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2021 Hyundai Kona
Solid pick. The public record on this car is clean for its age — inspect it, then negotiate with confidence.
111 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 10, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Engine problems dominate (66% of complaints, typically reported near 13k miles).
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2021 Hyundai Kona, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Electrical system (10)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint — a rough guide, not a schedule.
Engine
66%73 complaints · typically near 13k mi · 36 in the last 2 years
“Low speed hesitancy and shuddering. Car has lost power when driving at 55 mph. Car does not want to move at very slow speeds as in a parking garage. It hesitates and s…”
Transmission & drivetrain
13%14 complaints · typically near 48k mi · 6 in the last 2 years
“The cars engine vibrates when accelerating and hesitates. It is always dangerous to stall after hitting the gas. This issue causes many near accidents. It began to vib…”
Electrical system
9%10 complaints · 3 in the last 2 years
“About 2 weeks ago I tried to start my car and the dash board starting flickering and glitch. Roadside assistance said all I needed was a battery. I got a battery and e…”
Fuel system
4%4 complaints · 4 in the last 2 years
“Low speed hesitancy and shuddering. Car has lost power when driving at 55 mph. Car does not want to move at very slow speeds as in a parking garage. It hesitates and s…”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Engine · 21V301000
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.
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150–$250 independent inspection of this exact 2021 Hyundai KONA beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2021? See how every Kona model year scores →
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What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.