2022 Hyundai Kona Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Forward collision, engine, and powertrain issues are among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Battery Drain Issues? Read our post on Hyundai Kona Electric Battery Drain Issues.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona is a top choice among SUV models, with the automaker claiming it is “the thrillseeker in the family.” However, many customers are finding major forward collision avoidance problems, engine defects, and severe powertrain issues that are leading to more of a thrill than they signed up for.

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2019    2020    2021

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2022 Hyundai Kona

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Engine
15
Electrical System
11
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
9
Power Train
9
Vehicle Speed Control
7
Service Brakes
6
Unknown Or Other
6
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
4
Lane Departure: Assist
2
Fuel/propulsion System
2

Most Common Problems with the 2022 Hyundai Kona

Consumer complaints about the 2022 Hyundai Kona are piling up. Between September 7, 2021 and October 25, 2022 a total of 29 disgruntled owners expressed dissatisfaction about 11 components and systems.

On the face of it, the way complaints have been listed, forward collision avoidance is top of the list with 9 complaints. Then there are 8 about the engine. There are 5 complaints listed in the vehicle speed control category and 4 under brakes. Other affected components are airbags, the electrical system, exterior lighting, lane departure, brakes, and visibility.

But often complaints overlap different components. For example, 4 of the vehicle speed control complaints are linked to forward collision avoidance complaints. The only fuel/propulsion system complaint is also listed under engine issues. And 1 of the 2 lane departure problems is linked to forward collision avoidance.

One positive complaint is from a Florida resident whose front passenger side window exploded without impact. Nobody was injured and the dealership said the vehicle would be repaired under warranty.

Battery Problems

Note that the complaints discussed in this post do not relate to complaints about the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric. There are only 5 complaints and all of them are about a serious battery drain. Lemberg Law has initiated a class action investigation into these issues, which don’t appear to impact the other 2022 Kona models.

Forward Collision Avoidance Issues

The only airbag-related complaint, which is also listed under service brakes and forward collision avoidance reports a crash with 1 injury. An owner from Rhode island says that when the car crashed, the airbags didn’t deploy and the automatic brakes failed. Worse still, “cruise control continued to attempt to drive the vehicle despite (a) collision warning.” The car did not stop.

An owner from Indiana says the cruise control doesn’t engage. “When setting the adaptive cruise control I have had the car slow down 15-20 mph before turning the cruise control off. This is “because traffic is backing up behind me and I become a hazard on the road.”

After taking the car to two different dealerships that couldn’t replicate the issue, this owner logged a complaint with the NHTSA.

An owner from Utah has decided that “Adaptive Cruise Control is practically non-functional. There is a major delay when setting the cruise control speed before it actually kicks in. Speed can slow down upwards 10-15 mph below the intended set speed and take roughly 30 seconds. Once it engages, it’s spotty with its functionality.”

Another Utah owner experienced the emergency brakes locking and the Kona coming to a stop on the fast lane of a freeway. “This has happened twice – both with no reason and no issue in front of me to cause the car to think it needed to suddenly use emergency brakes.”

Problems with the Engine

The motor is definitely the most important component of any vehicle. If the automaker can’t get this part right, the whole vehicle is going to suffer.

Faults with Kona engines range from bad wiring that results in the check engine light coming on to those that report engines shutting off. All of these need to be taken seriously by Hyundai.

An owner from Tennessee states, “My vehicle keeps shutting off with no warning and has almost killed me on multiple occasions. The dealership keeps placating me about getting it fixed, saying that a repair is months out. Meanwhile, I am driving a very dangerous vehicle that shuts off and shakes like it’s going to explode.”

An owner from New York reports a similar scenario. “Randomly, the check engine light turns on and the car begins to violently shake. This is the second day this already happened and only happened while on the highway. The car is only 3 weeks old with just over 1000 miles on it. After pulling over on the side of the road and turning the car off and on, the problem disappeared and the check engine light turned off.”

“The danger of the control of the car on the highway when this issue occurs at random is sufficient enough to ensure that all these vehicles are recalled to get the problem fixed.”

An owner from Washington state has experienced the 2022 Kona dying in the middle of the street and not accelerating onto the highway. This, the complaint states, “was extremely frightening and I felt very lucky that it didn’t cause an accident, or worse.”

One NHTSA complaint from an owner in California states that “while driving (at) 5 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently shut off due to the idle STOP/START feature.” No warning light illuminated.

Hyundai isn’t winning any points with anyone with a defective engine. In fact, the company has been plagued by engine problems, with class-action lawsuits popping up on older models because of fires due to defective motors.

Problems with the Powertrain

Some say that the powertrain has been built to the same standards as the engine, causing even more people to become fed up with Hyundai.

The first complaint was short but not very sweet. An owner from Florida states that the transmission has extremely hard shifts from 1st to 2nd when accelerating quickly. Ironically, the result is that if you are trying to get out of traffic you might not be able to accelerate quickly enough to get out of traffic.

A New Jersey owner experienced transmission failure when the Kona was only 10-months-old with 4,000 miles on the clock. Declaring that this an extremely dangerous situation, the owner states, “This needs to be categorized as a catastrophic failure.”

An owner from Texas states, “While on the highway the transmission completely stopped shifting and stayed in first gear and would only rev up the engine when the accelerator was applied. I had to coast slowly off the freeway to an exit to safely park. I turned the vehicle off and restarted after a few minutes and it drove regularly. Apparently there are other customers that have experienced this issue and this raises a lot of concern on the safety of operating this vehicle.”

It doesn’t take long to figure out that Hyundai lacks the expertise needed to put an SUV together safely. Just look at Service Bulletin #21-ST-003H, that states the power steering system can suffer from a bearing noise. To repair the problem, the column worm shaft assembly must be replaced, but these faults shouldn’t even be occurring on a brand-new vehicle.

What if your 2022 Kona is a Lemon?

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Hyundai pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you. So, call us on our Helpline or fill out a contact form now.

Complaint Data

CategoryEngine
DateMar 17, 2023
StateCA
Description
Check engine light- sensor, rear trunk won't lock - sensor
CategoryAir Bags
DateMar 16, 2023
StateWA
Description
I was rear ended waiting for the car in front of me to turn. Driver was going between 33-40 on a residential. My air bags did not deploy.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateMar 14, 2023
StateGA
Description
Transmission failed, to start with it wouldn't go into reverse, then while trying to drive in forward it stalled and shut everything down with a code message going across the screen a possible condition with your transmission control system has been detected. A full check system is recommended to be done soon. Please contact your local dealership to make appointment. Had to have car towed to dealership transmission would not operate at all.
CategoryExterior Lighting:tail Lights
DateMar 01, 2023
StateIA
Description
The contact owns a 2022 hyundai kona. The contact stated he noticed that there was water inside the driver's side taillight assembly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer confirmed that they were aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 7,750.
CategoryElectrical System, Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
DateFeb 07, 2023
StateMA
Description
The electrical system is not fulling shutting down after the vehicle is turned off and the 12 volt battery drains. This also caused the instrument panel to fail and made the car not safe to drive as we had no speedometer or odometer. The battery drain happened over and over again. The car is a lemon. This car has been at the dealer since december 30th, with no fix in sight.
CategoryVehicle Speed Control
DateJan 24, 2023
StateCO
Description
The adaptive cruise control does not engage in a timely fashion when activated. The speed reduces 8-12 mph before it kicks in. Speed always decreases 5 to. 21 mph on every hill. This inconsistency causes traffic to bunch around me. The dealership says nothing can be done to fix the problem. This problem is so frustrating and dangerous that I no longer use the feature.
CategoryEngine
DateJan 21, 2023
StateTX
Description
My daughter left our house in our 2022 hyundai kona on friday, 1/13/23, to head back to college which is 5 hours from home. A little more than an hour down the road after leaving our house, she said that the car started sounding strange, so she called her mother. At this time, she was on a two lane country road with no safe options or areas to pull over. My wife advised my daughter to continue driving until she found a safe place to pull over. As she continued onwards, she came to a stop sign in the countryside and the car died on her. She restarted it and was able to continue her trip. Several miles later a light came on, but she was still not to a safe area. By the time she got to a safe place, other lights had come on, and the car died in the parking lot. The car would not restart so we called a tow truck to take the kona to the nearest hyundai dealership which is where it sits today. Upon inspection, the hyundai dealership discovered that the drain plug was missing from the oil pan which caused the oil to drain and ultimately led to catastrophic engine failure. The engine needs to be replaced at a quote of 53. 08. The kona's last oil change was on 10/19/22 at 8,630 miles and was done a third party oil change facility. The mileage on the kona when delivered to the repairing hyundai dealership is 13,775. No engine lights or oil change needed indicators were on before our daughter began her trip on 1/13/23. I contend that this is a known issue with hyundai engines based off of internet research that indicates that the nhtsa is actively investigating this exact issue of the drain plug falling out and causing catastrophic engine failure. This situation is a safety issue because the engine could have seized while in motion on a two-lane country road causing a wreck.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
DateJan 13, 2023
StateAZ
Description
Emergency braking system stopped the car suddenly. There weren't any cars in front of me or next to me. Thankfully I was driving slow through a road in our parking lot and there were no cars behind me. It has only happened once so far. Obviously it startled me and made me wonder how safe the car is to drive. I haven't said anything to the dealer, but plan to when I go in for yearly maintenance in a week. There were no warning lights or symptoms prior to this happening.
CategoryElectrical System
DateJan 12, 2023
StateCA
Description
My hybrid or power battery failure, my ev hyundai kona from october 14, 2022 up to now in maintenance at the dealer “keyes mission hills hyundai.” they withdrew every month the lease amount, from my side I pay monthly lease and insurance for car and gap. Every time contact them just swiftly disregarding the whole call and promises in, even they didn't call back with solution or updates as promised in the call. I wanna get a solution for all these. Stop draining my money, I'm still using my old car and paying for gas every week.
CategoryElectrical System:horn, Unknown Or Other
DateDec 30, 2022
StateCA
Description
The horn does not work. The fuse is fine, it is the horn itself that does not work.
CategoryEngine, Power Train
DateDec 28, 2022
StateNY
Description
Around 8,000 miles, mid-drive my check engine light came on and immediately the ability to speed up became very shotty. I have a 2022 kona n-line. I could put my foot on the floor and it would take forever to get up to speed if at all. It was very here and there and seemed to have a mind of its own when it would do this. I've had it into the shop 5-6 different times since then to have it addressed and I'm still having issues with it. They replaced some valance, the solanoid, and just recently completely replaced the entire turbo system to try and fix the problem. It seems to have helped, but I still have this ongoing clicking sound since this started when the car downshifts it seems like, that has yet to be diagnosed. It's not a normal car sound at all and nobody seems to even notice this sound I mention every time I take it in. I've read similar stories with this same model of car, yet there's no active recall on it. I've been dealing with this for months and it's aggravating the amount of time I've put in to trying to fix this. I travel for work which only makes things so much more frustrating to work around.
CategoryElectrical System, Engine
DateDec 22, 2022
StateCA
Description
There was a parasitic or phantom drain on my 12v battery (after 7 months 6k miles) - dead. A dealer service tech determined it to be the harman kardon radio (kona ev limited). Drained 3 batteries before it was found to be the culprit. Radio on backorder with no sign of ever showing up. Car has been at the dealer long enough to trigger the lemon law in ca. Considering the buyback as I have made two lease payments without the car in my possession6 weeks.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Service Brakes
DateDec 17, 2022
StateDC
Description
Two times on a highway, the car engaged the automatic emergency brakes when the driver was driving straight forward. We were not turning, breaking, or accelerating and there were no cars close to our car
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control, Vehicle Speed Control
DateDec 14, 2022
StateCO
Description
Cruise control on the 2022 kona is not viable. In the standard cruising gears the cruise control is unresponsive for a long duration resulting in reductions of speed of up to 11 mph at highway speeds, in traffic. The response of the cruise control to following a car can take up to 1 minute to actually try and recover speed.
CategoryEngine
DateDec 09, 2022
StateOH
Description
The contact owns a 2022 hyundai kona. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that there was bad fuel in the vehicle. The failure reoccurred and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who reset the codes. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a cylinder misfire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 5,500.
CategoryElectrical System
DateDec 06, 2022
StateCA
Description
This is a continuation of complaint #11495997. Mon 12/05/22 am - I could unlock the car, but it wouldn't start. I jumped the 12v battery and drove car for about 30 minutes. Tue 12/06/22 am - car completely dead. I called hyundai roadside assistance who sent a aaa technician who jumped 12v battery. I drove car for about 45 minutes to charge battery. I left a message with san leandro hyundai - service & parts center about bringing car in and getting a loaner car, and am waiting for a callback today.
CategoryElectrical System
DateDec 05, 2022
StateCA
Description
Vehicle complaint: electrical system / vehicle: 2022 hyundai kona electric sel black vin: km8k33ag7nu156867 / wed 07/13/22 - car purchased from carblip (https://www. Carblip. Com/). Carblip got it from harbor hyundai in long beach, ca and trucked it to me in oakland, ca. / wed 10/26/22 am - car completely dead. I called aaa; they sent a technician who jumped 12v battery. I drove car to san leandro hyundai - service & parts center and left the car there. They checked battery and said I must have left something on that drained the battery and car is fine now. I picked up the car. / fri 11/04/22 am - car completely dead. I called aaa; they sent a technician who jumped 12v battery. I drove car for about 45 minutes to charge battery. Then I drove car normally for rest of day and next day. / mon 11/07/22 am - car completely dead. I called aaa; they sent a technician who jumped 12v battery. I drove car for about 45 minutes to charge battery. Then I drove car normally for rest of day. / tue 11/08/22 am - car completely dead. I called aaa; they sent a technician who jumped 12v battery. I drove car to san leandro hyundai - service & parts center. They put a brand new 12v battery in the car. / 11/08/22-11/19/22 - I drove car normally. / 11/20/22-11/25/22 - car sat in our driveway in oakland, ca while we were out of town for thanksgiving week. / sat 11/26/22 am - car completely dead. / thu 12/01/22 pm - my husband jumped 12v battery and drove car for about 45 minutes. / fri 12/02/22 am - I drove the car to san leandro hyundai - service & parts center and left the car there. They said the received a “technical notification” from hyundai and reprogrammed the car: “bms ev logic improvement upgrade” and said the car should be fine now. I picked up the car. / sat 12/03/22 - I drove car normally. / sun 12/04/22 am - car completely dead. I called hyundai roadside assistance who sent a aaa technician who jumped 12v battery. I drove car for about 45 minutes to charge battery.
CategoryElectrical System:horn
DateDec 05, 2022
StateWA
Description
The following was posted on 12/5/22 on kona owners forum: "usa location. Have a '22 kona (ev; but, that apparently that not relevant to problem). Horn stopped working at about 7500 miles. Immediately made appt with dealer. On day of service there was another 2022 kona (gas powered) in shop for same thing. Since I only have one car and wife with alzheimer's, dealer checked obvious things and released me, saying the other owner could leave their kona for detailed diagnosis. Dealer reported back to me that they believed they had found problem with other kona, ordered part and would let me know if problem would be solved for the other kona. If problem solved they would replace my part, of course under warranty. Today I was informed part didn't fix other kona. So, I am without horn and dealer back to square one. Dealer said there is no recall and no tech bulletin addressing this problem. I can see from forum history that many have experienced a failed horn. Has anyone experienced a solution? If so, please share solution. Dealer welcomes any info I can provide. I think I will also report this to us dept of transportation, since 'no horn' is a safety hazard and may in fact be illegal.
CategoryEngine, Fuel/propulsion System, Power Train
DateNov 06, 2022
StateGA
Description
22' kona n dct base us spec. 5,600 miles est (2nd kona) fuel used: shell premium outside temp: 76f/dry-clear sky. This is my 2nd kona n, this is the 4th experience I've had with my kona n's. Towed the first on vin# [xxx] to dealer, engine stalled after refueling during a road trip. 6/7k miles. Misfire. No replaced parts, car started acting normal. Then I traded it in for another kona n in june 22'. The vehicle in normal mode is fine. I believe. Switching from n mode is where the engine starts misfiring and runs on 3,2cyl puffing out white smoke. Leaving me stranded. The codes all show via car touch screen, and obd reader/history. All electronics perform properly, including active safety features. I am hyundai affiliated but I do not know how to relay the message. All of the kona n/elantra n/veloster n dct. Need software updates. It's a bug, I honestly think. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
CategoryEngine, Power Train
DateOct 25, 2022
StateTX
Description
While on the highway the transmission completely stopped shifting and stayed in first gear and would only rev up the engine when the accelerator was applied. I was able to get up to 50mph and slowly make my way to the dealership where I bought it 2 months ago. I turned the vehicle off went inside to talk to the service center where I was told that it'd take 2 to 3 days to even get my car in to get looked at and they did not have any loaners to give me. I still had to work and couldn't take time off so I went back to my car and restarted it after a few minutes and it drove regularly.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Service Brakes, Vehicle Speed Control
DateOct 25, 2022
StateIL
Description
This is my 2nd report on the same issue. There is another report from me on the first and I will be discussing this with my hyundai dealer today. On a 250 mile road trip, on the expressway, two separate times, the car suddenly braked hard and the emergency warning flashed on the speedometer. Each time it was about 3-5 seconds. On the second incident, my passenger thinks she noticed it happening in conjunction with a car appearing on my side. She said the side mirror warning lit up at the same time the car started braking. It could just be a coincidence though. Thankfully, neither time did the brakes fully stop the car, but damn, it is very scary when it happens on the expressway and I am very nervous to drive with the feature on.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure: Assist
DateOct 10, 2022
StateUT
Description
Incident #1: auto emergency breaking system sensed false situation and auto braked nearly causing high speed accident. Caused while exiting I-80 west bound off ramp with two lanes ramp that exits. I was in the inside lane and there was another vehicle in the outside lane. Assuming the system thought I was going to turn into the outer car and braked suddenly. Incident #2: lane keeping system, constantly fights me for no known reason. While in las vegas on flamingo road on oct. 10, 2022 the system suddenly jerked the car to the left and nearly into a head-on crash. My family is very lucky to be okay. Car has problems when road markings are not consistent or when using reflectors (vs painted lines) or when there are exits. It's safer to leave the system off in my experience.
CategoryPower Train
DateOct 06, 2022
StateCA
Description
Was driving on the freeway when lost all power when the gas pedal was pushed no power then the rpms would shoot to 7000 was able to get off the freeway the check came on had the car towed to the dealership after waiting 2 weeks was told the transmission needed to be replaced this was on a 2022 hyundai kona with only 7000 miles on it
CategoryVehicle Speed Control
DateSep 27, 2022
StateGA
Description
It is called a "smart cruise" and it does not hold the speed. When driving on the interstate and the speed does not hold that would cause a risk of collision by other vehicles that are driving the appropriate speed. I took the car to my hyundai dealer and a tech drove it. He said he got the same result of not holding the speed it was set at. I was told this is a problem with the smart cruise and that there was nothing that could be done at this time. There was nothing to say the cruise control was not working correctly
CategoryPower Train, Service Brakes
DateSep 22, 2022
StateGA
Description
When I pull up to my driveway, which is on a 45-degree angle from the street for approximately 100 feet, and stop the car with the vehicle brake, take my foot off the brake and leave the transmission in drive, the car sits for approximately 15 seconds and then, without any input, the car will climb the hill. I was curious, so I turn the car around and backed into the driveway, and it did the same thing in reverse. I hate to think that a small child would be sitting in the driveway and the diver didn't see them. My question is would the car keep going and run over the child?
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
DateSep 21, 2022
StateIL
Description
On 9/20/2022 I was driving on the expressway at approximately 60 mph when my car suddenly applied brakes and slowed considerably without reason and started flashing the emergency braking notification with alert noises. The notifications stopped after about 6 seconds and the car did not come to a complete stop, as I probably would not be here today, but it rattled me and now I have lost confidence in my car and feel this can cause a serious accident. The car has 1,322 miles and I have noticed one other incident at speed under 10 mph approaching traffic light.. I called my dealer to let them know. They made a note in my profile because they didn't think they would be able to do anything. I searched google and found others have discussed the exact same issue with the same model. This should be addressed! I will be turning this feature off.
CategoryLane Departure: Assist
DateSep 08, 2022
StateTN
Description
The lane assist tries to drive me off the road multiple times every day putting the safety of myself and others at risk. The car has not been inspected by insurance or police. The problem has been present since the first week of owning the car.
CategoryVisibility
DateAug 23, 2022
StateFL
Description
The contact owns a 2022 hyundai kona. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph, the front passenger's side window exploded without impact. No medical attention was needed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence where the vehicle was then towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that the vehicle would be repaired under warranty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided case number. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
CategoryElectrical System
DateAug 15, 2022
StateCA
Description
The 12v battery keeps draining on this 2022 hyundai kona electric. This problem happened when I owned the car for 7 months, I believe the battery management system from hyundai caused the ruin and drainage to the 12v battery. It has happened 10 or more time ever since the battery keeps draining and hyundai refused to take any responsibility in their faulty 12v battery.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
DateJul 11, 2022
StateCA
Description
I was driving on the freeway at about speed limit. I was at a safe distance (3 car lengths away) from the car in front of me. The emergency brake activated. It did not stop the car, but I felt a pause in the drive. The message on my dashboard stated "emergency brake activated". A few minutes later, the emergency brake activated again. Again, it did not stop the car, but I felt another pause in the drive. The message "emergency brake activated" also came on the dashboard. I had a passenger in the car.
CategoryElectrical System
DateJul 07, 2022
StateCA
Description
This 2022 hyundai kona electric keep draining the battery after I charged my electric car overnight. It has happened 6 or 7 times now, which I think hyundai needs a recall on this car. It killed the 12v battery after fully charged the car. Something has drained the battery completely. It is very annoying when this happened.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Vehicle Speed Control
DateJul 06, 2022
StateUT
Description
There are multiple issues with the adaptive cruise control: -when setting the cruise control speed, it can drop 10-15 mph until it kicks in. -when a car pulls in front of you with the adaptive cruise control on, it takes to long to recognize it has to slow down and has to abruptly decrease speed when it finally does. -if the adaptive cruise control does slow down because of a driver in front of you and that driver changes lanes, the adaptive cruise control can again take 10-mph drop until it kicks in. Https://www. Konaissues. Com/ https://www. Hyundai-forums. Com/threads/2022-kona-cruise-control-unusable. 680949/ https://www. Reddit. Com/r/hyundai/comments/q80vhz/cruise_control_in_2022_kona_limited_is_whack/ https://www. Carproblemzoo. Com/hyundai/kona/2022/adaptive-cruise-control-problems. Php
CategoryEngine
DateJun 10, 2022
StateWA
Description
While at a stop light, the engine of my 2022 kona died. No warning lights came on prior. It just died in the middle of the street. Then took several minutes and several tries to get the car to restart. Accelerator didn't work at first either. Driving on highway warning light for tire pressure came on. Diagnostics said everything was fine. Then the warning light turned off. More and more frequent trouble accelerating onto highway. Car-play does not stay connected. Often doesn't connect at all. Car dying in the middle of the street, not accelerating onto the highway was extremely frightening and I felt very lucky that it didn't cause an accident, or worse. I have contacted my dealership about the issues and was told that I could have an appointment in 2 months! They don't care about the safety of the people driving their cars and, clearly, they no longer care about the quality of their cars. As far as the carplay goes, they looked at the screen and then didn't fix a thing. It still isn't working properly. This is my second hyundai and the quality has really diminished over the years and the problems have increased exponentially. The car dying while driving and accelerator not working properly has now happened several times. Today was only the most recent.
CategoryElectrical System, Service Brakes
DateJun 09, 2022
StateCA
Description
The car turned into a bricked mode 3 times after I fully charged the car to 100%. The car cannot open or start the engine. The battery was dead or drained somehow. I have to jump start the battery and reset the battery terminals in order for it to work again. Now the braking warning light has stayed on after I reset the battery terminals. I think this 2022 hyundai kona ev has some electrical issues that hyundai need to fix or be aware of.
CategoryAir Bags, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Service Brakes
DateJun 04, 2022
StateRI
Description
During collision, airbags did not deploy. In attempt to avoid collision, automatic breaks failed and did not stop the vehicle, cruise control continued to attempt to drive the vehicle despite collision warning and did not stop- coupled with my manual breaking, the car did not stop. Car is currently at a tow lot waiting for insurance. My safety was put at risk due to airbags not deploying during serious collision, the breaks malfunctioned. At this time, the car is in the beginning stages of insurance. My car did not display any prior failure features.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control, Vehicle Speed Control
DateJun 01, 2022
StateUT
Description
Adaptive cruise control is practical non-functional. There is a major delay when setting the cruise control speed before it actually kicks in. Speed can slow down upwards 10-15 mph below the intended set speed and take roughly 30 seconds. Once it engages its spotty with it's functionality. Depending on traffic scenarios it seems to reset the ability to re-engage cruise control and will again dropping down speed taking 15-30 seconds for before re-engaging.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Service Brakes
DateMay 13, 2022
StateUT
Description
I was driving on the freeway the car in front of me was at least 4 car lengths away. My car flashed emergency breaks and locked it's breaks coming to a stop on the fast lane of the freeway. Nearly avoided an accident. This has happened twice- both with no reason and no issue in front of me to cause the car to think it needed to suddenly use emergency brakes.
CategoryEngine, Unknown Or Other
DateMay 10, 2022
StateMI
Description
While at a complete stop at and intersection the idle stop and go system shut the engine down. When I took my foot off the break the engine started but as soon as I stepped on the gas pedal, the engine shut down. The cluster gage told me out the vehicle in neutral and restart. This issues has happened numerous times. Most times were while stopped in traffic and could have been a factor in a car rear ending me. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership. They are very helpful and were able to replicate the issue. After conferring with a hyundai motors tech line, who said this has been a problem with other 2022 konas, the dealership did replace a solenoid but the issue remains. The were no warning or check engine light at all.
CategoryPower Train
DateMay 03, 2022
StateNJ
Description
Transmission failure. Car is 10 months old with 4000 miles on it. Extremely dangerous because this happened on the garden state parkway. This needs to be categorized as a catastrophic failure
CategoryEngine
DateApr 16, 2022
StateNJ
Description
Engine began knocking/shaking suddenly while highway driving, service engine light came on. Pulled over, turned off ignition. Tried restarting and would not start. Towed to dealership and diagnosed as engine failure, possible timing chain failure. Complete engine replacement recommended by dealer service dept. Dealer service dept. Will replace engine free of charge as vehicle is well under warranty from hyundai. The vehicle had less than 4000 miles on it. Safety of myself and others was put at risk due to failure happening while highway driving, fortunately I was able to pull over on shoulder before the engine completely seized.
CategoryExterior Lighting
DateFeb 23, 2022
StateIN
Description
The low bean headlights are where the brights should shine. The brights shine in the tree tops. Every time I go out at night I get flashed by almost all passing cars when the low beams are on. The dealership told us there is no way to adjust the lights. How am I supposed to drive this at night?
CategoryElectrical System:ignition:coil, Unknown Or Other
DateFeb 21, 2022
StateNY
Description
Randomly the check engine light turns on and the car begins to violently shake. This is the second day this already happened and only happened while on the highway. The car is only 3 weeks old with just over 1000 miles on it. After pulling over on the side of the road and turning the car off and on, the problem disappeared and the check engine light turns off. The vehicle does not acknowledge that there was an issue. After doing some research, it seems to be consistent with a common issue with hyundai vehicles having defective ignition coils. Common issue in multiple konas, elantras and other hyundai vehicle the danger of the control of the car on the highway when this issue occurs at random is sufficient enough to ensure that all these vehicles are recalled to get the problem fixed.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control, Vehicle Speed Control
DateJan 30, 2022
StateID
Description
The cruise control does not engage. When setting the adaptive cruise control I have had the car slow down 15-20 mph before turning the cruise control off because traffic is backing up behind me and I become a hazard on the road. I have taken it to 2 different dealerships, the one I purchased the car from and one that is closer to my home as I moved and now live in a different state from where I purchased the car. Both dealerships claimed they were not able to replicate the issue. However, every time I drive the car and try to use cruise control I have the same issue of the cruise control not engaging. The car dashboard's speed indicator is supposed to turn green and make a "ding" sound when you engage the cruise control at the posted speed limit. My car does not do this. The speed limit on the freeway here is 80mph and it will turn green and "ding" at 81mph but still not actually engage and maintain the speed. I have had numerous incidents where cars behind me honk and have to go around because I was slowing down so much. I spoke with another 2022 kona owner and they stated that they have had the same problem and they were told the same thing by a different dealership that they bought their vehicle from.
CategoryEngine, Unknown Or Other
DateJan 11, 2022
StateCT
Description
I went to use the horn at a car that blew through a stop sign and there was no horn sound. This was my first time using the horn since I bought it brand new. No warning lights no nothing.
CategoryElectrical System, Engine
DateDec 29, 2021
StateCA
Description
After only having 2300 miles on my 2022 kona electric I received a warning indicator on my dash, “electrical system error.” I looked in the manual and was directed to take the car to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the issue and shared that the battery itself is defective and a new one will need to be ordered. As a result, I began some online research into the issue. It appears that similar issues arose within previous year models, and some even resulted in fires once the battery reached 100%. I also read other stories about how batteries had inconsistent charging rates. I experienced an issue with inconsistent charging rates prior to the error message but assumed it was simply me not remembering the percentage it was at when initially plugged in. After reading the issues I quickly realized it was not a fluke. I also felt it important to report bc I asked the dealer if they had encountered any other issues with the kona ev and it's battery units and they said no. Obviously, this was before I did my own research, and am more very surprised they said they have had no other issues knowing that their copy recalled nearly 100,000 cards recently for faulty batteries.
CategoryEngine, Fuel/propulsion System
DateDec 21, 2021
StateTN
Description
My vehicle keeps shutting off with no warning and has almost killed me on multiple occasions the dealership keeps placating me about getting it fixed, saying that a repair is months out meanwhile, I am driving a very dangerous vehicle that shuts off and shakes like it's going to explode
CategoryElectrical System, Power Train
DateDec 08, 2021
StateOK
Description
The contact owns a 2022 hyundai kona. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, he noticed while starting the vehicle and switching the headlights from automatic to manual, that the headlights failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that when the headlight switch was placed in the off position, the headlights would activate. The contact stated that the switch was working in reverse order. Additionally, the headlights operated properly while using the auto-headlights feature activated. The contact stated that while shifting from reverse to drive, the sensor failed to recognize that the vehicle was in drive. The reverse audible beep would activate for several seconds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer but was not able to schedule an immediate appointment for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.
CategoryEngine
DateDec 05, 2021
StateFL
Description
12-3-21, with only 103 miles on my new car, the check engine light came on. I drove back to the dealer where I purchased the car - fitzgerald, and spoke to maurice the manager, and garret in the service department. Garret informed me he "wiggled the wires" and the check engine light went off. On 12-5-21, with 129 miles on the car the check engine light came on again. I went back to fitzgerald and spoke to frank, who works in sales. Frank told me the service department was closed on sunday and I have to comeback monday 12-6-21.
CategoryPower Train
DateNov 29, 2021
StateTX
Description
While on the highway the transmission completely stopped shifting and stayed in first gear and would only rev up the engine when the accelerator was applied. I had to coast slowly off the freeway to an exit to safely park. I turned the vehicle off and restarted after a few minutes and it drove regularly. Apparently there are other customers that have experienced this issue and this raises a lot of concern on the safety of operating this vehicle.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateNov 23, 2021
StateCA
Description
I purchased in july 2021 todays date is nov 22nd it has been 5 months and for the second time I get to my parked car and the power locks don't work with the key fob and the engine simply will not start. The first time I had the tow truck guy jump start the engine and it worked up until today, I took it in for a diagnostic and they said the battery was healthy everything checked out. Today again nov 22 I get to my car again won't unlock and engine simply will not turn on with key entry model se. This time I had them tow to the dealership for more evaluation. This is a road hazard what happens if the engine decides to stop working while driving the vehicle? Both times I double checked and I did not leave any lights on everything was shut off only thing blinking was the security alarm system. I believe it is a manufacturer defect in the engine since the battery tests out fine.
CategoryElectrical System
DateOct 24, 2021
StateCA
Description
I noted a sever drop in the full charge range. The battery meter does not reflect the true and accurate available storage. You can't depend on these readings.
CategoryEngine
DateSep 30, 2021
StateCA
Description
The contact owns a 2022 hyundai kona. The contact stated while driving 5 mph, the vehicle inadvertently shut off due to the idle stop/start feature. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to nhtsa to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 5.
CategoryPower Train
DateSep 07, 2021
StateFL
Description
Transmission has extremely hard shifts from 1 to second when quickly accelerating. This can cause you to not be able to accelerate quickly enough to get out of traffic. I have heard this is a common issue from other kona n-line owners.

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 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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9 COMMENTS
  • Mary M

    My 2022 Kona has been a pain from the first month. It shudders and almost dies all the time. The engine can be cold or warm, doesn’t matter. I’ve learned to drive giving it gas at stop lights with my foot on the brake just to keep it alive. I’ve been giving it Premium gas – doesn’t help much if at all. The car has 2,704 miles in Feb. 2023; I purchased it NEW July 6, 2021. No, I don’t drive much. I have no desire to drive this car and get killed! Now the Check Engine light is on and it’s going in for service. I can’t WAIT to sell it and get a car I can trust again! DO NOT CALL ME!

  • Kimberly B

    I’m leasing to buy my 2022 Hyundai Kona. I’ve had it since 12/22 its been a year. Already it has to be taken to the dealership, because the temperature gauge is acting funny. The car is not overheating and the pin on gauge goes all the way up and then down. My husband gets out of the car to check the engine and it’s cool to the touch. I’m supposed to purchase it in March, should I?

  • Adair

    My Kona 2022 actually went backwards while it was in drive I got in my car, turned it on, put in in drive and the car went in reverse. Happened 3 times..one right after the other. Has this happened to anyone else?? Good thing there was no one parked behind me..it was in a Walmart parking lot. Has been fine since but certainly makes me nervous and much more aware of how and where I park.

  • Steven M

    I bought a brand new 2022 Kona Limited from Paramount in Hickory. The car had 165 miles on it when I got home. I checked the oil and it was a quart low. Dealer thought manufacturer just made a mistake. I took the Kona to the dealer for oil change and tire rotation around 6500 miles for complimentary service. I have 8600 miles on it and the engine starting ticking the other day. No fault lights or any warnings. I stopped and checked oil and it was just over a quart low. I called dealer who said add a quart. Ticking sound went away immediately. I checked and no engine leaks, pan or drain plug leaks. No evidence of any leaks. Dealership did a oil consumption test in 8 days after changing oil. They said I will bring car back every 1000 miles for 3 visits. They implied it can burn some oil and it’s normal. I know if they replace the engine, the car is never the same. I had a issue with a 2013 Outback and after they replaced engine, it began to have intermittent electrical issues and other problms. To this day, the Outback has never been the same. I am very concerned to have spent 36k but bought best platinum factory warranty. Should the oil or engine light come on when the oil is a quart low? Also, it shouldn’t have had engine ticking noise loud when a quart low. What are my options when the car fails oil consumption test or are they going to tell me it’s acceptable to burn a quart every 2k miles? What is their so called allowable consumption?

  • Naomi

    I just totaled my 6 month old Kona Electric. I was actually going slow as I live in the Rockies and am always aware of the large wildlife and snow/ice. Three nights ago, I hit some black ice. I tried to maneuver the car to stay to the right but it took me to the left. I landed in a steep ravine, totaled the car and am lucky to be alive. I just filed a complaint with the NHTSA. I am at a loss.

  • Franco

    Steven D the radio goes. off. on the kona 2022 when as. soon as you open the. door, its not. a. problem that’s how. it. works.

  • Gorton

    Just got into a car accident with my 2021 kona. Car stalled in the middle of traffic and I decided then to head straight home, upon heading down the hill my breaks went completely out and the car wouldn’t stop and I crashed into a parked car. Second vehicle with Hyundai first was recalled and never returned to me. Looking to find a lawyer to take my case. I have a small child and can’t take any more chances with this company /car. I could have lost my life, super scary.

  • LMR

    My 2022 Kona has suddenly jerked me into an oncoming lane with the lane keeping assist feature. I have about 1k miles on mine. I had no idea that the Kona had so many issues when I purchased mine. This scares me! I wasn’t aware the 2022 was included in the model years with issues.

    If someone contacts me. Please do not call. I will only respond to email or text.

  • Steven D

    My 2022 Hyndai has been back to the dealership 5 times for the same reason. The back up camera does not work at times and the radio stays on when car is off. They have replaced the radio to no avail. This car I leased and has 1450 miles.

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