2018–2027 · 10 model years · 16 recalls
Avoid the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Hyundai Kona: they score lowest for reliability, with the most owner complaints for each car sold. The best year to buy is 2018.
Well below average for its class. Expected repairs: $3,747 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $2,598 over 5 years. 2 recalls, 162 owner complaints.
Well below average for its class. Expected repairs: $3,869 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $2,754 over 5 years. 1 recall, 198 owner complaints.
Below average for its class. Expected repairs: $3,469 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $2,374 over 5 years. 1 recall, 120 owner complaints.
Below average for its class. Expected repairs: $3,041 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $1,723 over 5 years. 2 recalls, 108 owner complaints.
About average for its class. Expected repairs: $2,377 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $1,501 over 5 years. 0 recalls, 75 owner complaints.
| Generation | Years | Average score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | 2018–2023 | 28/100 | Below average |
| SX2 | 2024–2024 | 37/100 | Below average |
| Model year | Reliability | Complaints | Recalls | Best mpg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kona | Not rated yet | 0 | 0 | 28 |
| 2026 Kona | Not rated yet | 15 | 3 | 28 |
| 2025 Kona | Not rated yet | 51 | 1 | 31 |
| 2024 Kona | 37/100 · Below average | 53 | 4 | 31 |
| 2023 Kona | 37/100 · Below average | 70 | 2 | 32 |
| 2022 Kona | 24/100 · Below average | 108 | 2 | 32 |
| 2021 Kona | 21/100 · Below average | 120 | 1 | 30 |
| 2020 Kona | 18/100 · Well below average | 162 | 2 | 30 |
| 2019 Kona | 18/100 · Well below average | 198 | 1 | 30 |
| 2018 Kona | 52/100 · About average | 75 | 0 | 30 |
Reliability compares each year with similar cars from 2015 to 2024, using owner complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold. Complaint counts on their own aren't a score: popular cars get more of them.
Avoid the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Hyundai Kona: they score lowest for reliability, with the most owner complaints for each car sold. The best year to buy is 2018.
The 2018 scores best for reliability (52/100) of the years we rate.
The 2024, with 4 recalls on record with NHTSA.