Consumers should know that Hyundai has released an urgent recall that covers the 2019-2021 Model Year Kona vehicles because of defective engines that could lead to a car fire.
**ATTENTION, if you are a current owner of a 2019-2021 Hyundai Kona that are subject to the recent recall, please give us a call. Our services are absolutely FREE to you. Message or call 877-795-3666 today. ☎ NOW for a Free Case Evaluation.
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Hyundai has recalled nearly 160,000 affected vehicles that include the 2019-2021 Kona built with a 2.0-liter Nu MPI engine. This urgent recall was also released for the 2019-2021 Veloster and 2019-2020 Elantra with the same motor. You can see if your vehicle is part of the recall when you enter the VIN of your Kona on the NHTSA website.
Prior to this recall, Hyundai released another alert for nearly 150,000 Seltos models (2021) that are also equipped with this same engine. This first recall also included the 2020-2021 Kia Soul models that have this motor.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | |
| Electrical System | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Power Train | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Steering | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | |
| Air Bags |
The Hyundai and Kia models included with this recall might have an engine with piston oil rings that received an inconsistent heat treatment. If this defect occurs, there could be excessive oil consumption. Plus, it will create a knocking noise and might lead to stalling or seizing of the engine.
If the Hyundai engine stalls at an inconvenient time, it could lead to a safety hazard. Plus, a seized engine can cause the connecting rod to puncture through the engine block. If this happens, it’s possible that an oil leak could follow, which could create a vehicle fire. Up until now, Hyundai has released reports on five car fires that were part of this recall, although the automaker won’t confirm that the incidents occurred because of this defect.
If you are driving with an affected vehicle, you might start to notice some warning signs that there is a problem. Look for smoke, engine hesitation, a warning light on the dashboard, reduced power, burning oil smells and a knocking sound. If any of these problems are present, stop driving and get to the nearest Hyundai dealership for support.
Hyundai began notifying customers about the problem in June 2021. Drivers were instructed to visit the local Hyundai dealership for more support and a free inspection. At this visit, technicians should update the motor’s engine control software. Hyundai’s Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software is designed to detect problems before they occur and prior to any engine damage.
If engine damage has already occurred to the Kona, the Hyundai techs should replace the defective motor at no cost.
It’s possible that you receive a recall notice on your Kona and then learn your dealership does not yet have the parts to fix the issue. This might be because there aren’t enough parts or the car company may not even have the replacement parts designed yet. We’ve be receiving reports that Hyundai does not currently have the parts to make the repairs.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database of consumer complaints contains various engine issue reports from vehicle owners. Many describe the engine issues:
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving at 60 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the engine needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21V301000 (Engine). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
After loud explosion sound, the engine stalled 3 times recently while driving and today. No brake, hard steering wheel, and almost bumped the car front of me. I took my car to a dealer last week and they said no fix despite of safety recall. Without any warning, first it happened 3 weeks ago.
Vehicle hesitates to accelerate easily and gas peddle must be sharply applied to move forward. Symptoms occur daily when driving on city streets.
Bought the car in august 2020. In February 2021 the car began to stall frequently and it was running very loud. I discovered that there was almost no oil in the car with less than 5,000 miles on it. Brought the car to the dealership and they determined the engine was defective and would need to be replaced. I have been without my car (but still paying for it monthly) since mid-February. It is now late April.
Others owners stated they were unable to get their engine replaced after the recall was issued:
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V301000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The manufacturer is taking 2 long to repair or replace the engine. They started the recall at end of April. In may my mycarfax told me about recall and the manufacture didn’t send anything out in the mail about the recall till almost end of June. They are taking 2 long to fix this engine. I drive daily for my job. Sometimes 4,000 miles a month. I need this recall fixed now.
It is possible that your 2019 – 2021 Hyundai Kona is a lemon. If you own one of them, your rights may be impacted. Allow our experts to work on your lemon compensation at no cost to you. The law requires Hyundai to pay the legal fees for your claim and you might be able to get rid of your lemon car. Every year, automakers buy back, replace and pay cash settlements because of thousands of lemon cars. You just need the right professional working on your side.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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