Is the Hyundai Kona Reliable?
2018–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other suvs — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Hyundai Kona? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Hyundai Kona Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 9 | 4 | — | 81 | Good |
| 2025 | 1 | 29 | 1 | — | 81 | Good |
| 2024 | 4 | 49 | 4 | — | 77 | Good |
| 2023 | 1 | 61 | — | — | 78 | Good |
| 2022 | 1 | 117 | 3 | — | 66 | Good |
| 2021 | 3 | 96 | 2 | — | 69 | Good |
| 2020 | 4 | 130 | 11 | 1 | 57 | Fair |
| 2019 | 3 | 152 | 14 | — | 56 | Fair |
| 2018 | 0 | 63 | 18 | — | 71 | Good |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Kona Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Kona scores 2 points above the average suv — a strong result.
Known Hyundai Kona Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 706 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hyundai Kona reliable?+
The Hyundai Kona scores 71/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 9 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 17 recall campaigns and 706 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Kona is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 Kona achieved the highest reliability score of 81/100 with 0 recalls and 9 complaints.
How many miles does a Kona last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Hyundai Kona owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Kona will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Hyundai Kona Research
Check a Specific Hyundai Kona VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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