2019 Hyundai Kona: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

The worst Kona year. The 2.0L Nu engine defect (Recall 21V301) drove the highest complaint volume of the run - excessive oil use, knock, stalling and seizures around 50-60k miles. Avoid unless the recall is done and oil use is verified clean. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2019 Hyundai Kona ranged from $19,990 to $30,550 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

4/10

Troubled track record

Sources (3)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=hyundai&model=kona&…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=hyundai&model=kona&modelY…
rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/hyundai-kona-years-to-avoid/

Known issues

2.0L Nu MPI engine: improperly heat-treated piston rings cause excessive oil consumption that can progress to engine knock, rough running, stalling and in severe cases complete seizure, frequently reported around 50,000-60,000 miles. Subject of NHTSA Recall 21V301 with an extended engine warranty.

widespread · 224 NHTSA complaints · typically 50k–90k miles · engine
Air-conditioning compressor failures reported on these years, leaving the system blowing warm and requiring compressor replacement.

occasional · hvac
1.6L turbo models with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic can hesitate, shudder or jerk at low speed, with some reports of unexpected shifts toward neutral.

occasional · transmission

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (4)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=hyundai&model=kona&…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=hyundai&model=kona&…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=hyundai&model=kona&modelY…
rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/hyundai-kona-years-to-avoid/

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Good real-world fuel economy
Available 1.6L turbo and Kona N add genuinely fun performance and handling
Generous standard and available advanced safety tech (forward-collision warning, lane-keep, blind-spot)
Strong value with a long 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty

Cons

Ride can be firm and cabin road noise is noticeable
Rear-seat and cargo space are tight for the class
The 1.6L turbo's seven-speed dual-clutch can feel jerky at low speed
Early years (2019-2021) are prone to a 2.0L engine oil-consumption defect (Recall 21V301) - verify oil-consumption history and that recall work is done

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
SE	$19,990	$25,500	—	—
SEL	$21,800	$26,825	—	—
Limited	$25,550	$32,535	—	—
Ultimate	$27,500	discontinued	—	—
Iron Man	$30,550	discontinued	—	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (2)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2019-hyundai-kona-price
iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/hyundai-kona-price

Depreciation

2019 entry trim from new same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($19,990). Higher trims started higher (up to $30,550), and options added more.

Curve outlook: a typical 2019 loses roughly another 35% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/hyundai-kona/resale-value

Cost to own

Insurance (medium tier)	≈ $2,300–2,400/yr
Expected lifespan	~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (1)

moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/hyundai-kona-insurance/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2019 Hyundai Kona have?

Documented issue patterns include: 2.0L Nu MPI engine: improperly heat-treated piston rings cause excessive oil consumption that can progress to engine knock, rough running, stalling and in severe cases complete seizure, frequently reported around 50,000-60,000 miles. Subject of NHTSA Recall 21V301 with an extended engine warranty; Air-conditioning compressor failures reported on these years, leaving the system blowing warm and requiring compressor replacement; 1.6L turbo models with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic can hesitate, shudder or jerk at low speed, with some reports of unexpected shifts toward neutral. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona reliable?

How much did the 2019 Hyundai Kona cost new?

Between $19,990 and $30,550 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.