Hyundai Kona Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Hyundai Kona model year (2018–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Hyundai Kona Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 152 complaints
14 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 189
4 recalls · 130 complaints
11 reported injuries
1 reported death
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 169
1 recall · 117 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 126
Best Hyundai Kona Years to Buy
0 recalls · 9 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 17
1 recall · 29 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 34
1 recall · 61 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 64
Found the right year? Verify that specific Kona with a free VIN report.
Hyundai Kona — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 9 | 4 | — | 17 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 1 | 29 | 1 | — | 34 | Good |
| 2024 | 4 | 49 | 4 | — | 69 | Caution |
| 2023 | 1 | 61 | — | — | 64 | Good |
| 2022 | 1 | 117 | 3 | — | 126 | Avoid |
| 2021 | 3 | 96 | 2 | — | 109 | Caution |
| 2020 | 4 | 130 | 11 | 1 | 169 | Avoid |
| 2019 | 3 | 152 | 14 | — | 189 | Avoid |
| 2018 | 0 | 63 | 18 | — | 99 | Caution |
All 9 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Hyundai Kona Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent Kona models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2026 stands out with just 17 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Kona should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2019 Hyundai Kona if possible. It has 3 recalls, 152 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 189 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Kona to buy?+
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 17. It has only 0 recalls and 9 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Kona has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2025, 2023 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Hyundai Kona Research
Check a Specific Hyundai Kona VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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