2019 Hyundai Kona: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
The 2019 Hyundai Kona has 176 NHTSA complaints, mostly about engine problems, making it a high-risk used-car choice. Current data includes 176 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2019 Hyundai Kona Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2019 Hyundai Kona. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2019 Hyundai Kona Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2019 Hyundai Kona SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
14.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
14.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
HYUNDAI KONA 2019 has 176 NHTSA complaints, with 125 about engine problems and 11 crash-related. One recall exists. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Hyundai
- Model
- Kona
- Model year
- 2019
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 176
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 30
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 28 / 32
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electric range (miles)
- 258
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2019 Hyundai Kona Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2019 Hyundai Kona?
The 2019 Kona is a risky buy due to a high volume of engine complaints. Only consider if you can verify engine repairs and have a warranty.
Engine problems can lead to costly repairs or safety issues, and the high complaint count suggests a pattern that may affect reliability.
May Suit
This year may suit a buyer who can accept higher risk and has access to a comprehensive service history and extended warranty.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a trouble-free, low-maintenance vehicle should avoid the 2019 Kona.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2019 Hyundai Kona
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for signs of failure or prior repairs.
- Check transmission for smooth shifting and no leaks.
- Verify all electrical systems function properly.
Before You Close the Deal
- Obtain a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2019 Hyundai Kona, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2019 Hyundai Kona shows 176 complaints, with 125 related to engine problems. There is 1 recall and 11 crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2019 has the highest complaint count, driven by engine issues.
Recall context: The single recall means fewer open recalls, but the high complaint count still demands thorough pre-purchase checks.
- Engine problems account for 125 of 176 total complaints.
- There are 11 crash-related complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues total 17 complaints.
- Engine Problems: 125 complaints, the dominant issue.
- Transmission/Drivetrain: 17 complaints, second most common.
- Electrical Faults: 17 complaints, tied with transmission.
All 2019 Hyundai Kona Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Hyundai Kona. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 125 | 2 | 3 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 20 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 17 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 5 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Hyundai Kona. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Vehicle frequently and quietly stalls while driving in active traffic, creating an immediate safety hazard. Vehicle is a 2019 Kona with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, which is the exact subject of NHTSA Safety Recall 21V301 (Recall 209). Hyundai Motor America (Case #42541672) is activel…
96,247 mi Engine knock and complete oil loss within 3,000 miles of last oil change Symptoms consistent with NHTSA Recall 21V301 (Hyundai Recall 203) and Warranty Extension TXXM coverage
Engine blew a head gasket so had to have the engine rebuilt @ a cost of $13,000. Car only had 22,500 miles on it. I think that should instigate a recall.
The vehicle burns oil faster and the vehicle began to stall at highway speeds. Upon further research, a campaign recall for the same vehicle is open but only for specific VIN. Although this vehicle was not part of the recall campaign 21V301000 the vehicle shows issues aligned wit…
Last week just driving to school, my engine started to knock. So the next day we take it to a local mechanic shop and it exploded while they were test driving it and they diagnosed it with rod bearing failure. So I contact Hyundai and get it towed to the Hyundai dealership for th…
My 2019 Hyundai Kona is equipped with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine covered under Recall 203 (NHTSA Campaign 21V301) for defective piston oil rings. The recall inspection was performed and closed at a Hyundai dealership in September 2023. The engine was passed and not replaced. Following …
I am reporting this for my daughter, [XXX] , while she's recovering on pain meds. She is the owner and driver of the car. no passengers in this 1-car accident. the weather and road conditions were terrible. car skidded of side of road into a ditch. When the airbags deployed, …
Vehicle struggling to accelerate and rolling back when brake is not being used. It stays at a few miles per hour even with full pressure on the gas pedal. A mechanic reviewed and stated the problem was due to low compression in the engine, causing the pistons to misfire. This i…
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with …
The rear left passenger will not open. The dealer thinks it is a faulty door latch actuator ($530 parts and labor). They said this is a common problem and they have a special tool to open the door, but they couldn't get it to work on my car. They think they will damage the interi…
Engine smoke’s every now and then I go through a quart of oil every 600-1000 miles doubt it’s supposed to do that one time I went the full oil change limit I was completely out of oil the car was ticking and all this other stuff scene then I’m topping off my oil every 1000 miles …
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be dia…
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that the engine oil …
While stopped our 2019 Kona EV at a traffic light with my foot on the brake, the car spontaneously accelerated and crashed into the car also sitting at the light about eight feet in front of us. If there wasn't a car in front of us, we would have gone through a busy intersection…
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle, with the low engine oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while checking the dipstick, the contact became aware …
Car idles down and dies while driving, unable to restart, no codes showing
Vehicle started to stall at low RPMs. While idling at red lights, engine would stall and go into limp mode. All safety features, such as forward collision would stop working. Car would need to be turned off and restarted for a temporary fix. No engine lights would come on. Car in…
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was shutting down while on the way to work, with a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact associated the failure with N…
Attempted to sound horn when driver ahead of me crossed lanes at roundabout. Horn did not work. No warning messages appear on dashboard indicating an issue. Inspected the horn fuse in engine compartment and found it to be functional. Vehicle has not yet been taken for repair.
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, with a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle shutoff while idling. The vehicle was taken to the …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2019 Hyundai Kona.
2019 Hyundai Kona Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2019 Hyundai Kona. The single recall means fewer open recalls, but the high complaint count still demands thorough pre-purchase checks. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2019 Hyundai Kona Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 176 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2019 Kona is a risky buy due to a high volume of engine complaints. Only consider if you can verify engine repairs and have a warranty. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Kona?▾
#1: Engine Problems (125 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (20 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (17 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2019 Hyundai Kona?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2019 Hyundai Kona?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2019 Hyundai Kona, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 176 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2019 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2019 Hyundai Kona. A major recall area is ENGINE. The single recall means fewer open recalls, but the high complaint count still demands thorough pre-purchase checks. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2019 Hyundai Kona?▾
The 2019 Kona is a risky buy due to a high volume of engine complaints. Only consider if you can verify engine repairs and have a warranty. Engine problems can lead to costly repairs or safety issues, and the high complaint count suggests a pattern that may affect reliability. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Hyundai Kona reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2019 Hyundai Kona based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.