2018 Hyundai Kona
2018 model shown · Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0

Compact SUVs · OS generation

2021 Hyundai Kona: reliability, problems and cost to own

Think twice Below average

It scores 21 out of 100 for reliability compared with other compact and small SUVs. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $13,462 to own, including $3,469 in repairs.

Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Hyundai Kona.

Reliability

21/100

Below average

Repairs, 5 years

$3,469

at 12,000 mi a year

Fuel, 5 years

$6,800

30 mpg, $3.40/gal

Price today

$13,496

$11,877 – $15,116, estimate

Recalls

1

on record

Owner complaints

120

filed with NHTSA

These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.

Where repair money is likely to go

Engine & cooling$2,374
Transmission & drivetrain$596
Driver-assist & stability$153
Electrical system$143
Body, glass & interior$51
Steering$50

Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.

Recalls

Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Before you buy

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Other years of the Hyundai Kona

Of the years we rate, the 2018 scores best (52/100) and the 2019 worst (18/100).

YearReliability
2027Not rated yet
2026Not rated yet
2025Not rated yet
202437/100
202337/100
202224/100
202121/100
202018/100
201918/100
201852/100

Questions people ask

Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona a year to avoid?

Yes. It scores 21 out of 100, among the least reliable compact and small SUVs of 2015–2024.

Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona reliable?

It scores 21 out of 100 against other compact and small SUVs from 2015 to 2024, which is below average. Based on 120 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $3,469 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.

How much does a 2021 Hyundai Kona cost to own?

About $13,462 over 5 years: $3,193 in lost value, $3,469 in repairs and $6,800 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $13,496 today.

What are the best years of the Hyundai Kona?

Of the years we rate, the 2018 scores best (52/100) and the 2019 worst (18/100).

How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Kona have?

1 recall on record with NHTSA.