Hyundai · Kona · 2020
2020 Hyundai Kona
2
Recalls
145
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2020 Hyundai Kona has 2 recalls and 145 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (77 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2020 Hyundai Kona page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is engine with 77 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2020 Hyundai Kona currently shows 2 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 145 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are engine (77), unknown or other (10), power train (7).
- Vehicle
- 2020 Hyundai Kona
- Recalls
- 2
- Complaints
- 145
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
14.1% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: StandardLane Departure Warning: Standard
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 21V301000April 28, 2021
ENGINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
Remedy Status
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
NHTSA ID: 20V022000January 17, 2020
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020 Kona vehicles. The certification label may indicate incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 567, "Certification" and 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Remedy Status
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install new label stickers displaying the correct GAWR over the affected areas of the certification label, free of charge. The recall began March 2, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 187.
Owner Complaints
145 totalUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Mar 31, 2026
Basically normal driving the car stalled. It slowed to a stall. I had to restart the car. This has happened a couple to times.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
CRASH1 injuryMar 30, 2026
I stopped my car foot on brake put it in park and it accelerated on its own and forced me to crash into a concrete wall still not wanting to stop
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FIREMar 29, 2026
On 3/29/26 my Kona caught fire while parked in the front left side of the engine and burned completely within eight minutes. This is not an electric car. Prior to that I drove the car all day with no incident. It was later in the evening around 5:40 PM. I had driven from my house...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Mar 13, 2026
My car was taken in as a part of recall bulletin 203 for improperly heated piston rings treated pistons rings that result in premature engine failure and possible fire on 12/5/25. The knock sensor test was performed and the KSDS software was installed. On 3/12/26 my daughter wh...
Preview excerpt
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Mar 5, 2026
My 2020 Hyundai Kona (VIN: [XXX] ) has a persistent engine stalling safety defect that matches Recall 203 (22-01-042H, NHTSA Campaign 21V301000 – Nu 2.0L Atkinson Engine Inspection and Replacement). The recall addresses improperly heat-treated piston oil rings causing cylinder bo...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Mar 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. While the contact’s son was driving the vehicle on the highway at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine and the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The gear shifter was shifted into neutral(N) and restarted; ...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Feb 27, 2026
On February 27, 2026, my 2020 Hyundai Kona (Recall 203) suffered a catastrophic engine stall while driving, requiring an emergency tow. The dealership (Rosen Hyundai) and Hyundai Motor America are refusing to perform the Safety Recall 203 remedy unless I first pay $4,715.26 for a...
Preview excerpt
POWER TRAIN
Feb 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that during a regular maintenance visit, the contact was informed that there was a leak coming from the front axle transfer case, which was initially unrepaired. The vehicle was subsequently taken to a dealer in Colorado, w...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Jan 25, 2026
many times a year, without warning, vehicle dash lights turn off and light up like a christmas tree, followed by fca warning sound and lights going off, and a loud mechanical thud. Lose engine throttle going highway speeds. This can occur at nearly any speed without warning. Car...
Preview excerpt
POWER TRAIN
Jan 2, 2026
While driving under normal conditions, the vehicle’s dual-clutch transmission (DCT) failed to engage properly, causing a sudden and unexpected loss of propulsion. When the accelerator was pressed, the vehicle hesitated and did not respond as commanded, resulting in delayed or no ...
Preview excerpt
Showing 10 recent complaints from 145 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2020 Hyundai models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Hyundai Kona Years
2021 Hyundai KonaCompare this year against 2020 for complaint and recall shifts.1r107c2019 Hyundai KonaCompare this year against 2020 for complaint and recall shifts.1r173c2022 Hyundai KonaCompare this year against 2020 for complaint and recall shifts.89c2018 Hyundai KonaCompare this year against 2020 for complaint and recall shifts.69c2023 Hyundai KonaCompare this year against 2020 for complaint and recall shifts.1r61c2024 Hyundai KonaCompare this year against 2020 for complaint and recall shifts.3r38c
More 2020 Hyundai Models
2020 Hyundai PalisadeAnother 2020 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.5r485c2020 Hyundai ElantraAnother 2020 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.3r226c2020 Hyundai Santa FeAnother 2020 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.2r178c2020 Hyundai TucsonAnother 2020 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.1r160c2020 Hyundai SonataAnother 2020 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.4r154c2020 Hyundai VenueAnother 2020 Hyundai option for same-year comparison.1r40c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Hyundai Kona have?
The 2020 Hyundai Kona has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2020 Hyundai Kona?
NHTSA has received 145 owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Hyundai Kona.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2020 Hyundai Kona?
The 2020 Hyundai Kona received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Hyundai Kona?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2020 Hyundai Kona are engine (77 reports), unknown or other (10 reports), power train (7 reports).
Does the 2020 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2020 Hyundai Kona. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.