Own a Hyundai Kona in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Hyundai Kona for model years 2018 to 2027. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Kona owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 962 owner complaints on file for the Kona and 10 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are engine (434), electrical system (236), power train (112).
Most-Reported Hyundai Kona Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Kona (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 434 | 45% | |
| Electrical System | 236 | 24% | |
| Power Train | 112 | 11% | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 74 | 7% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 51 | 5% | |
| Service Brakes | 50 | 5% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 44 | 4% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 22 | 2% |
Engine
434 of the 962 complaints (45%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
236 of the 962 complaints (24%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Power Train
112 of the 962 complaints (11%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Hyundai Kona Complaints by Model Year
The Kona model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2019, 2020, 2021. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 75 | |
| 2019 | 250 | |
| 2020 | 189 | |
| 2021 | 147 | |
| 2022 | 123 | |
| 2023 | 71 | |
| 2024 | 68 | |
| 2025 | 29 | |
| 2026 | 10 |
Most Common Hyundai Kona Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Kona. The most-cited is P0017 (crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (bank 1 sensor b)), mentioned in 9 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P0017 | Crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (bank 1 sensor B) Similar to P0016: timing chain, sensor or timing component trouble. | 9 |
| P1327 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 8 |
| P0014 | Exhaust camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 1) Commonly an oil, solenoid or timing component problem. | 3 |
| P0011 | Intake camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 1) Often an oil, variable valve timing solenoid or timing component issue. Low or dirty oil is a common trigger. | 3 |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. | 2 |
| P0366 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Hyundai Kona Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the Kona in these model years, most often involving electrical system, seat belts, engine. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2026 recall, Seat Belts (campaign 26V452000): Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Kona Electric and 2024-2026 Kona vehicles. The seat belt buckle in the rear center seat may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash.
- 2024 recall, Engine And Engine Cooling (campaign 24V308000): Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Elantra, Venue, and Kona vehicles. An electrical short circuit may occur in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- 2023 recall, Power Train (campaign 23V526000): Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles.
- 2023 recall, Seat Belts (campaign 23V650000): Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Kona vehicles. The seat belt assemblies in the right and left rear seats may not function properly.
- 2023 recall, Electrical System (campaign 23V901000): Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Kona vehicles. The 12-Volt battery cables may chafe against the engine control module bracket and short circuit during a crash.
- 2021 recall, Engine (campaign 21V301000): Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Kona, 51 involved a crash, 23 involved a fire, 49 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Hyundai Kona Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Hyundai will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Kona that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Kona owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Hyundai Kona, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Hyundai Kona Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Hyundai Kona repair service, or choose a service below.
Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Hyundai Kona FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Hyundai Kona?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Hyundai Kona are engine (434), electrical system (236), power train (112). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Kona model years have the most complaints?
The Kona model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2019, 2020, 2021. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Hyundai Kona?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Hyundai Kona, the codes cited most often are P0017 (crankshaft and camshaft position correlation (bank 1 sensor b)), P1327 (manufacturer-specific powertrain code), P0014 (exhaust camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 1)). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Hyundai Kona have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the Hyundai Kona across model years 2018 to 2027. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Hyundai Kona in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Hyundai vehicles including the Kona, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Hyundai Kona?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Hyundai Kona in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Hyundai Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.