2018 Hyundai Kona: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 74 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (53% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days
0
recalls
74
owner complaints
10
fire reports
23,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Among the quietest Kona years (#8 of 9 by complaints, age-adjusted)No recall campaignsWeak spot: engine (53%)10 fire reportsProblems reported early (median 23,000 mi)
Common problems
Computed from 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Engine (engine mechanics)53% · 32 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)10% · 6 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)5% · 3 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)5% · 3 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)5% · 3 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)5% · 3 complaints
“I purchased a 2018 Hyundai Kona, and it has had one major issue after another. It burns an excessive amount of oil, the engine misfires, and now the turbocharger is failing. I've already spent approximately $2,300 repairing the air conditioner and engine, and I can't afford thousands more in repairs.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2026
“The vehicle suddenly stalled while driving on the highway at normal speed without warning. The engine lost power completely, creating a dangerous situation and a risk of collision with surrounding traffic. The vehicle had to be towed to a repair shop, where the issue was diagnosed as engine failure. There were no warning lights or prior symptoms before the incident. This appears to be a serious safety-related defect. I am aware that similar engine issues have been reported in Hyundai vehicles.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2026
“The check engine light came on while driving. Vehicle was assessed by mechanic with strange diagnostic code; full oil and filter change done. Check engine light still on and engine stalled while driving on freeway. Took to dealer and was advised the car requires CVVTS (which is essentially a new engine), serpentine belt and spark plugs (approx $3600). There is a known engine defect with the 2018 Hyundai but they refuse to do as a recall and refuse discounted repair on a vehicle that 8 years old with 92,000 miles. This vehicle is owned by my young adult child and I believe it is undriveable since stalling at full speed is quite dangerous.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“The car was burning through oil every 14 -21days. Car has been jerking and taking a while to accelerate. Went to machine to see what's going he suggested I go to the dealership because there's no leaks visible. But added more oil so I wouldn't go without oil there was nothing available for me to come in right away and before my appointment my car started to speed up out of nowhere then completely slowed down then jerked until I could find a safe space to pull over. Check engine came on and the code was reading a misfire. Got a tune up still reading as a misfire now just stuck at the dealership playing guessing games with what's wrong with the vehicle.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2026
“I have gotten a oil change over a month ago and my car is still running low on oil. Sometimes my car would shut off while I'm driving on the road with cars behind me. I have gotten my car oil topped off three different times since getting my oil change. It also makes a fan like noise as well. There's no leak at all. It's very bizarre.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2025
“I am having issues with my oil consumption and my car is going through a quart of oil every 1-1.5 weeks. There have been similar recalls on the 2019 Kona's which have the same 1.6L 4-cylinder engine. My car is currently a little over 126,000 miles”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2025
“The contact's daughter owns a 2018 Hyundai Kona. While the contact's daughter was driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH, the vehicle started decelerating and sputtering before the vehicle coasted to the side of the road and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was informed and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2025
“The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving it began to smoke, a noise was hear, put in neutral to coast down a hill and had to pull the parking break to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with defective piston oil rings, and the engine was rebuilt. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was.98,000.”Owner report · Engine · May 2025
“Motor started burning oil at the rate of .5 quarts per week and a few months later vehicle failed to accelerate, had major vibrations and hesitation. Piston rings had failed. Verified by dealer. No other symptoms. Numerous problems with same motor reported by others and repair services. Has been recalled in Australia for same issues.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2024
“my Kona sputters when I put it in gear EVERY TIME. I have purchased gas at several stations so getting bad gas in the tank cannot be an issue. I've also had to replace the coil packs twice within 6 months. December 2024 and July 2025”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 12 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
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Is the 2018 Hyundai Kona reliable?
NHTSA has 74 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2018 Hyundai Kona. The most complained-about area is engine (53% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2018 Hyundai Kona problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 23,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.