Power Train Problems of Hyundai Kona - part 1

I found a lot of shaved metals when I did the oil change for the gear reduction. It made a lot of noises when driving or the wheel of fortune sounds whether the car is in regenerative braking. The sounds developed as time goes on but Hyundai failed to recall this issue. I found this has been an ongoing issue since 2019 when Hyundai make this Kona ev, but their engineers didn’t fix this type of issue and continue to manufacture the Kona ev with the same gear reduction assembly and it caused a lot of noises with these shaving metals found in the oil changes. This is abnormal for a gru to have so many metals found in the oil. Thus, it made a lot of noises. Now my car can’t even drive because of this. The gru has been broken because of this issue that Hyundai didn’t even fix since 2019.

See all problems of the 2022 Hyundai Kona 🔎.

My 2020 Hyundai Kona (VIN: km8k62aa3lu561277) has a persistent engine stalling safety defect that matches recall 203 (22-01-042h, NHTSA campaign 21v301000 – nu 2. 0l atkinson engine inspection and replacement). The recall addresses improperly heat-treated piston oil rings causing cylinder bore scuffing, accelerated oil consumption, abnormal knocking, and potential engine stall while driving (increasing crash/fire risk). I first brought the vehicle to corona Hyundai for repeated stalling while driving. They performed the recall vibration inspection and software update (campaign 974), stated the test passed, and declared the vehicle "fixed", safe and "good-to-go" immediately after pickup, the stalling returned worse: approximately 60-80 miles later on I-5 near the leucadia exit (four-lane high-speed highway), the engine completely stalled at 65 mph while merging for an exit. This caused vehicles and semi-trucks behind me to swerve dangerously and very nearly collide with me. The vehicle stalled four more times on the way to my destination in encinitas. I then took it to the nearest dealer, carlsbad Hyundai for safety reasons. They performed the vibration inspection again, which also "passed," yet the real-world symptoms would continue unchanged: accelerated oil consumption (I monitor the dipstick and refill regularly), sputtering, knocking noises, and complete engine stalls (dozens of incidents, especially on local roads and turns). The vehicle remains undrivable due to imminent stall risk while moving and putting myself, my passengers and other commuters at high risk of severe injury or death. Both dealers and Hyundai customer care (case #42349744) have refused further action, stating the vibration test passed, they cannot duplicate the concern, and no additional claim can be submitted for engine replacement. Hyundai's TSB 22-01-042h requires only the vibration inspection; engine replacement is authorized if "no pass" – no separate oil consumption test or monitored drive.

See all problems of the 2020 Hyundai Kona 🔎.

The cars engine vibrates when accelerating and hesitates. It is always dangerous to stall after hitting the gas. This issue causes many near accidents. It began to vibrate at less than 70k. It has 90k now. These engines have had issues and mine is no exception. They should recall this engine as it's dangerous. Top of the line and poop.

See all problems of the 2021 Hyundai Kona 🔎.

My vehicle started was burning oil having to add oil frequently. Then a knocking noise started coming from the engine (2. 0 l mpi nu). It began to have trouble starting and was not accelerating properly and the check engine light came on . Within two days I brought my car to my mechanic and he stated that there was no sign of an oil leak and felt it was a deeper problem. I brought it to a Hyundai dealership and they stated that the engine needed to be replaced/rebuilt. I feel that the lack of acceleration could have been a safety issue on the highway as it could have prevented me from passing in a timely fashion or just lose all power in traffic. There is an active recall for this type of engine starting with model year 2019.

See all problems of the 2018 Hyundai Kona 🔎.

While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle’s dual-clutch transmission (dct) failed to engage properly, causing a sudden and unexpected loss of propulsion. When the accelerator was pressed, the vehicle hesitated and did not respond as commanded, resulting in delayed or no acceleration. This occurred while driving in traffic at approximately 30 mph while trying to acceletate to merge onto highway and has happened multiple times. In some instances, the vehicle appeared to remain in gear but would not accelerate, and in other instances the transmission disengaged before re-engaging unpredictably. This created an unsafe situation, as the vehicle could not maintain speed or merge safely, significantly increasing the risk of a collision, especially in traffic or at intersections. The issue occurred without sufficient warning and continues to happen intermittently during normal driving. The vehicle was inspected by a dealership, which stated the condition is related to a clutch issue within the dual-clutch transmission and acknowledged it is a known issue affecting this transmission. The dealership further stated the issue would not be repaired because the vehicle is out of warranty.

My Kona n line is not functioning well. Especially after driving for a longer period of time. About 60% of the time, upon letting go of my brake, the car jerks. Going from 0 - 5 mph is the worst. The car definitely hesitates many times. Again, it is when I have driven it for over 10 minutes. I took the car to a service department in el monte, CA on 11/1. They cannot find the problem. They rode with me and it did not show at that time. They released the car to me. The Kona n has a recall but not my car, the Kona n line. The recall is for the same problem. I am extremely frustrated. I have another appointment on Tuesday of this week to take to the glendora service department. I don't know what to do. I am not one to complain but this is not safe. This is my fifth Hyundai. Nothing but good cars until now. Please advise. [xxx] [xxx] . Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2023 Hyundai Kona 🔎.

The dct(dual clutch transmission) has always been an issue since I purchased the vehicle. Anytime I would be going at a slow pace in a drive-thru or traffic on the freeway the car would jolt and shake. I brought my car to a Hyundai dealership in 2021 at 36,000 miles and was told this was normal with the transmissions provided by Hyundai and there was no need to worry. Now, at 72,000 miles I was driving down CA-60 when my car transmission died. The car would not go when I was giving it gas and would make a whirring noise when trying to accelerate across the freeway until I could pull off to the shoulder. It was extremely dangerous and I could've been hit by someone especially a semi-truck as it was sudden and I was in the left hand lane. I've been bringing it to an independent mechanic for years and he always told me to wait until there's a recall as it's a faulty transmission however there has not been a recall for my car yet. The car is now in possession of a Hyundai dealership however I was told since my warranty has passed they are not claiming any responsibility but that their transmission is faulty. There was no warning lamps or messages in the car just the issue of jolting while at slow paces prior to the transmission dying.

Body: the hood/under the hood: there is a wide ½“ or more gap on the right and left side of the hood. I can see inside under the hood from a distance. It is not flush while connecting to the rest of the vehicle. I can see the ground after opening the hood. The engine and all the components are exposed to the elements. This is a new vehicle from the dealership brand. There is no cover for the bottom to protect the engine or protection for wirings and other mechanisms under the hood. Winters in illinois is brutal and floods. Poor acceleration and brakes restriction while steering experienced dragging sounds and forced pushing and pulling. I do not trust the steering wheel mechanism at all and have to grip it to make sure I keep complete control of the steering wheel and fearful of the reliability of the breaks because I have experience being pulled or pushed while merging and having to panicky while using the brakes. I must press extremely hard to brake in slow traffic and use extreme hard brake to slow to a complete stop during rush hours. Fuel performance is horrible. This model requires gasoline. When I feel my vehicle up with fuel the tank is a fuel guzzler. The fuel disappears in days. I must refill the tank once a week. This car does not have good mileage. Doors all the doors automatically unlock when put in park. Fuel performance is horrible. This model requires gasoline. When I feel my vehicle up with fuel the tank is a fuel guzzler. The fuel disappears in days. I must refill the tank once a week. This car does not have good mileage. The steering mechanism is terrorizing my driving experience. Merging and changing lanes while driving in traffic I experience resistance and restriction. Inside the front panel inside the car appears to have glitches such as the temperature settings flipping from inside/outside air. The radio shuts down. Window fluid splatters the entire windshield obstructing view. Purchased 2025.

The timing system was repaired in February 2025. After similar symptoms of vehicle stalling, the check engine light came on found a software update that needed to be completed to determine if engine needed replaced. Dealership has refused for seven weeks to complete the entire job of the update which includes running a diagnostic of codes. Instead, they have been arguing that the timing system needs replaced and not providing the codes from the safety software update. Obviously there's a much deeper issue if the timing system keeps breaking down.

Ignition, speed and driving halts. I've had this Kona repaired a couple years ago and it took about 6-8mos to get my vehicle back, the this year 2025 the vehicle again is giving me problems. I thought of applying the lemon law however the week of the 6-8months being in the repair shop, I got the vehicle back, and the owner(mr. Crisostomo was very kind and understanding) so it made me be more patience nonetheless there's only so much he could do if he is not the one repairing the vehicle. I was offered carpets for my patience yet still have not gotten them and feel like a bother when I call to inquiry about them and it's not the service manager that I talk to , I feel otherwise. That could just be me, however I know good customer service if it's presence. For the actually year, I would need to check emails and records. But it's probably the year after so 2022 ( almost certain) now, this year, 2025. . I see that there is a recall that the dealership did not inform me. The vehicle is paid of last year, because I was going to relocate but that had changed. I found out about the recall cause my dad had died and step mother is using my other car so I'm using the Kona much more that 3 days a week. I keep dying out in one (1) day. . I died out twice. So I checked if there's a recall and there is. I would like my vehicle repurchased or credit for the amount purchased or I like a Jeep 2 door ( is fine) as a recovery vehicle, thank you.

Engine light blinking. Code p1327.

See all problems of the 2019 Hyundai Kona 🔎.

The vehicle has ~51k miles. It has been maintained according to the manufacturer's recommended repair schedule. At low speeds (<10 mph) or when coming from a full stop the vehicle hard shifts. When driving up inclines at low speeds (<10 mph), the vehicle shakes and stutters on the verge of shutting off. This happened twice on [xxx]. I experienced a full vehicle shut off on [xxx} while the vehicle was stationary, but shifted into drive . In August, the vehicle stuttered and shook before shutting off. I have reported three instances of this issue to my local Hyundai dealership. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I found a lot of debris of metals contaminated in the gear reduction oil when I changed my gear reduction oil. I had a vortex oil lug nut, which it sucks all of the metal debris in. I have pictures of that as a proof. I think this is a design flaw that Hyundai should recall, but they didn’t. Now it caused a clicking noise whenever I accelerate or step on the accelerator pedal. Additionally, their are some glitches with their software where it disconnected the wireless apple car play and the back up camera didn’t show up sometimes whenever I put into reverse.

See attached document for complaint.

See all problems of the 2025 Hyundai Kona 🔎.

When I purchased the car with in 2 weeks epb , auto hold and auto stop all 3 lights on dashboard came on orange. Took to dealership and they fixed the problem. 4 months later now the lights are back on. The vehicle does not feel safe at pulls to the right , I have problems with my ac as well as my transmission is slipping. The car loses power when I accelerate. I believe was sold a lemon car I purchased from carmax.

My car intermittently loses power when I’m driving and I almost got hit yesterday.

Hyundai engages emergency parking brake epb) automatically when in parked on an incline. The epb will disengage under normal operation if all doors are closed. If doors are open, epb will not disengage. If going from park to drive, this is not a problem. However, if in drive, traveling with trunk open for oversized cargo, the vehicle will drive normally until a stop on an incline, when the epb will engage automatically, and then when the driver tries to proceed from the stop, their vehicle is disabled. The driver can provide power to drive train and burn the epb. The driver must manually intervene after every stop on an incline to disengage the epb to avoid being disabled at an intersection.

See all problems of the 2024 Hyundai Kona 🔎.

The engine on my 2020 Hyundai Kona failed suddenly while driving, causing complete loss of power. There were no warning lights until after the failure. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership. Initially, the dealership stated the failure was related to an open recall from 2021 and warned that repairs might not be covered because the recall had not been completed. I sent them a written request outlining both NHTSA recall 21v-301 (federally mandated) and service campaign 974, asking for documentation supporting their diagnosis and any communications with corporate. This request was ignored. Afterward, the dealership said they would replace the engine, but upon completion they recommended replacing certain bolts and hoses at my expense ($849), claiming that if I declined, any future related repairs would not be covered. When asked why these parts were not included in the repair or how their condition would void future coverage, I was told they were “normal wear” items not covered under warranty. No documentation or policy basis was provided. When asked whether the repair was processed under recall 21v-301 or campaign 974, they stated it was not tied to either and was filed under the powertrain warranty without corporate involvement. Multiple shop personnel had earlier confirmed verbally that the failed part matched the recall defect, but the service manager provided a different explanation and refused supporting documents. The dealership also claimed recall 21v-301 was “completed” in October 2021 via a software update, despite the vehicle never having been at the dealership since purchase. No proof of recall completion or cnds software installation was provided. The lack of evidence that recall 21v-301 was properly remedied, the possibility of an improper closure in Hyundai’s system, and the fact that the failure matched the recall defect raise serious concerns about compliance with federal recall requirements. I am waiting for corporate to contact me also.

Dear customer care, I am the owner of a 2023 Hyundai Kona awd purchased brand new from vision Hyundai west henrietta, NY. I paid for the vehicle in full with a cashier's check totaling over $31,000. At just 64,000 miles, the vehicle has become undrivable-experiencing loud noises, jerking, and no acceleration. I was driving and car would not move. These symptoms are clearly drivetrain-related and should be covered under Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty . When I contacted the dealership, I was incorrectly told my roadside coverage had expired at 36,000 miles, Hyundai warranty escalation letters which contradicts Hyundai's stated policy of 5 years/unlimited mileage. Additionally, I requested a loaner vehicle due to the urgency and distance (I'm 80 miles away), but no one followed up, leaving me stranded and without any transportation options. I am requesting Hyundai's assistance:.

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.

Transmission issues with this vehicle since 70 miles. Failed at 989 miles.

Multiple people I know with 2024 Hyundai Kona awd cars are having the same problem around 10k or so miles. The awd is locking up. Car feels like rear wheels are slipping when turning and accelerating out of a full or partial stop. This is a widespread problem on this model and I am very surprised it is not a recall yet. Many drivers are having coupler or entire rear differential replaced on their cars-some less than 1 year old, or about 1 year old.

My engine started shuddering and stalling out on me. This was very dangerous as the car would stall out at street lights and intersections. The check engine light only came on after the car stalled out and has not stayed on during the times that it stalls out. When I went to get a mechanic to check it out they said that they had seen many Hyundai and kia cars that had the same issues. The issue was oil consumption. It was consuming oil faster than it should have, even though I was regularly getting my oil changed. This lead to a problem with my pistons. Now the engine needs to be replaced. But Hyundai won’t cover it because there is no recall on it and the power train warranty only last for the first owner. Is there any way we can request for a new recall on this vehicle as it is clearly a problem that Hyundai is having.

-the gear drive was diagnosed as needed to be replaced -the gru may lock up during driving causing the vehicle to stop -dealer confirmed needs replacing -no warnings or lights on vehicle, it was noticed that the vehicle made a louder noise while driving but could be confused with tires or normal air noise while driving.

Vehicle has problems shifting between 1st and 2nd gear. Stutters and has issues accelerating. Has almost caused me to be hit while turning left against traffic. Was serviced at Hyundai dealership today and they cannot replicate the issue or find anything wrong and reprogrammed the clutch touch point engagement. It happened again on the way home.

Check engine light on dtc 218100 code was this vehicle included in recall?.

As I was driving home, my Kona started slowing down until it totally stopped. I tried the the gas pedal again but it didn’t move, electrical was on, no warning lights. I turned my Kona off, turned it back on again and drove the rest of way home. I was lucky I was on an empty road no other cars behind me as I drive everyday to and from work. I called Hyundai dealer next morning about the problem ,he did asked if I had heard a knocking sound. I said yes ,the week or so I heard a knocking sound twice but not for long, seemed to have disappeared. I didn’t want to drive the car to the dealer afraid it would stop on the highway so I had it towed. Service person said he would check if it is under warranty but there is no recall on my Kona.

I am reporting a persistent and unresolved excessive oil consumption issue that I began to notice at approximately 61,000 miles. I follow all routine maintenance and oil change schedules, but my car has returned to the dealership I purchased from (only owner), three times for this specific problem. - first visit (64,074 miles): I shared my observations of excessive oil consumption to the dealership, they stated there was an oil leak at the timing cover and oil pan. They repaired the leaks, however this did not resolve the consumption issue. - second visit (65,273 miles) - the oil change done by mobil at 75,238 miles, before I brought my car in for the third time to Hyundai for the consumption issue, documented that my oil level was at the 'low'(l) level, this is the case each time I get an oil change around 3,000 miles - the third time bringing my car to Hyundai my mileage was at 78,913, less than 3,000 miles since my last oil change. Before making the appointment my cars engine sounded like it was running rough so we took a look at the oil level, which was at l - the first two times I did the 1000 mile oil test, Hyundai reported that my oil level remained above full when I returned for a check, shortly after, within an additional 2000 miles, my dipstick would show l. The third reading is tbd.

When stopped at a light, I hit the gas and the car just sputtered. The car jolted and did not move, finally, hit the gas again it was able to move. It has happen before. My roommate's dad told me I need to keep track of problem and file a report. I was told the injectors needed to be cleaned. I put injector cleaner into it, it seem to help but it happened again. It seems the dealer just says something needs to be cleaned.

Transmission has hard shift sometimes, and disengages in other times. It's very irratic.

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

My check engine lights come on and then the front collision lights come on which reduces speed while on highway and then the engine turns off making it very unsafe driving on the highway. I have tried to schedule appts with dealerships to have it checked telling them how unsafe it is and I need my car to get to work. But they never have any openings except months down the road. I am afraid it will cause a terrible accident. I have taken my vehicle to repair shops . . . Some said it was the spark plugs so I got them changed and other maintenance costing me over $800 and the problem still exists . . . Still trying to get an appt with the dealership which will cost me another $220 just to get it diagnosed. There need to be a recall if it's happening to alot of people. I am very afraid if this issue isn't fixed and it's gonna cost me to repair it in the thousands that I don't have. Someone is going to get into a bad accident because the engine will turn off while driving.

Repeated error warning (daily) citing the following message "shifter system malfunction! service immediately", been happening since approximately mile 1500. Photos taken and car sent to freehold Hyundai and route 1 Hyundai for servicing. Service center at route 1 Hyundai cites a complex issue with no further updates (dropped on may 9, 2024).

The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the vehicle would stall while at a complete stop, and would restart independently when shifting into park (p). There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 65 mph, a chime sounded, and the message "think about taking a rest" was displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure via email. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,842.

While driving the vehicle the warning light went on and suddenly there was a loss of power on the highway. The vehicle was brought to our local mechanic who ran a diagnostic test and the ntsb recommendation for engine replacement dtc p1327 came up. He advised the vehicle go to the dealer, which we did. It has been at the dealer for 5 weeks. When the recall 22-em-008h was done, they did not do the recommended engine test in 2023. The recall also had them do something in the computer to give owners a warning if there was any knocking sensed in the engine. That warning system failed to work because the light came on when the engine seized. The dealer said they see a couple of these cars a week with the same issue and Hyundai refuses to take ownership of the issue that prompted the recall. They denied us saying it was out of warranty when the recall was not issued until the car was about 4 years old. Most people would be out of warranty, especially because the 100k warranty doesn't apply to secondary owners which I was never aware of until now. I bought the car in 2020 about a year after production. Everyone you speak to at Hyundai doesn't understand english and at the bottom of the recall it states to submit a prior approval if the affected part is out of warranty for a goodwill consideration but they deny all of them due to out of warranty which doesn't make any sense as to why there would be a prior approval process for out of warranty claims for good will if they are not going to ever do a goodwill repair. They also do not give you to a person that can listen to what you are trying to tell them that can understand what goodwill means and explain why they did not do the engine repair or replacement when they discovered they had engines out there with the potential to fail. This is not right what they are doing. Many other models have the same issue and the warranty was extended to 15/150k but this one has not been added to that and it should be.