Recalls · problems · safety

2018 Hyundai Kona: recalls and problems

No recalls and 75 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

0recalls
75complaints
9crashes reported
10fires reported
12injuries reported

Recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2018 Hyundai Kona. Individual cars can still have open manufacturer campaigns, so check your VIN.

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine42 · 56%
  • Unknown Or Other25 · 33%
  • Power Train11 · 15%
  • Electrical System8 · 11%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System4 · 5%
  • Vehicle Speed Control3 · 4%
  • Engine And Engine Cooling3 · 4%
  • Forward Collision Avoidance3 · 4%
  • Visibility/Wiper3 · 4%
  • Structure3 · 4%

What owners report

Engine

car had an engine knock at 110,000 miles and took it to a repair shop and said they are pretty sure it was an engine rod and that the whole engine needed to be replaced still waiting to get it to the dealership to see what they are going to do due to this car being a leased car and it will not run anymore.

Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control,Engine

I purchased a 2018 hyundai kona, and it has had one major issue after another. it burns an excessive amount of oil, the engine misfires, and now the turbocharger is failing. i’ve already spent approximately $2,300 repairing the air conditioner and engine, and i can’t afford thousands more in repairs.

Engine

The contact owns a 2018 hyundai kona. the contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the engine bay, followed by grinding gear sounds. the vehicle lost drive power, causing the driver to coast over to the side of the road, where the vehicle eventually stalled. the vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the timing belt had failed, and the c

Engine

The contact owns a 2018 hyundai kona. the contact stated that while driving it began to smoke, a noise was hear, put in neutral to coast down a hill and had to pull the parking break to stop the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with defective piston oil rings, and the engine was rebuilt. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was.98,000.

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2018 Hyundai Kona SUV FWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated
2018 Hyundai Kona SUV AWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Kona. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.