2026 Hyundai Kona recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2026 Hyundai Kona and 10 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are unknown or other (3), electrical system (2), vehicle speed control (2). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 26–27 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2026 has the fewest owner complaints of any Kona model year from 2018 to 2026. It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 1.4 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2026 Hyundai Kona. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Seat belts · rear/other · buckle assembly
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Kona Electric and 2024-2026 Kona vehicles. The seat belt buckle in the rear center seat may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash.
Risk: A seat belt buckle that fails to properly restrain an occupant in a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Passengers are advised not to use the rear center seat until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 306. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 15, 2026.
Steering · linkages · knuckle · spindle · arm
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Kona vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front steering knuckles may crack and break, which can result in a loss of vehicle steering control.
Risk: A loss of vehicle steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckles, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 5, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 295. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 7, 2026.
Electrical system · instrument cluster/panel
Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 IONIQ 5, Santa Cruz, Kona, Palisade, Palisade Hybrid, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, and Tucson vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Controls and Displays."
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 293. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 28, 2026.
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 2026 Hyundai Kona that I’ve only had for 3 months and it has 7192 miles on it. Today I turned my vehicle on and the screen that displays my mileage, speedometer, gas level, coolant temp gauge, tire pressure monitor, and other safety features was blacked out with the words “NO SIGNAL” in red. I turned my car on and off a couple times and it still said the same thing. Ev…
I purchased this vehicle new on July 28, 2026. NHTSA Recall 26V-452 / Hyundai Recall 306 was dated July 13, 2026, and the VIN showed the recall as incomplete when I discovered it. The dealer states that it was unaware of the recall at the time of sale. I am reporting this to document that a new vehicle was delivered to me while this safety recall was unrepaired. I intend to hav…
The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and went into LIMP Mode before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted and resumed normal functionality. While depressing the accelerator, the vehicle lunged forward. The contact depressed the brake pedal and regained control of the vehicle. The vehicle was t…
Safety ratings
2026 HYUNDAI KONA SUV N/A AWD
2026 HYUNDAI KONA SUV N/A FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2026 Hyundai Kona.
Kona AWD
Auto (AV-S1) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L
Regular
Kona AWD SX2 1.6T 8AT AWD
Auto (S8) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2026 Hyundai Kona have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2026 Hyundai Kona, most recently for seat belts · rear/other · buckle assembly (07/15/2026). 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 2026 Hyundai Kona?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are unknown or other (3), electrical system (2), vehicle speed control (2).
Is the 2026 Hyundai Kona safe?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2026 a good year for the Hyundai Kona?
The 2026 has the fewest owner complaints of any Kona model year from 2018 to 2026. It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 1.4 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2026 Hyundai Kona get?
EPA ratings for the 2026 Hyundai Kona range from 26 to 27 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2026 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.