2019 Hyundai Kona recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2019 Hyundai Kona and 198 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (138), unknown or other (21), power train (19). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is about 27 mpg combined.
The 2019 has the most owner complaints of any Kona model year from 2018 to 2026. It has 1 recall vs. an average of 1.4 per model year.
Recalls 1
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2019 Hyundai Kona. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Engine
Problem: 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.
Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
I have a 2019 Kona that has an issue with excessive oil consumption. I know that Hyundai issued a recall for this problem in 2019 Konas, but they claim my car isn’t included in that recall, and they refuse to help me. It feels like a scam on Hyundai’s part. my plate is: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My vehicle was brought into Kerry Hyundai of Alexandria in December 2025 and is still there. It was brought in for warranty work. The original complaint was oil consumption. It is supposedly getting a replacement engine but it has been 10 months of them giving me the run around. I feel this timeline is unreasonable.
My 2019 Hyundai Kona (VIN: [XXX]) experiences violent shaking and complete engine stalling in active traffic when braking, creating an immediate safety hazard on public roads. This directly mirrors the failure mechanics of Safety Recall 203 ([XXX]). Upon inspection, physical evidence of massive silver aluminum metal flakes was discovered clogging the VVT solenoid mesh screens,…
Safety ratings
2019 Hyundai Kona SUV FWD
2019 Hyundai Kona SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2019 Hyundai Kona.
Kona AWD
Auto (AM7) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Regular
Kona AWD
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Kona Electric
Auto (A1)
Electricity
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Kona have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2019 Hyundai Kona, most recently for engine (04/28/2021). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Kona?
Based on 198 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (138), unknown or other (21), power train (19).
Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona safe?
The 2019 Hyundai Kona earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2019 a good year for the Hyundai Kona?
The 2019 has the most owner complaints of any Kona model year from 2018 to 2026. It has 1 recall vs. an average of 1.4 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Hyundai Kona get?
The 2019 Hyundai Kona is EPA-rated at about 27 mpg combined.
Own a 2019 Hyundai Kona in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: KONA, Kona.