Head-to-head reliability
Hyundai Tucson vs Hyundai KONA
How the Hyundai Tucson 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 Tucson vs Hyundai KONA: The Tucson has 3,112 complaints over 10 years (311.2/year) and 27 recalls, while the Kona has 799 complaints over 9 years (88.8/year) and 15 recalls. Both show engine issues, but the Kona has fewer complaints per year. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Hyundai Tucson or Hyundai KONA more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV with a high complaint volume: 3,112 complaints over 10 years, averaging 311.2 per year. Engine issues dominate, with 1,315 complaints, often involving stalling, knocking, and loss of power. Power train and brake complaints also appear, including steering column lockups and soft brake pedals. With 27 recalls and 137 injuries reported, buyers should expect potential major repairs and should verify recall work.
Hyundai KONA
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV with far fewer complaints: 799 over 9 years, averaging 88.8 per year. Engine problems are still the top category (413 complaints), with reports of engine seizure and random shutdowns. Electrical and forward collision avoidance complaints also stand out. With 15 recalls and 48 injuries, the Kona appears less complaint-prone per year, but engine and electrical faults remain key concerns.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Hyundai Tucson | Hyundai KONA |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,112 | 799 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 27 | 15 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 147 | 45 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 311.2 | 88.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 137 | 48 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 | 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 Tucson
- 01ENGINE1,315
- 02POWER TRAIN549
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER430
- 04SERVICE BRAKES387
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM367
Owners report stalling while driving, flashing check engine lights, and severe knocking that can lead to engine failure. These symptoms often require costly repairs and can leave you stranded.
Complaints include steering columns that remain locked after starting and catalytic converter efficiency failures. A locked steering column is a serious safety risk, while converter issues can fail emissions tests.
Drivers describe a hissing or buzzing noise when braking at low speeds and a brake pedal that goes soft. This can reduce braking confidence and may indicate a failing brake component.
Electrical complaints include AC systems that stop working and rear windows that shatter unexpectedly. These issues affect comfort and safety, and repairs can be expensive.
“My family’s safety is at serious risk with my 2021 Hyundai Tucson, which I’ve owned only 55 days. This vehicle has stalled three times while driving, putting me and my two young children in immediate danger. Each time, the car operated normally until a flashi…”
“I was driving down [XXX] from my house.My engine light started to flash.I tried to accelerate my car barely went 10 miles an hour.I got Home 2 minutes later.There was major knocking.I had the car towed to [XXX], Hyundai, the only code that is showing up on th…”
Hyundai KONA
- 01ENGINE413
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER138
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM137
- 04POWER TRAIN99
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE59
Owners report messages to turn off and restart the engine, followed by engine seizure, as well as random shutdowns while driving. These failures can cause loss of power and require major engine work.
Complaints include liftgate bolts that buckle and drivetrain problems with grinding noises and sluggish acceleration. Electrical faults can affect multiple systems and are often hard to diagnose.
Reports describe loss of drive power, sluggish acceleration, and jarring shifts, with some owners experiencing repeated failures. These issues can make the vehicle feel unreliable and unsafe in traffic.
Some owners report false warnings or unexpected braking on windy or pothole-filled roads. This can be distracting and may reduce trust in the safety system.
“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 Tucson — 27 recalls
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Tucson and Santa Cruz vehicles. The circuit board in the motor-driven power steering assembly may short circuit, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.
The risk: A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the motor-driven power steering electric power pack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024 Tucson vehicles. The tire and loading information label may incorrectly indicate information about a spare tire. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selectio…
The risk: A label that incorrectly states spare tire pressure when there is no spare tire on-board may cause confusion during an emergency tire replacement, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the tire and loading information label, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 5, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbe…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) recalled certain 2019-2021 Tucson vehicles on September 4, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Hyundai expanded the recall population, and added certain 2016-2018 Tucson vehicles. The Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) could corrode internally and cause…
The risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HECU fuse. For 2019-2021 model years, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software will also be updated. Recall repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners are advised to par…
The defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
The risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starti…
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 Tucson or Hyundai KONA: which should you buy?
The Hyundai Kona has far fewer complaints per year (88.8 vs. 311.2) and fewer total complaints, suggesting it may be less trouble-prone. However, both models have engine-related complaints that can be serious. In practice, a Kona may mean fewer trips to the shop, but you should still have any used example inspected.
Key differences
- The Tucson has 3,112 complaints over 10 years, while the Kona has 799 over 9 years, meaning the Tucson averages about 3.5 times more complaints per year.
- Engine problems are the top complaint for both, but Tucson owners frequently report stalling and knocking, while Kona owners report engine seizure and random shutdowns.
- Tucson complaints include steering column lockups and brake pedal issues, while Kona complaints include liftgate bolt failures and false forward collision warnings.
- The Tucson has 27 recalls versus 15 for the Kona, so Tucson buyers should check for more outstanding safety fixes.
- During a test drive, listen for engine knocking or hesitation and check for a flashing check engine light, as these are common precursors to engine failure.
- Test the brakes at low speeds for hissing or buzzing noises and a soft pedal, and verify that the steering column unlocks properly after starting.
- Ask if the engine has ever seized or shut down while driving, and check for any stored codes related to engine or electrical faults.
- Inspect the liftgate bolts and operation, and test the forward collision avoidance system for false warnings on uneven roads.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm that all open recalls have been repaired by a Hyundai dealer.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any unusual noises, warning lights, or hesitation during acceleration.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for oil changes and any engine-related repairs.
- Check the NHTSA website for any additional complaints or recalls specific to the model year you are considering.
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 Tucson | Hyundai KONA |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 90 | 9 |
| 2025 | 287 | 28 |
| 2024 | 97 | 52 |
| 2023 | 134 | 65 |
| 2022 | 383 | 100 |
| 2021 | 79 | 117 |
| 2020 | 178 | 160 |
| 2019 | 380 | 193 |
| 2018 | 396 | 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 Tucson or Hyundai KONA in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Hyundai Tucson vs Hyundai KONA
- Hyundai Tucson total complaints
- 3,112
- Hyundai KONA total complaints
- 799
- Hyundai Tucson total recalls
- 27
- Hyundai KONA total recalls
- 15
- Hyundai Tucson avg complaints/year
- 311.2
- Hyundai KONA avg complaints/year
- 88.8
- More reliable overall
- Hyundai KONA
- Hyundai Tucson top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Hyundai KONA top complaint area
- ENGINE