KM8K22AA4JU1502222018 HYUNDAI KonaSEL
2018 HYUNDAI Kona was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 72 owner complaints include 12 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
Executive Summary
2018 HYUNDAI Kona
2018 HYUNDAI Kona was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 72 owner complaints include 12 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.
- 12 injuries reported across 72 owner complaints
- 9 complaints involved a crash — unusually high incident rate
- Common owner-reported issues: stalling, check engine light, fire
- Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
72 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (54%), Other (19%), Electrical (14%). Common issues: stalling, check engine light, fire, oil consumption, engine noise. 9 crashes reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- HYUNDAI
- Model
- Kona
- Year
- 2018
- Trim / Series
- SEL
- Body Style
- Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
- Vehicle Type
- MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Drive Type
- 4x2
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 4-cyl 2.0L 147 hp
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- HYUNDAI MOTOR CO
- Assembly
- ULSAN, SOUTH KOREA
- GVWR
- Class 1B: 3,001 - 4,000 lb (1,360 - 1,814 kg)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: ULSAN, SOUTH KOREA
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
✓ No high-risk recall components found
- ▸10 complaint(s) involved a fire
- ⚠12 injuries reported in complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
CLEAR1 in 6 complaints involved an injury — significantly above average, indicating real-world safety incidents.
Complaint Intelligence
72 complaints analyzed across 7 system categories
⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME72 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Koa. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving the vehicle began to sputter and jerk before stalling. During the failure the oil warning light flashed off and on. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed due to carbon buildup. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000(ENGINE) The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 90,000.
The vehicle suddenly stalled while driving on the highway at normal speed without warning. The engine lost power completely, creating a dangerous situation and a risk of collision with surrounding traffic. The vehicle had to be towed to a repair shop, where the issue was diagnosed as engine failure. There were no warning lights or prior symptoms before the incident. This appears to be a serious safety-related defect. I am aware that similar engine issues have been reported in Hyundai vehicles.
The check engine light came on while driving. Vehicle was assessed by mechanic with strange diagnostic code; full oil and filter change done. Check engine light still on and engine stalled while driving on freeway. Took to dealer and was advised the car requires CVVTS (which is essentially a new engine), serpentine belt and spark plugs (approx 3600). There is a known engine defect with the 2018 Hyundai but they refuse to do as a recall and refuse discounted repair on a vehicle that 8 years old with 92,000 miles. This vehicle is owned by my young adult child and I believe it is undriveable since stalling at full speed is quite dangerous.
The Kona barely wants to accelerate and stalls out while driving. Even though I recently got a oil change there’s oil consumption and the oil is black as if I never got a oil change. I took it to a hyundai dealer ship, i told them what was wrong they said it’s the timing belt. When that’s not the issue. I recently took it to a mechanic to get a third opinion and to see and fix what is wrong. He declined fixing it saying there’s more to it that is wrong and looks like there’s an engine defect and even complained that the oil was so black. I told him that doesn’t make sense because I’ve been getting my oil consistently. He couldn’t fix it. So now I’m stuck with a vehicle that barely drives and stalls out while I’m on the road and it keeps burning more oil. No one knows what is wrong with it.
See attached document for complaint.
The car was burning through oil every 14 -21days. Car has been jerking and taking a while to accelerate. Went to machine to see what’s going he suggested I go to the dealership because there’s no leaks visible. But added more oil so I wouldn’t go without oil there was nothing available for me to come in right away and before my appointment my car started to speed up out of nowhere then completely slowed down then jerked until I could find a safe space to pull over. Check engine came on and the code was reading a misfire. Got a tune up still reading as a misfire now just stuck at the dealership playing guessing games with what’s wrong with the vehicle.
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.
Prior to 100,000 miles, I noted knocking in the engine, especially while going uphill. The knocking would appear and disappear, possibly with oil change intervals. No check engine light ever appeared. After 100,000 miles, the engine progressively began knocking, losing power, and eventually stalling on the road occasionally. I have had to put on my hazards and restart my car. One time, I was barely able to pull over to the side. Again, no check engine light ever appeared. I have several videos of the vehicle in motion with audible knocking, and almost stalling. The videos show the dashboard with NO check engine light appearing. There was no sign of oil loss. No smoke. No oil stains under the vehicle. I was due for an oil change when the knocking and stalling became severe. I visited the dealer and informed them of the engine issues. They performed an oil change. And then could not reproduce the problem I experienced. Told me to come back if it happened again. This sounded odd to me given the severity of the knocking and stalling. Or it signaled to me that an oil change including refilling the oil solved the issue. Long story short. An oil consumption test was performed. The engine is consuming oil. I am scheduled for combustion chamber cleaning per the Technical Service Bulletin, as mentioned by the service rep. I am not confident that this will fix the problem. Given that this is the same / similar engine as the recalled 2018-2021 Kona for the same / similar issue. Oil consumption.
I am having issues with my oil consumption and my car is going through a quart of oil every 1-1.5 weeks. There have been similar recalls on the 2019 Kona’s which have the same 1.6L 4-cylinder engine. My car is currently a little over 126,000 miles
The component that failed was the connecting engine rod bearing. The engine is currently in the vehicle located at a hyundai dealership. The connecting engine rod bearing failure came after 1 or 2 engine miss-fires. The vehicle suffered poor performance, I was unable to start the car and properly accelerate the vehicle. The vehicle has exhibited poor acceleration/ jerk acceleration since purchase. However, this incident occurred immediately during initial startup in a parked position. The vehicle rode roughly upon initial observance of this engine miss fire which led us to deem the engine and car unsafe to use. The vehicle was initially towed to an independent service center where they identified the engine missfire code. The vehicle was then towed to our frequently used independent servicer where they said the problem related to low compression in the engine possibly something internal in the engine. Next we towed the vehicle to our preferred hyundai dealership. Hyundai confirmed the engine missfires and connecting rod bearing failure. A claim is in process with Hyundai to assess the vehicle further. The check engine light came on when the engine miss-fired initially. An earlier check engine light came on for a missfire earlier in the 2025 and earlier in 2022 and in 2023 which led to a catalytic converter replacement. While not certain, we think that low compression and poor engine performance has plagued the vehicle since purchase. The vehicle drive jerky(poor/delayed acceleration when pressing the gas) and had early catalytic converter issues prior to 50k miles.
I have gotten a oil change over a month ago and my car is still running low on oil. Sometimes my car would shut off while I’m driving on the road with cars behind me. I have gotten my car oil topped off three different times since getting my oil change. It also makes a fan like noise as well. There’s no leak at all. It’s very bizarre.
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.
The contact’s daughter owns a 2018 Hyundai Kona. While the contact’s daughter was driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH, the vehicle started decelerating and sputtering before the vehicle coasted to the side of the road and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was informed and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Piston ring failure. No oil in car and no leaks. P0301 code and knocking sound. Unable to drive.
The engine burns too much oil. I have to put it a quart every 2 weeks.
On May 5, 2025, my 2018 Hyundai Kona burst into flames in my garage and completely destroyed my Kona, Dodge Ram 1500 parked adjacent to it and my home along with its contents. Both vehicles and my home were deemed “a total loss” by the insurance company. The Kona engine compartment burst into flames after a short trip to the store. If the front door had not been locked, forcing my wife to go through the garage, we would have been unaware of the fire until it had reached the interior of the house setting off the alarms. As it was, I received smoke inhalation and a partially collapsed lung while attempting to put out the fire and while trying to put the burning Kona in neutral to push it out of the garage. The 2018 Kona is not safe as it can burst into flames under normal operation and without any warning potentially resulting in injury or death of the occupants or emergency response crews. Research indicates my 2018 KONA has no recalls; however, it has the same G4FJ engine and is manufactured at the same facility as several other Hyundai models that have been recalled for fires in the engine compartment. The Hyundai Veloster has a class-action settlement for engine failure & fires. Also, the Hyundai Tucson has an ABS module fire recall and shared electrical layout. Furthermore, Australia issued a Kona fire-related recall in 2019 due to brake tube routing near the exhaust system. Fire investigators have inspected the vehicle and determined the origin of the fire is the Kona. Hyundai inspected the Kona and failed to take any responsibility nor notify other 2018 Kona owners. There was no prior warning my 2018 Kona was having any problems. The only indication was a faint burning smell my wife noticed when she got out of the vehicle to collect the mail on the day of the fire. At the time, she contributed the burning smell to the neighbors burn pile. The insurance company has removed the Kona, and it should be available for inspection at their facility.
my Kona sputters when I put it in gear EVERY TIME. I have purchased gas at several stations so getting bad gas in the tank cannot be an issue. I’ve also had to replace the coil packs twice within 6 months. December 2024 and July 2025
Purchased in cash at Dan O'Brien KIA for 22,000. This dealership in Concord NH (Owner) was charged w/embezzlement soon thereafter & was found guilty & fined. My cash purchase was never given to Hyundai nor was the promised 10 year powertrain warranty which was told to me from the salesman on the day of purchase in 2019. My 2.0 engine is knocking (undriveable) w/74 ,000 miles. Because Hyundai received no information on my purchase, I was never notified of recalls or class action suit recently won. I spoke to Hyundai (Case #[XXX]) & was told to take it to Irwin Hyundai for a diagnostic at $189. I'm told it does not meet an engine replacement YET it's doing the same exact issue affecting this very engine. I'm told it would cost me $11000. to replace. I'm [XXX], [XXX] & have no money to pay this amount, plus the car is literally listed for the same value give & take a few thousand $$ in value. I was lied to by the salesman about the warranty & had to find out myself there was a warranty but it went no further than my sales agreement which notes there's a warranty w/no explanation as to what it is. I'm now in a crisis: no car, & i just put $600 of tires on & it was inspected a week ago, quietly running - the tech had to ask if it was running as it was that quiet. What steps do I have to resolve this nightmare for engines failing & being told sorry your loss for nothing I have done wrong? If more information is needed I can get it. Dan O'Brien did inspections oil changes & repair work if needed (brakes etc). My email is [XXX]. phone [XXX] secondary or [XXX] primary. Somehow my phone switched to the secondary # & I'm trying to get it back to primary but it's a new phone & I have to figure it out. Please help me. Should I find a lawyer? So upsetting. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
My car started making a noise back in Dec/2024. I scheduled an appointment with Quirk Hyundai in Braintree, Ma on Dec 11, 2024, and paid for a diagnostic the service center came back that it was the oil pan leaking so on this date I had that repaired that same day total cost was $254.76. Please note that my car was under warranty at this time. On [XXX], I brought my car back to Quirk Hyundai in Braintree because the noise had returned and was intermittent, and passenger side makes loud noise when riding over bumps and the car was shaking when driving pass 65 MPH. When I had the diagnostic done on 03/29/2025 the service center came back and said it was the mismatch tires that were put on my car by an outside provider (townfair tire) and that I needed 4 new tires, oil changes, mount and balance tires and four wheel alignment which cost me $959.08. Three days later while driving home from work the noise returned and my car ept shutting off one me. I went to AXP North in Randolph MA on 04/08/2025 (had to make an appt) for a second opinion diagnostic and they told me that my car will need a new engine as the one now is failing. I called Quirk Hyundai back on 04/08/2025 and told them this and they asked to bring the car back so they can recheck my car for misdiagnosis. So, on 4/09/2025 I called Quirk Hyundai for an update the failed engine was confirmed, and now because my car is 40 miles over the warranty it cannot be fixed by Hyundai. This car is a 2018 and should last me longer than 2025. My car is only 8 years old and I have cared for the car whenever it needed maintenance. I need someone to please call me to discuss further at [XXX] . I need a new engine and Quirk Hyundai will not cover the cost despite my several attempts to have this noise resolved when care was under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My 2018 Hyundai Kona has been dealership serviced since buying it and it had about 115,000 miles on it when these issues began. Vehicle started to burn oil twice as fast as every time i would bring it into the dealership for the routine oil change, they would ALWAYS tell me that I had no oil in it. Therefore, I started to carry a quart of oil in the trunk and fill it up every 3 weeks or so. This went on for a few months until I started to notice a power problem while driving it on the highway on a trip. Tried to pull over at the next stop and then the car began shaking uncontrollably and engine shut off and would not start again. Took it to the dealership and they said your engine is shot and you're going to have to either buy a new car or put a new engine in it. I have seen many complaints and reviews about people having these same issues with the 2018 models. I know that there were a lot of recalls for the 2019 with these same issues with the incorrect heat tampered pistons causing these exact issues that the many of us 2018 owners have had. Please do the right thing and look into this. There are too many people having these same issues and this was my only means of transportation at the time.
Motor started burning oil at the rate of .5 quarts per week and a few months later vehicle failed to accelerate, had major vibrations and hesitation. Piston rings had failed. Verified by dealer. No other symptoms. Numerous problems with same motor reported by others and repair services. Has been recalled in Australia for same issues.
Felt a large shudder/vibration go through the whole car while on the highway and lost some power. The check engine light came on immediately after so we took it to a mechanic. Diagnostics came back as Hall sensor and cam shaft timing errors. It was found that the timing chain had slipped a tooth. Additionally, one of the pistons was found to have significantly lower PSI than the rest (105 vs 140) which they said is indicative of a pending total engine failure. A recall was issued for the 2019 model for this exact issue and symptom but Hyundai has said it doesn’t apply to our situation. Hyundai quoted 12-17 thousand dollars for a new engine. The car has 87 thousand miles and is less than 6 years old.
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.
Vehicle was traveling down the highway with cruise control on and suddenly proceeded to not maintain speed and lost the ability to accelerate and shake in the middle of the interstate. Check engine light came on after this and we were able to limp it off the highway onto the ramp. No warning lights, no over heating, or any signs were given prior to this incident to give the impression this vehicle would stop operating. My family's safety was put at risk as it lost speed suddenly on the interstate in the middle of traffic and could have caused other cars to hit us as we slowed and tried to get over to access the ramp. Vehicle was towed and inspected at a local mechanic and was informed there was oil burned on the spark plugs and cylinder 1 and 3 had little to no compression.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at undisclosed speeds, the engine warning light illuminated. There was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined there was knock in the cylinder. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the cam was overworked and both cams had overproduced. Additionally, there was a misfire in cylinders number 1, 2, and 4. There was a power imbalance test performed, which determined that cylinder #3 was the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,745.
While trying to accelerate on a on ramp onto the interstate, I felt my engine begin to knock. I pulled over and was able to get the car to drive home. The next morning my car would not turn over. I had it towed to my mechanic. They said it was bone dry of oil, I have always had it regularly serviced. They diagnosed it with engine failure. I’m just above the 60000 mile warranty at 63000 and Hyundai refuses to honor the warranty or help with the engine failure.
At approximately 10,000 miles the tread is separating from the tire
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the contact heard a loud knocking sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, a diagnostic result was not disclosed; however, the dealer stated that the oil needed to be changed. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. 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 vehicle would not be repaired under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
After turning my car off and opening the door radio does not shut off. The radio stay on. And backup camera does not work. You have to keep un hooking the battery.
My vehicle suffered a tire blowout on [XXX]. It was determined to be caused by ripped beading on the inner and outer part of the tire. It was also said that the damage to the tire occurred at time of initial install by improper mounting and balancing of the wheels and tired. The tires were 235/55/r17 Kelly A/S Edge M+S tubeless radial Tires manufactured in Mexico. The tires were placed on vehicle by the dealer. My safety was put at risk because 1) the tires were not manufacture recommended OEM tires. 2) No warning indicator Illuminated on the dash to indicate the tire was losing pressure. The vehicle then a month 1/2 later caught fire. Prior to the fire several warning malfunction indicators Illuminated. In addition to what was apparent electrical haywire, causing alarm sounds ( beeping), flashing lights, and warning indicators illuminating throughout the dash. The vehicle is said to be a 2018 hyundai kona petrol. Although at time of purchase and fire was equipped with a lithium ion 20h battery. I was told an inspection was done in August of 2021 by Hyundai Motor of America after fire and being towed to the local hyundai dealer, however to date 3/2024 am still denied the report and gave never been allowed to have it. The fire said to have been caused by audio installation faulty wiring to a subwoofer secured in the back of the vehicle which coincidentally was also stolen due to the repair dealer facing to secure the vehicle during repairs. The repair facility provided a work order that only listed 2 parts replaced which were two main wiring harnesses. In addition to the wire harnesses that the repair dealer is said to have replaced, there were other documented changes and replaced parts not mentioned, listed or detailed on any repair order. The original lithium ion battery had been replaced. Two- 50v main relay fuses in the relay box located in the engine compartment had been replaced. Prior to fire read HMML, after repairs read PBD01. PRT.1OF3 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Prt. 2continued. The TPMS sensors had been replaced, which leads me to believe that at time of tire blowout did not function Although the subwoofer was stolen from vehicle the wiring to the subwoofer was said to have caused the fire and remained intact and connected to back of the original stereo equipment. A new subwoofer was purchased and the same wiring used to plug into from before fire and the subwoofer/stereo/wiring all worked just fine. One would assume the wiring would be fried and not work properly, however it didn't at all. This lead to me investigating the vehicle on my own after not being covered under warranty and all responsibility left on me to fix the vehicle. The "2018 hyundai kona" I was sold poses numerous safety risks for every driver on the road, not just the unfortunate consumers that purchase them for the following reasons. The vehicle is affixed with a vin sticker stating the manufacturer is HMC. Hyundai motor company of Korea with a final assembly in Korea. Has a manufacture date of [XXX] and self certified by manufacturer to comply with all US fmvss and anti theft protection required at time of manufacture date. The car to date has not undergone safety crash testing performed by NHTSA. NO substantially similar vehicle is US to compare ratings to, it being 1st of its kind. The sticker also lists vehicle as passenger car, however according to manufacture rated class c and over 4,000 lbs and a Truck/SUV for classification purposes. Although sold in the US as AWD, is listed as 4×4 elsewhere. Lithium ion batteries are not standard for non hybrid or electric vehicles. No import documentation is attached to the vehicle. The hyundai kona was not placed on list of vehicle eligible to import by the NHTSA until 2020. MINE SAID TO BE REGISTERED IN WASHINGTON STATE IN 2018. The vehicles original window sticker lists part cartent as required however is not listed on the parts content list provided by the NHTSA ad required until 2020. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The 565 and 566 required to be submitted by manufacture prior to sale in US lists the vehicle manufacturer in korea, describes vehicle as a truck and weight recorded at over 33000 lbs. The vehicle has had no safety Inspections and a rather loose self certification process allows the oversight and quality assurance that the vehicle did meet fmvss and all FMVSS requirements. Simply taking a manufactures word for it does not protect innocent consumers and endangers every driver on the road. The vehicle was driven on a fully capable scale and weighed 3, 126lbs fully loaded. The vehicle has a WMI of KM8, when a WMI search on the NHTSA website through manufacture information list only the Sonata as KM8 and decodes the vin KMH in the US not KM8. The window sticker lists a port of entry as PT, however again 0 import documentation is found. The Washington State DOL states the vehicle was manufactured in the US and shipped to the dealer. However the only US hyundai manufacture plant in the US was HMMA and they according to 555 and 566 submittal do not manufacture the Kona. The kona is not listed as manufactured by any US Hyundai rather Hatci is listed as a parent company and has a submittal of a 565 and 566 listing the Kona as a truck but was not submitted until 2023. Again my vehicle was said to have been registered in washington state in 2018. A recorded conversation I had recently with NHTSA safety hotline, NHTSA representative can be heard stating not every vehicle is tested due to lack of funding. That's not safe. I have a right to know the vehicle I am driving is fit for the road. When asked why the crash testing safecar program was created, NHTSA states to ensure safe cars for consumers when the website states it allows for incentives to be offered to manufactures to produce these safer vehicle. There is no requirments to ensure that they do. And if the car isn't randomly selected to be tested, the NHTSA does not ensure it does but takes the manufacturers word
I had a car collision last [XXX] when the car ahead of me made a sudden stop in the [XXX] . I was in the fastest lane when it happened and I was not protected at all because the airbag did not deploy. It resulted to pain due to contusion on my chest wall, pain on my sternum contusion on my right knee and neck strain. My insurance covered for the repair. Hyundai has told me after I asked them to check on the car that they are not going to investigate as to why the airbag did not deploy. I feel very unsafe driving it. I am very traumatized. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was sold a car with 1 unprepared safety recall and 22 technical service bulletins. In addition to was previously salvaged sue to collision, hail, flood and fire. The vehicle also was a 2019 made into a 2018. When the ecm was reprogrammed the new vin was wiped clean and altered. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Pulled into driveway and saw smoke coming from engine. Popped hood and saw engine block was on fire. Quickly closed the hood and called 911. Within a few minutes the car was completely engulfed. I just had the car serviced a few days earlier and prior to that i had the 60k mile maintenance service done. There was around 63k miles on the car.
I have a 2018 Hyundai Kona, with approximately 42,000 miles on it. The right front passenger door began having problems sometime in 2022. When I first inquired about the door at Riverside Hyundai, I was advised that the problem might be covered under warranty. I did not have the problem diagnosed at that time. Today, I had the problem diagnosed, and I was advised that the repair would cost $453.00, with parts and labor. After Googling the problem, I discovered that quite a few Hyundai owners have a problem with their door locks. I wanted to report the problem since it seems ongoing, and Hyundai has not provided a satisfactory resolution.
UNKNOWN. AC stopped working. According to repair shop, alternator belt sliced through the aluminum housing tube and Freon cannot be recharged . It needs total rebuild/reroute of AC tubing as The position and location of alternator belt is too close to the aluminum housing/tubing for cooling system. This is a bad build/design. When it’s really hot outside this is very dangerous for all passengers in this vehicle. Repairman/mechanic said he has seen this issue more and more on several Hyundai’s that came thru his shop, that he believes a common defect and has educated him as first thing to look for on a Hyundai needing AC repair.. and one can speculate there are MANY more, since he’s not a dealership.
My vehicle suffered an electrical fire that wasn't covered under warranty just 2 months after I purchased it. It was inspected by the manufacturer, repair facility(licensed dealer) and insurance however I was denied the inspection report. A Hyundai warranty information sheet states my vehicle had 1 unrepaired service campaign in 6/2022 for the FCA forward collision avoidance. Which meant it was also sold to me without being disclosed. However the NHTSA website says it has 0 unrepaired recalls. Right before the electrical fire the electrical system went haywire. My safetey and my childs safety is at risk everyday I have this vehicle. Without my knowledge or consent, the dealer and my insurer choose to authorize repairs. The fact that at the time of purchase, no safety or crash testing had been completed by the NHTSA is concerning. All vehicles without NHTSA safety testing completed, prior to the 1st being sold and driven on the road puts everyone at risk. The fact that NHTSA does not require these safety tests to be conducted on every single vehicle driven in the states puts everyone at risk, not just my family. Even worse after my vehicle caught fire and caused $12,000 in damages, my car has a clean carfax. There is nothing making reporting this mandatory. insurance companies, thhe dealer/repair facilities do not have to report to the DOL or anyone for that matter that the car was involved in a fire at all. In fact the repair/dealer my vehicle went to reported it as multipoint inspection, maintainence. This puts all drivers and passengers at risk on the road. There's no question that a vehicle after having caught fire and suffered electrical problems is no doubt more susceptible to additional problems down the road. This puts all cars and people on the road in danger, not just me and my own.
Car stalled while driving. This happened 5 times in a 5 day period. 2 times while crossing traffic. Oil was checked and found to have less than 1 quart of oil. No low oil level warning light came on.
8/29/20002, the ABS brakes system and Fuel Injection system 10/31/2022, Battery 11/8/2022, car stalled on the freeway 11/9/2022, Car stalled on the freeway 11/19/2022, Timing Control and camshaft position sensors 12/2/2022, Engine fire, the smell of burning plastic 1/9/12, Grinding noise near the right rear tire. I can provide the invoices under separate cover .
Oil change was on 1/13/2023 at 33,505 miles. On 2/25/2023 at 35,366 miles after driving on the highway for about 30 mins at 65 mph, the oil light came on and car was making a loud noise as I pulled in to park. My car was parked for about 1.5hrs at my destination. I attempted to drive home and get back on the highway when my engine stalled at about 40 mph and my engine and battery light came on. I had to pull over to the shoulder as my car would not drive anymore. My car was then towed to my house and later to the hyundai dealer where they determined that my engine stalled due to lack of oil because my drain plug was missing. Hyundai refuses to fix this under warranty because the drain plug is missing and they are insisting this is because of the oil change place I went to nearly 2 months ago. When I went to the oil change place, they insist that they didn't do anything wrong, and if they did incorrectly put the drain plug on, my oil would've leaked much sooner than it did. There is currently and investigation with NHTSA with my exact issue where the oil drain plug still falls out, even if the person performing the oil change puts the drain plug on exactly how it should be. Directly from the NHTSA site: "Apparently, the thin metal, along with engine vibrations and expansion/contraction tend to loosen the drain plug without any other intervention. NHTSA is investigating this as a factory defect issue." My safety was deeply put at risk as I was driving on the highway when this happened and I could've easily gotten into an accident and faced injuries. I'm stuck in the middle as the oil change place denies it is their fault and hyundai refuses to fix under warranty strictly because the oil drain plug is missing. When I explained to them that I would've have this issue with my engine if the drain plug was present, they agreed. They are stating that it is $10,000 to repair my car and that I have to pay upfront and cannot do multiple payments
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the oil and battery warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted but the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. The contact became aware that there was no oil in the engine. Additionally, there was oil leaking underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that due to the oil leak the engine seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was 35,300.
The car stalls out and I have to now replace the entire engine. There has been recalls for this exact issue on other years of this car but not on this one.
According to the garage Piston Ring failure causing engine damage and oil consumption. Vehicle shut off while excelling on a high traffic route. Vehicle has been in the garage since 1/13/23. As of today 2/1/23 still awaiting news of engine replacement.
This Hyundai Kona SE 2018 model comes with a key start and we are not getting recalls for a free fix with an engine immobilizer. Hyundai dealership is asking me to pay more than 800 dollars in installing thier fix which they caused. Even our family 2006 Corolla has the simple engine immobilizer chip on the key. Please help us.
We had parked our 17 year old son's car in the upper parking lot of our baseball field. While parked, the engine smoked, then spontaneously caught fire. The police arrived on sceere!!!! We totally cannot comprehend that this even happene, along with our fire department who was able to put out the pretty massive engine fire, along with some of the front being damaged as well. Our son had been driving this car to our high school and also the high school baseball field, with pretty packed lots. It unbelievable to even imagine if this happened thned to a pretty new car (22,000 miles on it). We are so very grateful that this did not happen while our 17 year old was in the car! This is truly needs to be looked into. Thank you.
Vehicle engine randomly stalls when slowing down, at intersections, and while driving down the road in traffic. The lives of my children and I were directly put at risk by narrowly avoiding collisions due to the engine stalling. There are multiple lights that come on when engine stalls including the check engine light, and a car with a key, as well as several others. I have contacted the manufactures due to other vehicles of the same make model and year being under a recall for the exact same issue of engine stalling. Manufacturer is failing to acknowledge that the engine stalling is a serious safety concern, as seen in the same make model and year model vehicles. Manufacturer unwilling to help reconcile issues without me paying upfront for towing, repairs, and getting my own rental/loaner vehicle. I was referred to a dealership who told me it was my responsibility to ensure that the vehicle made it to them for an inspection, no towing, no loaner or rental vehicles. I am approximately 8 hours away from home at this time and unable to drive the vehicle at this time. Reference number for call with manufacturer. Reference for call #19850095
Unable to open passengers rear door from inside
I purchased my Hyundai Kona SEL 2.0 new. I have maintained this vehicle exactly by owner's manual using only synthetic oil. This auto ran good for 110000 miles with no indicator lights present on the dashboard. After a personal trip I began to experience stalling issues without any warning or indicator lights or messages. This auto stalled a total of 10 times without warning almost causing rear end collisions. I just barely got the vehicle home. When I just made it into my driveway a loud noise emitted from engine and auto then stalled again. Next day my mechanic came over who is ASE certified. He proceeded to hook up a computer to check for codes. No codes were present in its history or report. I cannot drive this vehicle safely on the highway and it sits idle in my driveway. I phoned dealer and response by Major Hyundai of Stroudsburg PA where I purchased vehicle new was sorry there are so many people ahead of you and we are having parts problems. We have no loaner vehicles available, and we cannot even look at your vehicle until March 16th. This would be 19 days after my call to bring auto in for service. There is no way a person should have this type of problem with an automobile when records and service were followed per manual for the mileage indicated. Technical Service Bulletin # 21-EM-004H sent to dealerships indicates this model may need Bearing Clearance Test Procedures to be performed on the engine. I was never notified by dealership or Hyundai Motors of this adjustment when published March 2021. NHTSA ID # 11430714 describes the exact same problems my vehicle is experiencing by another consumer. I am requesting remedy by the dealership and respectfully ask that this problem be addressed in an orderly fashion. I am now out transportation with a vehicle I owe two- and three-quarter years payment on
-On numerous occasions my map on display enlarges itself on the screen all on it’s own. The only way this can occur is if I touch the screen and enlarge it myself with my finger. -My volume in settings were changed within a minute. I selected all settings to level 38 and then when I returned to the screen they had been changed. (See screenshot). This occurrence has happened so much, that I’ve lost count. -Furthermore, they have bypassed my key fob and have gained access to the inside of my vehicle. One would think that they would steal my vehicle, but instead, leave white marks all over my screen, pull up the break, turn on the windshield wipers and lights. Upon entering my vehicle, I notice these have are turned on when I know I always turn them off upon exiting and turning off my vehicle.
Car just turned off while driving 4 times. Dealer service Said it was ignition coil they replaced. Drove it for 40 mins when I got car back from dealer (after one month) and car made a very loud noise and stopped working again. Couldn’t get it to start and when I did it wouldn’t go past 10 mph. Got it into a parking space and called service at dealer. Today they said they can’t find anything wrong with it. I am afraid to drive car if this has happened on highway I would’ve been smashed. The dealer still Has my car I want them to keep checking it out. I am afraid they will not find trouble unless they drive it for a time like I did. I contacted Hyundai corporate but they were of little help Please help
I have owned the car for a little over a month, full warranty still on car. Two weeks into owning I noticed the steering wheel would effect the navigation, radio, camera...the console would go into a loop and keep restarting. Took in for service, the stated they would order a part. Saturday, August 7th, I was looking for a parking space in the Publix that is less than 1/2 mile from my home. As I was turning into the next lane at, approx 2 miles per hour if that ,to find a space, the steerring held tight to the right, I felt the car lurch forward and accelerated and a turbo speed. I tried the brakes, they failed, I was not able to turn the steering wheel. I accelerated at a high speed from 2mph to whatever impact was slamming into a parked car. Had anyone been putting their groceries in that car, or standing in the way of my out of control vehicle they would be dead. I have a witness statement. My car is totaled. My car, turned into a monster and would not stop nomatter what I did. Insurance inspected. I already stated the issue I took the car into prior to the accident, which was pending service. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do you the right thing and get these cars off the road. I contacted the manufacturer and filed a complaint, no response. I have researched this and HUNDREDS, THOUSANDS of complaints describing the same the same thing. I am 48, been driving since 16, zero accidents as an adult, clean driving record, purchased new cars and driven for at least 10 years... this this is the first used car I purchased, and from Hyundai that I have ever purchased. I owned this car a little over a month before the accident. I have reasearched this online, and see this is NOT an uncommon problem in Hyundai or other cars. WHY ARE YOU NOT GETTING THESE CARS OFF THE ROAD?????
ON 1/13/21, VEHICLE EMITTED A BLUE SMOKE AND MISFIRED WHEN ACCELERATING FROM COMPLETE STOP FROM RURAL ROAD ONTO STATE HIGHWAY.. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CIOCCA HYUNDAI OF WILLIAMSPORT, WHERE IT HAD BEEN SERVICED 2 DAYS PRIOR. THEY REPLACED 2 SPARK PLUGS AND STATED IT WAS FINE. VEHICLE WORKED FINE UNTIL THE FOLLOWING MORNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MISFIRING DURING AN ACCELERATION FROM COMPLETE STOP AND EVENTUALLY QUIT ON ME. I WAS ON A STATE HIGHWAY AT THIS POINT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CIOCCA HYUNDAI OF WILLIAMSPORT. THEY SERVICED IT UNTIL 1/18/21. UPON PICK UP, THEY STATED THAT THEY BELIEVED IT TO BE BAD FUEL THAT WAS CAUSING THE TROUBLE. THE FUELING STATION I EXCLUSIVELY USE HAS NO REPORTS OF BAD FUEL BESIDES MINE. THE FOLLOWING MORNING, 1/19/21, THE VEHICLE'S MAIN DISPLAY SHOWED AN ERROR MESSAGE THAT "A POSSIBLE CONDITION HAS BEEN DETECTED WITH THE ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM. PLEASE TAKE VEHICLE TO NEAREST DEALER." SEE ATTACHED FOR IMAGE OF THIS MESSAGE. CIOCCA HYUNDAI CAME AND GOT THE VEHICLE. THEY HAD IT FOR TWO WEEKS. UPON RECEIVING THE VEHICLE BACK, THEY STATED THAT IT WAS JUST AN "OLD CODE THAT WASN'T CLEARED" AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DISPLAYING ANY ISSUES. 15 MILES AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP, THAT MESSAGE REAPPEARED. ON 2/5/21, THE VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS JERKING SLIGHTLY. I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE OK TO OPERATE IN THIS CONDITION. ON 2/6/21, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A BLUE SMOKE DURING ACCELERATION FROM COMPLETE STOP ON SIDE ROAD. THE VEHICLE THEN MISFIRED TO THE POINT OF ALMOST QUITTING WHEN PULLING OUT ONTO A STATE HIGHWAY FROM A COMPLETE STOP. THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER WHO WANTS THE VEHICLE TO COME IN TONIGHT FOR AN APPOINTMENT ON 2/10/21. HYUNDAI CONSUMER AFFAIRS HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF ALL OF THIS BUT HASN'T PROVIDED ANY COURSE OF ACTION BESIDES JUST INVESTIGATION.
MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING UNEVENTFULLY DOWN A HIGHWAY FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND PULLED OVER FOR NO OTHER REASON BUT TO GET GAS. WE HAVE A HIGH TECH BLUE LINK SYSTEM AND ONLY 17K MILES ON THE CAR. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS OR WARNINGS AT ALL. JUST AFTER PARKING AT THE GAS PUMP THE ENGINE STARTED SMOKING AND QUICKLY BURST INTO FLAMES. THE CAR FILLED UP WITH SMOKE AND WE WERE ABLE TO GET OUT WITHOUT A SCRATCH, BUT MY HUSBAND HAD TO JUMP BACK INTO THE BURNING VEHICLE TO PUSH IT AWAY FROM THE PUMP. TWO FIRE EXTINGUISHERS DID NOTHING TO STOP THE FLAMES, BUT WE WERE LUCKY THAT A FIRE ENGINE WAS CLOSE BY AND CAME TO FINALLY PUT IT OUT. THE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS HAD STOPPED WORKING EARLY ON IN THIS INCIDENT AND THEY HAD TO SMASH THE WINDOWS TO GET BACK INTO THE CAR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWN 2018 HYUNDAI KONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNSTATED FAILURES WITH THE INTERIOR LIGHTING, HEADLIGHTS AND REAR TAIL LIGHTS. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN STEERING FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FORT MILL HYUNDAI (805 GOLD HILL RD, FORT MILL, SC 29708) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE RECEIVED SEVERAL UNKNOWN REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,894.
WHEN GOING FROM GAS TO BRAKE, EVEN AT LOW SPEED THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD, EVEN AFTER THE BRAKE IS COMPRESSED. I HAVE BEEN IN TWO CRASHES NOW WITH THE SAME CAR TIS HAS HAPPENED. I SEE THAT IN AUSTRALIA, OVER 4000 OF THE SAME CARS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE. TWO YEARS AGO I CRASHED INTO A TREE. THIS MORNING I CRASHED INTO MY GARAGE DOOR AND DEMOLISHED IT.
WAS DRIVING HYUNDAI KONA DOWN THE FREEWAY. I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL, I SAW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINK ONCE. THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND I STARTED PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER. STOPPING ON THE SHOULDER, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. I EVACUATED THE CAR AND WITHIN A FEW MINUTES, FLAMES WERE PRESENT. IT WAS BETWEEN 2-3 MILES START TO FINISH.
CAR ANTENNA BROKE OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. POSSIBLE PROJECTILE THAT CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. AIRCONDITIONING SYSTEM IN THE CAR SMELLS LIKE MILDEW. POSSIBLE PROLONG EXPOSURE THAT CAN CAUSE A HEALTH HAZARD. IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR STARTS EVERY TIME.
WHEN CAR SHE STARTS CAR AND IN MORNING AND NIGHT , WHEN I PUTS IN GEAR AND AND STEPS ON GAS THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER OFF AND ON UNTIL SHE GETS ON ROAD ABOUT A MILE. HAD THIS CHECK AT HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY SAID NOTHING IS WRONG BUT IT STILL CONTINUE TO DO THIS. THIS COULD BE HAZARD WHEN I DRIVE IN THE DARK.
BLIND SPOT WARNING ⚠️ APPEARED LIKE THIS FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. THE SYSTEM TURNED OFF FOR NO REASON AT 5000 MILES, THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE OR SINCE. I WAS IN CRUSE CONTROL BUT THIS WAS NOT AFFECTED. THE SYSTEM CAME BACK ONLINE BY ITSELF AN HOUR LATER. I TRIED REPEATEDLY TO GET IT TO COME BACK ON MYSELF BUT IT DID NOT WORK. CLEAR WEATHER, NO TRAFFIC OR OTHER ISSUES. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY.
WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT 98 % OF ONCOMING DRIVERS FLASH THEIR LIGHTS AT ME TO INDICATE THAT I HAD FORGOTTEN TO DIM MY LIGHTS WHEN IN FACT I DID NOT HAVE MY HIGH BEAMS ENGAGED. I TOOK THIS ISSUE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHICH DID IT'S BEST TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT WAS UNABLE TO CORRECT IT. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THERE WAS INDEED AN ISSUE WITH THE LED LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE. I DISCOVERED THAT HYUNDAI ENGINEERS HAD RECONFIGURED THE PROJECTOR BEAMS TO CORRECT THE ISSUE ON ALL CARS BUILT AFTER MAY 2018. HYUNDAI WAS TOTALLY DISMISSIVE IN SPITE OF THE FOLLOWING. THE 2018 HYUNDAI KONA HAS RECEIVED THE TOP SAFETY PICK+ RATING, BUT THE RATING ONLY APPLIES TO VEHICLES BUILT AFTER MAY 2018. TO MAKE SURE THAT THE KONA'S HEADLIGHTS ARE UP TO PAR, HYUNDAI MADE CHANGES TO THE KONA'S AVAILABLE LED PROJECTOR HEADLIGHTS TO LIMIT GLARE FOR ONCOMING DRIVERS. THE LED HEADLIGHTS, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE ON THE LIMITED AND ULTIMATE TRIM LINES NOW HAVE A GOOD RATING. PRETTY MUCH IMPOSSIBLE TO SAFELY DRIVE THIS VEHICLE AT NIGHT.
I AM REQUESTING INVESTIGATION INTO EXCESS GLARE FROM LED HEADLIGHTS ON THE KONA LIMITED MODEL, YEAR 2018 FOR THOSE MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO JUNE. EXCESSIVE GLARE ORIGINATES FROM THE LED LIGHTS AND RESULTS IN CONSISTENT "BRIGHT BEAM" FLASHES FROM ON COMING DRIVERS, AS THEY THINK YOU HAVE YOUR BRIGHTS ON. THIS RESULTS IN BLINDING AND UNSAFE CONDITIONS WHEN DRIVING ON NARROW ROADS FOR BOTH DRIVERS. HYUNDAI APPEARS TO HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THE ISSUE AS THEY REDESIGNED THE LED HEADLIGHTS MID YEAR. JUNE AND LATER MODELS DO NOT HAVE EXCESS GLARE. THIS APPEARS TO BE SUPPORTED BY IIHS.ORG AT THE FOLLOWING LINK: HTTPS://WWW.IIHS.ORG/IIHS/NEWS/DESKTOPNEWS/IMPROVED-HEADLIGHTS-HELP-HYUNDAI-KONA-EARN-TOP-SAFETY-PICK-AWARD WHEN CONTACTING HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SUPPORT TO SEEK REPLACEMENT LIGHTS, THEY CLAIM TO HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE CHANGE MID YEAR AND DIRECT YOU TO THE DEALERSHIP. I HAVE CONTACTED TWO LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALERSHIPS AND NEITHER CLAIMS TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT MID YEAR CHANGES AND HAVE NOT YET OFFERED ANY ASSISTANCE IN ADDRESSING THE ISSUE. HYUNDAI SHOULD BE REQUESTED BY NHTSA TO CONTACT KNOWN EARLY YEAR OWNERS OF AFFECTED KONA LIMITED MODELS WITH INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO GET THE ISSUES ADDRESSED.
I OWN A 2018 HYUNDAI KONA SEL PURCHASED IN MARCH 2018 FROM KEARNY MESA HYUNDAI IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. I BECAME AWARE THAT THE INITIAL KONA SE AND SEL'S SUBMITTED TO THE INSURANCE INSTITUTE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY (IIHS) FAILED FOR INSUFFICIENT HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATION. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT HYUNDAI INSTITUTED CORRECTIVE ACTION AND RESUBMITTED THE KONA TO THE IIHS IN MAY 2018, WHICH PASSED AND RECEIVED A 5-STAR RATING. I CONTACTED HYUNDAI TO FIND OUT WHAT THEY DID TO CORRECT THE DEFICIENCY, AND CAN MY CAR BE FIXED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CORRECTION WAS PROPRIETARY, AND THEY CANNOT TELL ME WHAT WAS DONE. I ASKED THEM IF THEY COULD NOTIFY POWAY HYUNDAI, SO THEY CAN CORRECT THE DEFICIENCY. THE ANSWER WAS NO. THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION WAS TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION DIVISION. NOT KNOWING WHO THEY ARE I ELECTED TO CONTACT YOU. HYUNDAI INTRODUCED THE CAR FOR SALE IN FEBRUARY 2018 AND MADE A MAJOR ENGINEERING CHANGE IN MAY TO CORRECT AN APPARENT SAFETY ISSUE AND THEY HAVE NOTHING TO THE CARS WHICH WERE MADE FROM FEBRUARY TO MAY2 018 TO CORRECT THE ISSUE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 HYUNDAI KONA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT "BLIND SPOT HAS BEEN DISABLED" ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SHORTLY AFTER, THE BLIND SPOT MONITORS TURNED OFF AND FAILED TO WORK. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE ON AND OFF FOR THE BLIND SPOT MONITORS TO WORK PROPERLY AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KUNES COUNTRY HYUNDAI OF QUINCY (207 N 36TH ST, QUINCY, IL 62301) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A GLITCH, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,100. *TT OFF THEN ON. CONSUMER STATED SAFETY FEATURE OF BLIND SPOT TECHNOLOGY SHOULD BE ON AT ALL TIMES BUT "BLIND-SPOT" FEATURE WAS DISABLED.*JB
FCA WARNINGS COME ON WHEN ONLY NORTHBOUND ON THE CAUSEWAY IN LOUISIANA. HAPPENS DAILY
3RD TIME NOW CONCERNING BCW (BLIND COLLISION WARNING) SHUTTING OFF AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS , NO GRIME/MUD/SNOW/BAD WEATHER TO BE THE BLAME. THE SYSTEM JUST SHUTS DOWN AUTOMATICALLY LEAVING A ORANGE SAFETY TRIANGLE ILLUMINATED ON DASH. BUTTON WAS NEVER TOUCHED EVEN IF IT WAS THERE WOULD AGAIN BE NO ERROR MESSAGE AND TRIANGLE. THIS TIME SYSTEM STAYED SHUTDOWN FOR LONGER THAN 15 MIN MILEAGE 11442 9-10-18. THIS HAS BECOME MORE OF NUISANCE AND MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN.
BCW (BLIND COLLISION WARNING) NOW FOR THE SECOND TIME ABOUT 3000 MILES APART FROM THE FIRST TIME AT 8960 AND NOW AT 11246 AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING IN PERFECT WEATHER, NO GRIME OR MUD ANYWHERE NEAR OR ON THE SENSORS IN REAR BUMPER. TURNS OFF WARNING TRIANGLE TURNS ON FOR APPROX 15 MINUTES THEN TURNS ON LEAVING WITHOUT ANY WARNING.
PRONE TO ROLLOVER WITH LOSING CONTROL OF VEHICLE, ON THE LATER MODEL KONA LIKE THE SECOND I PURCHASED THAT HAVE INSTALLED ANT-ROLLOVER BARS IN THE FRONT END. I TOTALED MY VEHICLE ON 7/8 AND WAS INJURED WITH HEAD TRAUMA
UNKNOWN TYPE OF AIRBAG. THE OTHER BAG DEPLOYED. I HIT SEVERAL TREES , ONE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE. THE MAIN DRIVER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING ME TO BE THROWN FORWARD AND RECEIVED HORRIFIC INJURY TO MY HEAD. BY THE WINDSHIELD COMING IN LIKE A V AND SAWING MY SCALP ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE SKULL.
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR, THE FRONT OF CAR, DISCONNECT FROM FRAME AND FELL TO GROUND. WITHOUT REALIZING IT, BACKED OUT DRIVEWAY,DRAGGING THE FALLEN END AND RIPPING THE WHOLE FRONT OF CAR OFF EXCEPT FOR A 3 INCH "FIBERGLASS" PIECE THAT HELD THE DIVERS SIDE ON TO CAR. (PICTURES AVAILABLE)
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 72 total NHTSA complaints filed over 9 years, with the worst year being 2025 (14 complaints).
The amber reliability line averaged 90/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 82/100 in 2024.
Notably, despite 72 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.
Red dots on the amber line flag 5 years (2018, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $41,114 (~$685/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2018 HYUNDAI Kona — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
20% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.
- ▸Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for KM8K22AA4JU150222. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
HYUNDAI has been fined $131M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2022: Failure to promptly recall vehicles with engine fire risk.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | KM8K22AA4JU150222 |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Make | HYUNDAI |
| Model | Kona |
| Trim | SEL |
| Series | Wagon body style |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] |
| Doors | 4 |
| Seat Rows | 5 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Transmission | Automatic |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.0 |
| Horsepower | 147 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | HYUNDAI MOTOR CO |
| Assembly City | ULSAN |
| Assembly Country | SOUTH KOREA |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | KM8 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 4 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | J |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | U |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 150222 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 0 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 72 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 7/1/2026, 4:30:46 PM.