Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Santa FE vs Hyundai KONA
How the Hyundai Santa FE and Hyundai KONA compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Hyundai Santa FE vs Hyundai KONA: The Santa Fe has 2,401 complaints over 10 years (240/year) and 41 recalls, while the Kona has 799 complaints over 9 years (89/year) and 15 recalls. Both suffer engine and electrical issues, but the Santa Fe's rate is higher. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Santa FE or Hyundai KONA more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Santa FE
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-size SUV that has been on the road for a decade, accumulating 2,401 complaints—about 240 per year. The most common trouble spots are the engine and power train, with owners describing sudden power loss, stalling, and transmission problems. There are also 41 recalls and 88 crash-related reports, so it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
Hyundai KONA
The Hyundai Kona is a smaller SUV with 799 complaints over nine years, averaging about 89 per year. Engine issues dominate, but owners also report electrical glitches and forward collision avoidance problems. With 15 recalls and one death reported, it's not trouble-free, but the lower complaint rate suggests fewer overall headaches.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Santa FE | Hyundai KONA |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,401 | 799 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 | 15 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 88 | 45 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 240.1 | 88.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 86 | 48 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Hyundai Santa FE
- 01ENGINE1,011
- 02POWER TRAIN455
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER411
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM287
- 05SERVICE BRAKES161
Owners report repeated loss of motive power at highway speeds, with the vehicle slowing even with the accelerator floored, and intermittent total engine stalling. These failures can leave you stranded or cause a crash, so any used Santa Fe should have a thorough engine diagnostic.
Complaints include hybrid battery connector seals that let water in and short the high-voltage system, plus stalling and propulsion failure. These are expensive and potentially dangerous, so check for recalls and have the hybrid system inspected if equipped.
Owners describe sudden total electrical power loss and no-start conditions, as well as water intrusion in hybrid wiring. Electrical gremlins can be hard to trace, so test all electronics and look for signs of water damage.
With 161 complaints, brake issues are less common but still notable. Owners haven't detailed specific symptoms in the sample, but any brake problem is a safety concern, so have the brakes checked by a mechanic.
“The vehicle repeatedly loses motive power while being driven at highway speed. It slows even with the accelerator pressed to the floor, does not shift into higher gears, and drops to 40 to 50 mph. On [XXX], the vehicle lost power at highway speed while I was…”
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle suffers from an intermittent, total engine stalling and propulsion failure. Without warning, the engine completely shuts down while driving and auto…”
Hyundai KONA
- 01ENGINE413
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER138
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM137
- 04POWER TRAIN99
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE59
Owners report the engine seizing while driving, random shutdowns that lock the steering, and poor acceleration afterward. These are severe safety risks, so a pre-purchase inspection should include a compression test and scan for engine codes.
Complaints include liftgate bolts buckling and drivetrain problems like loss of drive power and grinding noises. Electrical faults can cascade, so check all power accessories and listen for unusual sounds during a test drive.
Owners describe the engine roaring and dropping jarringly, with one reporting a blown engine within a year. Transmission and drivetrain issues can be costly, so test drive at various speeds and check for smooth shifting.
With 59 complaints, this system may falsely activate or fail to respond. Since it's a safety feature, verify it works properly and check for any warning lights on the dashboard.
“The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message to “Turn off Engine and Restart Engine” was displayed and the engine seized. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on a b…”
“The car shuts off at random times during me driving . Its like the car locks up steering and shuts completely down . Have to pull over and give the car time . And it shuts back on in and drives with poor accelerate after each issuse. The car is now shaking an…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Hyundai Santa FE — 41 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson and Santa Fe vehicles. The connecting rod bolts in the engine may have been improperly tightened, which can cause a loss of drive power and engine damage, possibly resulting in an oil leak.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 23, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 281.
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Santa Fe vehicles. The B+ positive terminal cover on the starter motor assembly may be improperly installed, which can cause an electrical short during a crash.
The risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and reinstall the starter motor terminal cover, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 22, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid vehicles. The rearview camera may not have been installed properly, which can damage the wiring harness and cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the req…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the camera wiring harness, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning January 15, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 288. Vehi…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Tucson, 2025-2026 Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2026 Genesis GV70 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may not have been installed properly, which can cause the air bags not to deploy as intended.
The risk: Side curtain air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reinstall the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 29, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 289…
Hyundai KONA — 15 recalls
The defect: 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.
The risk: A seat belt buckle that fails to properly restrain an occupant in a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Passengers are advised not to use the rear center seat until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2026. Owners may contact H…
The defect: 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupation Crash Protecti…
The risk: A seat belt that does not function properly may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 21, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recal…
The defect: 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.
The risk: A short circuit increases the risk of an engine compartment fire.
The fix: Dealers will install sheathing over the wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 22, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 252.
The defect: 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.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 260.
Buyer analysis
Hyundai Santa FE or Hyundai KONA: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Kona has far fewer complaints per year (about 89 vs. 240 for the Santa Fe), suggesting it may be less troublesome overall. However, the Kona has a reported death, while the Santa Fe has none, so both require careful scrutiny. In practice, the Kona might mean fewer shop visits, but the Santa Fe's issues are more concentrated in major components.
Key differences
- The Santa Fe has about 2.7 times more complaints per year than the Kona, mainly due to engine and power train issues.
- Santa Fe owners report highway power loss and stalling, while Kona owners describe engine seizure and random shutdowns.
- The Kona has a reported death and 48 injuries, versus 86 injuries and no deaths for the Santa Fe.
- The Santa Fe has 41 recalls, far more than the Kona's 15, indicating more widespread safety fixes over the years.
- During a test drive, accelerate hard on a highway ramp to check for power loss or hesitation, a common complaint.
- Ask for proof that the hybrid battery connector seal recall was performed, and inspect for water intrusion or corrosion in the engine bay.
- Listen for engine knocking or unusual noises and check for any 'Turn off Engine' messages on the dashboard.
- Test the forward collision avoidance system by simulating a close approach (safely) and ensure it alerts or brakes without false activations.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been completed.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, pay attention to acceleration, shifting, and any warning lights or unusual noises.
- Check for symptoms specific to each model, such as power loss in the Santa Fe or engine seizure in the Kona.
- Verify that the hybrid system (if equipped) has no water damage or connector issues.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Hyundai Santa FE | Hyundai KONA |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 50 | 9 |
| 2025 | 135 | 28 |
| 2024 | 151 | 52 |
| 2023 | 210 | 65 |
| 2022 | 199 | 100 |
| 2021 | 166 | 117 |
| 2020 | 213 | 160 |
| 2019 | 200 | 193 |
| 2018 | 109 | 75 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Hyundai Santa FE or Hyundai KONA in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Santa FE vs Hyundai KONA
- Hyundai Santa FE total complaints
- 2,401
- Hyundai KONA total complaints
- 799
- Hyundai Santa FE total recalls
- 41
- Hyundai KONA total recalls
- 15
- Hyundai Santa FE avg complaints/year
- 240.1
- Hyundai KONA avg complaints/year
- 88.8
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai KONA
- Hyundai Santa FE top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Hyundai KONA top complaint area
- ENGINE