. [xxx] is active. Warning lamps or prior symptoms: no warning lamps have illuminated. The defect presents exclusively as a physical sensation—pedal/brake chugging, softening, and erratic stopping during normal dry-pavement braking. The issue has been present since delivery on [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

File with NHTSA now please!!!! what do you have to lose??? if anything if they do an investigation we are safe post warranty. Report a vehicle safety problem, equipment issue | NHTSA [xxx] the Hyundai Kona electric vehicle (ev) has experienced issues with its integrated charging control unit (iccu) due to problems with the low-conductivity coolant (bsc-1) used in models produced between 2018 and October 2021. This coolant can crystallize, forming debris that clogs the cooling system, leading to false "refill inverter coolant" warnings and potential overheating risks. A technical service bulletin (TSB 23-01-049h) outlines a recall to flush and replace the coolant with an improved bsc-2 formula to address this issue. However, improper or repeated coolant flushes, if not performed correctly using Hyundai’s specialized equipment and procedures, can leave air bubbles or residual debris in the system, which may impair cooling efficiency and stress critical components like the iccu, inverter, and electric motor. Repeated coolant flushes, especially when not executed properly, can exacerbate issues by introducing air locks or failing to fully remove crystallized debris, potentially causing damage to the iccu, inverter, and motor. Air bubbles trapped in the cooling system can reduce heat dissipation, leading to overheating that may degrade the iccu’s electronics or cause the inverter and motor to operate at unsafe temperatures, risking premature failure. Posts on forums indicate that some vehicles required multiple flushes to clear the warning, with improper flushing sometimes leaving contaminants that continue to trigger sensors or obstruct coolant flow. This underscores the importance of having the procedure done by trained technicians using the correct tools to avoid long-term damage to these sensitive components. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I had a 2021 Hyundai Kona limited. On Friday 09/13/2024 my engine caught fire and my car was a total loss. Minutes before the fire I noticed some smoke, all of my dash lights came on and the car shut down. Seconds after stopping the vehicle and getting out the whole engine went up in flames. There are recalls active for my make model and year, nothing for my specific VIN number but will be reaching out to Hyundai corporate to see if they want to come look at the car, in case it needs to be added to the recall list.

Horn does not work.

August 2024: horn malfunction/failure. Pressed the car's horn, and it failed to produce the loud sound that it is supposed to make to warn others of possible danger. It continued to not work and needed to be replaced for the third time. Part 96611-j9500 (horn assembly) was replaced for the third time on this vehicle.

Potential fire and safety risk . . . The Hyundai Kona electric vehicle (ev) has experienced issues with its integrated charging control unit (iccu) due to problems with the low-conductivity coolant (bsc-1) used in models produced between 2018 and October 2021. This coolant can crystallize, forming debris that clogs the cooling system, leading to false "refill inverter coolant" warnings and potential overheating risks. A technical service bulletin (TSB 23-01-049h) outlines a recall to flush and replace the coolant with an improved bsc-2 formula to address this issue. However, improper or repeated coolant flushes, if not performed correctly using Hyundai’s specialized equipment and procedures, can leave air bubbles or residual debris in the system, which may impair cooling efficiency and stress critical components like the iccu, inverter, and electric motor. Repeated coolant flushes, especially when not executed properly, can exacerbate issues by introducing air locks or failing to fully remove crystallized debris, potentially causing damage to the iccu, inverter, and motor. Air bubbles trapped in the cooling system can reduce heat dissipation, leading to overheating that may degrade the iccu’s electronics or cause the inverter and motor to operate at unsafe temperatures, risking premature failure. Posts on forums indicate that some vehicles required multiple flushes to clear the warning, with improper flushing sometimes leaving contaminants that continue to trigger sensors or obstruct coolant flow. This underscores the importance of having the procedure done by trained technicians using the correct tools to avoid long-term damage to these sensitive components.

With no known contact with anything, shark fin antenna cover of Hyundai Kona blew off at highway speed. This was unknown at the time, but upon further consideration, concern that the detachment could have damaged another car or caused to swerve. Dealer, warranty refuse to replace. Multiple reports of similar occurrences exist in Hyundai forums.

See all problems of the 2018 Hyundai Kona 🔎.

At carmax in hillside I'll about 3 weeks after I bought this used 2022 Kona the engine check light came on with code p2181. Cool system code. Possibly the thermostat is not working properly. 13399 miles on August 9 2024.

My Kona has been stalling/hesitating when accelerating. It has been happening for a little over a year. It got very bad and the check engine light came on. I had it towed to Hyundai dealership and they said it was the fuel injectors so I paid to have those replaced, they said my warranty didn’t cover it. Replacing the fuel injectors made the car drivable but it was still stalling/hesitating but Hyundai said it was working properly. So I took it home. I have been driving it and it just keeps stalling and hesitating more and more. It is stalling and hesitating and has lack of power when I try to accelerate. I am afraid one day I’ll stall in traffic and get hit or cause an accident. I have also just realized my Kona has been using excessive oil. I just had an oil change mid August and today had to add at least 3 quarts. Even when I had my oil changed, the shop said I barely had maybe a quart in there, when it was just changed in may. We do not see any oil leaking out from anywhere. I have no choice but to use it to get around and Hyundai said it was working properly. I have recently looked online and I seen a lot of other owners reported the same issues. I have contacted Hyundai but they say theres nothing they can do. I am not sure where to go from here.

Unknown the vehicle stopped running and won’t start back up.

The horn on my vehicle stopped working. I have no idea when it stopped working but when I tried to use it after a vehicle went throw a stop sign I realized it wasn’t working. Talked to my dealership and they said ‘it’s a known problem with the horn. ’.

The horn has quit working - and had to be replaced - on three different occasions. I've owned the car less than two years. This has led to me being unable to warn traffic and almost caused multiple collisions.

I purchased this 2022 Kona used with 12,000 miles in April 2024. On 4 occasions it has failed to start. When starting the vehicle with push button I only heard a series of clicking. There was no other sound made while trying to start the car. My husband had a remote jumper and attached it to the battery as directed on the jumper, then pushed the start button. The vehicle started immediately. The vehicle then ran normally. I episode occurred after the vehicle sat while we were away for 2 weeks on vacation. Again, using the remote jumper, the vehicle started immediately. Another occasion, the vehicle was driven that day and when attempting to move the car from the driveway into the garage, it once again failed to start. Just a series of clicking sounds. Application of the remote jumper once again started the car immediately. On the 4 th occasion (today 6/25/24) I was stopped at a traffic light waiting for the right turn arrow to appear. It was raining hard. The vehicle cut off (as it normally does when idling while stopped) then the dashboard went dead. The safety flashers would not work nor could I restart the car. This time there was no sound or clicking. I exited the vehicle in heavy rain and traffic, got the remote jumper from the trunk, raised the hood in the rain and heavy traffic and proceeded to attach the jumper to the car battery. The car started immediately. This last occasion of the vehicle shutting down was extremely dangerous. As I stated it occurred in a heavy rain in a very congested and heavily traveled city road. Visibility was poor due to the weather and lack of safety flashers (toledo, ohio at the corner of monroe st and secor Ave). I was fearful standing outside the vehicle with so much traffic. I was blocking the right turn lane so people behind me were not happy. I am 70 years old and unable to push it to the side of road. I believe that intersection has a left turn lane, 2 straight lanes, and the right turn lane.

I had taken my vehicle for an oil change in June 2024 when I was advised that the oil level was very low so I had to sign a waiver that they would not be held liable if I have issues. Going forward we continued to check the oil level every 1-2 weeks and added it as needed. We never had any signs of where the oil was going or an oil light letting me know it was low. In November 2024 the motor started to surge or decline in power while driving. It also has times that the car would seize up for a few seconds which caused jerking. I’ve not had it serviced except for oil changes because I believe it will not be an easy fix and very expensive. Besides if I did have it looked at I know it would take an expert in piston rings or whatever other parts that are failing to cause it to consume high amounts of oil. Even though my car hasn’t been recalled yet it has many of the problems I see on this site for this make and model. I’m trying to make it 1 more month then decide if I should trade it in while it still runs at 115k miles.

My car is having problems due to excessive oil consumption. I took it to the dealership to get it fixed and tested for the recall. They said the recall had nothing to do with it. Took it to another mechanic for a diagnostic, the other mechanic stated that the excessive oil consumption was caused by recall that they didn't fix, and it can be stopped by getting the recall fixed.

The shark fin antenna came off at 55 mph going down the highway. The dealer who sold me the 2021 Kona sel, tried to blame us for it, saying there is no way to know if you hit a bird etc. They stated it would cost me about $1,300. 00 to repair this. My response was, are you serious? we have had this car for less than 3 months and this is your answer. So I went to a certified Hyundai dealer, both gave the same response, but added our tech is trained to spot defects and said the screws would not be shown, it would have ripped the entire unit from the car if it came off due to a defect. Which is entirely untrue. Both dealers added that they had never even heard of this happening before, so they referred me to contact Hyundai corp to open up a registered complaint. The response I got was the dealer was the one who makes the ultimate decision. She gave me a link to buy direct from Hyundai as soon as I stated I would make a complaint here. Then I asked her the same thing I asked both dealers, why are you denying this? this is a very common issue. I also added that if the truck behind us was struck by the antenna ripping off, I would be in court to sue them. I then added it will only be a matter of time before injuries or death from this occurs and that will end up with all of the complaints being used in court to force you to comply. I ended up finding a better deal from a Hyundai dealer than the one she gave me. I performed the repair myself. The repair cost me about 300 dollars. I also want to ad that when I used ai to ask how to tell if the antenna was defective, the explanation and pics were exactly identical to the pictures I took. As this was during warmer months I felt very happy a person on a motorcycle was not hit. People need to research this on their own before purchasing this auto in my opinion.