2020 Hyundai Kona engine problems

ENGINE

I received the recall, brought the Kona in had the software download. Now the engine code indicates engine issues with the safety code. Hyundai customer service representatives stars because the issue wasn't found and the software download completed this doesn't fall under the recall. I do have an appointment to bring the Kona into the dealership but because Hyundai states it is no longer under the recall I am responsible for the towing and will not be remembursed. When I initially brought the vehicle in I was told if the pistons and engine codes appears under the recall layer on towing and replacement of the engine is covered. I was also told my engine covered up to 150,000 miles. Even through I only have 65,000 Hyndai dealer and customer service stated it is not as this is only if the engine showed signs at the time of the software download. This is absolutely wrong to be treated like this and been advised by my local mechanic this does appear to be part of the recall, will deregulate, or engine could seize up causing a safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11755635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am filing a safety complaint against Scott Stark’s South Point Hyundai for selling me a vehicle with an active open safety recall, a blown transmission, an A/C failure, and a dry-rotted tire. Before returning the car for service under a promised 1,000-mile warranty, my sister, who has worked for Corporate Hyundai for 15 years, helped me conduct a full intake baseline inspection at her dealership. We performed a recorded 360-degree video inspection, took high-resolution photos of every square inch, and ran full computer diagnostics, which confirmed zero tool marks on any bolts under the hood or on the transmission, and all diagnostic readings were perfectly recorded. South Point Hyundai kept my vehicle for 10 days for repairs, making excuses about test drives and failing to find technicians. However, a hidden GPS tracker tucked deep under my passenger side carpet meticulously documented every single time the vehicle moved or remained completely stationary on their lot. Upon picking up the vehicle, my sister scanned the car immediately with her diagnostic computer. The readings are now completely erratic and all over the place compared to the baseline corporate readings we documented 10 days prior. Physical inspection reveals that bolts have been turned, internal components have been actively tampered with, and parts have been structurally altered. The evidence directly indicates that this dealership used my personal vehicle as an unauthorized parts donor vehicle to harvest components, severely compromising its mechanical integrity, structural reliability, and overall road safety. This severe tampering has left the vehicle completely unsafe to operate. We possess full video evidence, high-resolution photographs, GPS tracking logs, and comparative corporate Hyundai diagnostic data verifying this severe mechanical fraud. I have turned this info over to Corporate Hyundai, the DMV, and federal enforcement agencies due to safety risks.

NHTSA complaint #11754634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The car failed to accelerate on highway on multiple occasions, including when slowing down and then trying to accelerate when pulling out on highways.

NHTSA complaint #11745092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Hyunndai Kona. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's fiance, who is an independent mechanic attached the portable diagnostic tester to the vehicle, and the failure code was P1327. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact as advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA complaint #11740710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The vehicle all shut off as I slowed down for a stop sign. Put in Park turn the key off restarted it got to the next stop sign same thing. Also the red light same had to shut it off put it in put in Park shut off and then restart and step on the gas so I can get through before a car hit me. Happened several times till I finally got the car home done it started knocking loudly and shut off just as I got into my driveway. Check the oil. The oil is fine. Occasionally the oil light would come on if you put in Dr.. It is knocking really loud. The engine light keeps flashing constantly. I called Brown Dobb Hyundai in Easton Pennsylvania. They told me this recall has nothing to do with my car because of the VIN number. But everything that is happening to it is is under recall 187. But because of the VIN number they are insisting it’s not my car. What can I do before I get in an accident? I don’t have any other cars to rely on. I have a son with Autism and I am a single mother. What else can I do? I had this car not even three months.

NHTSA complaint #11737318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Engine light comes on starts flashing as well as the oil light occasionally. If you slow down or have to stop it completely shuts down you have to put in park and restart the car to get anywhere and start stopping in front in the middle of traffic. So if you slow down to go up a hill or anything, it just stops completely. Also making a clicking or grinding sound not sure.

NHTSA complaint #11737100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

On February 27, 2026, my 2020 Hyundai Kona (Recall 203) suffered a catastrophic engine stall while driving, requiring an emergency tow. The dealership (Rosen Hyundai) and Hyundai Motor America are refusing to perform the Safety Recall 203 remedy unless I first pay $4,715.26 for a timing repair. I was also required to pay $453.05 for wiring repairs just to "enable" the recall test, yet the recall remains unaddressed because of a financial paywall. I am reporting an obstruction of a federal safety recall by the manufacturer.

NHTSA complaint #11731892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Basically normal driving the car stalled. It slowed to a stall. I had to restart the car. This has happened a couple to times.

NHTSA complaint #11729398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My car was taken in as a part of recall bulletin 203 for improperly heated piston rings treated pistons rings that result in premature engine failure and possible fire on 12/5/25. The knock sensor test was performed and the KSDS software was installed. On 3/12/26 my daughter who was on the way home from a trip called because her checking engine light started flashing and the engine was knocking. We had it towed to Hyundai and they are denying service under the recall stating improper codes yet one of the codes is P1327 KSDS detection which is related to the rod bearing failure the car currently has. They are trying to make me pay $4600 out of pocket plus the tow bill when this is directly related to the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11727112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My 2020 Hyundai Kona (VIN: [XXX] ) has a persistent engine stalling safety defect that matches Recall 203 (22-01-042H, NHTSA Campaign 21V301000 – Nu 2.0L Atkinson Engine Inspection and Replacement). The recall addresses improperly heat-treated piston oil rings causing cylinder bore scuffing, accelerated oil consumption, abnormal knocking, and potential engine stall while driving (increasing crash/fire risk).I first brought the vehicle to Corona Hyundai for repeated stalling while driving. They performed the recall vibration inspection and software update (Campaign 974), stated the test passed, and declared the vehicle "fixed", safe and "good-to-go" Immediately after pickup, the stalling returned worse: approximately 60-80 miles later on XX near the XXX exit (four-lane high-speed highway), the engine completely stalled at 65 mph while merging for an exit. This caused vehicles and semi-trucks behind me to swerve dangerously and very nearly collide with me. The vehicle stalled four more times on the way to my destination in [XXX] .I then took it to the nearest dealer, Carlsbad Hyundai for safety reasons. They performed the vibration inspection again, which also "passed," yet the real-world symptoms would continue unchanged: accelerated oil consumption (I monitor the dipstick and refill regularly), sputtering, knocking noises, and complete engine stalls (dozens of incidents, especially on local roads and turns). The vehicle remains undrivable due to imminent stall risk while moving and putting myself, my passengers and other commuters at high risk of severe injury or death.Both dealers and Hyundai Customer Care (Case #XXX) have refused further action, stating the vibration test passed, they cannot duplicate the concern, and no additional claim can be submitted for engine replacement. Hyundai's TSB [XXX] requires only the vibration inspection; engine replacement is authorized if "NO PASS" – no separate oil consumption test or monitored drive INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.

NHTSA complaint #11725552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. While the contact’s son was driving the vehicle on the highway at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine and the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The gear shifter was shifted into neutral(N) and restarted; however, the engine failed shortly afterwards, and the vehicle was unable to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with piston rings failure and low engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, where it was confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (Engine); however, the recall repair was already performed. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.

NHTSA complaint #11723633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

many times a year, without warning, vehicle dash lights turn off and light up like a christmas tree, followed by fca warning sound and lights going off, and a loud mechanical thud. Lose engine throttle going highway speeds. This can occur at nearly any speed without warning. Car must be powered off and back on to get normalcy. This puts me, everyone in the car and everyone on the highway at risk. Dealership was not able to reproduce or pull error codes.

NHTSA complaint #11715307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Vehicle suddenly began shutting off upon braking and/or acceleration at any speed, idling very hard, and/or barely starting or dying immediately after starting and making a very loud whining noise while driving on an interstate. A mechanic ran a diagnostic test on it and determined that it was a P1327 code and recommended it be taken to dealership for full engine failure. This particular code was known by Hyundai to occur on certain models and years, including Kona 2019-2021, as early as 2022 and while a recall campaign was initiated, no recall to date has been issued. No warning indicators on dash occurred in advance or even after the vehicle began malfunctioning (i.e., no check engine indicator, etc.). Vehicle is available at dealership upon request.

NHTSA complaint #11695903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The vehicle has ~51K miles. It has been maintained according to the manufacturer's recommended repair schedule. At low speeds (<10 mph) or when coming from a full stop the vehicle hard shifts. When driving up inclines at low speeds (<10 mph), the vehicle shakes and stutters on the verge of shutting off. This happened twice on [XXX]. I experienced a full vehicle shut off on [XXX} while the vehicle was stationary, but shifted into drive . In August, the vehicle stuttered and shook before shutting off. I have reported three instances of this issue to my local Hyundai dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11695939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The engine shut down when the car stops at a red light or stop sign. There are metal shavings in the oil due to issues with the pistons.

NHTSA complaint #11693682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the turbocharger was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

NHTSA complaint #11691257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I purchased a used 2020 Hyundai Kona with the Nu 2.0L engine. I drove the vehicle regularly without issue for several years, including two days before the incident. On the day of the incident, I attempted to start the vehicle but it ran irregularly. I shut off the vehicle after a few seconds and restarted. The vehicle stalled seconds after starting. On subsequent attempts it failed to start at all. I learned of Recall 203 (defective piston rings), which affects this model year and engine. I contacted Hyundai, who recommended I visit a dealer. Upon inspection, the dealer recommended engine replacement. Hyundai denied engine replacement under Recall 203, on the grounds that the recall was "closed" during an inspection in 2021 (prior to my ownership) despite the defective part not being replaced. This engine, with defective and recalled part, has now experienced sudden and unexpected failure. Hyundai has been uncooperative and I have been without a vehicle for nearly a month.

NHTSA complaint #11690319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Ignition, speed and driving halts. I've had this Kona repaired a couple years ago and it took about 6-8mos to get my vehicle back, the this year 2025 the vehicle again is giving me problems. I thought of applying the lemon law however the week of the 6-8months being in the repair shop, I got the vehicle back, and the owner(mr. Crisostomo was very kind and understanding) so it made me be more patience nonetheless there's only so much he could do if he is not the one repairing the vehicle. I was offered carpets for my patience yet still have not gotten them and feel like a bother when I call to inquiry about them and it's not the service manager that I talk to , I feel otherwise. That could just be me, however I know good customer service if it's presence. For the actually year, I would need to check emails and records. But it's probably the year after so 2022 ( almost certain) now, This year, 2025.. I see that there is a recall that the dealership did not inform me. The vehicle is paid of last year, because I was going to relocate but that had changed. I found out about the recall cause my dad had died and step mother is using my other car so I'm using the Kona much more that 3 days a week. I keep dying out in one (1) day.. I died out twice. So I checked if there's a recall and there is. I would like my vehicle repurchased or credit for the amount purchased or I like a jeep 2 door ( is fine) as a recovery vehicle, thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11688598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the turbocharger, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was later examined by an independent mechanic who determined that the pistons were faulty. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V301000 (ENGINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 127,000.

NHTSA complaint #11685967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

2020 Hyundai Kona wirh 22,000 miles, original owner, great condition(except oil usage). First consumption test used 3/4 qt. in 1,000 miles. Seems convenient that Hyundai says 1 qt & the dealership came up with 3/4 so there is no problem. BULL! No oil light came on to warn of low oil.

NHTSA complaint #11685669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated there was a pinging sound inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a multi-point inspection, and it was confirmed that the oil level was extremely low. The contact stated that an oil consumption test was performed. The vehicle had consumed ¾ quarts of oil in a month. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to seek legal assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.

NHTSA complaint #11685674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Car has extreme oil consumption and power stalls which are related to a recall in 2021 for bad poston rings which werent properly heat protected. I brought in and they said it was checked for recall but engine was never actually replaced. My warning lights come on for oil when this happens. My engine could either seize or I could lose power on highway. Car dealership laughed in my face when brought and told me id have to fork over 10k for a new engine which doesn't seem accurate considering Hyundai manufactured this vehicle with bad piston rings.

NHTSA complaint #11684798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Vehicle showed these warning lights while stalling out at stop signs: FCA, ESC, and DBC. She was able to turn off the car and restart it. We took it to a Hyundai dealership and ran a diagnostic test where they found nothing wrong. They noticed her oil was low, so they topped it off. This was on a Monday. By Saturday, she had this issue again where she stalled out at a stoplight in the center lane of a 4 lane busy road and had to coast to a parking lot where she restarted the car. We then personally checked the oil again, she was almost out of oil!! We added more full synthetic oil. We googled the issue and saw other 2020 Kona's have this issue. I spoke with Hyundai Consumer Affairs to get advice but they said without any open recalls or extended warraties they couldn't help. They suggested the lengthy process of a repeated oil consumption test at the dealership. We are now taking it to an engine shop today (8-29-25) where he will try to put a syntheic blend in after taking out the full syntheic out. The mechanic said sometimes this helps the oil consumption. We will see how the car runs with the blend. He mentioned that his research shows older models had this issue and Hyundai replaced some engines.

NHTSA complaint #11683888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The engine on my 2020 Hyundai Kona failed suddenly while driving, causing complete loss of power. There were no warning lights until after the failure. The vehicle was towed to a Hyundai dealership. Initially, the dealership stated the failure was related to an open recall from 2021 and warned that repairs might not be covered because the recall had not been completed. I sent them a written request outlining both NHTSA Recall 21V-301 (federally mandated) and Service Campaign 974, asking for documentation supporting their diagnosis and any communications with corporate. This request was ignored. Afterward, the dealership said they would replace the engine, but upon completion they recommended replacing certain bolts and hoses at my expense ($849), claiming that if I declined, any future related repairs would not be covered. When asked why these parts were not included in the repair or how their condition would void future coverage, I was told they were “normal wear” items not covered under warranty. No documentation or policy basis was provided. When asked whether the repair was processed under Recall 21V-301 or Campaign 974, they stated it was not tied to either and was filed under the powertrain warranty without corporate involvement. Multiple shop personnel had earlier confirmed verbally that the failed part matched the recall defect, but the service manager provided a different explanation and refused supporting documents. The dealership also claimed Recall 21V-301 was “completed” in October 2021 via a software update, despite the vehicle never having been at the dealership since purchase. No proof of recall completion or CNDS software installation was provided. The lack of evidence that Recall 21V-301 was properly remedied, the possibility of an improper closure in Hyundai’s system, and the fact that the failure matched the recall defect raise serious concerns about compliance with federal recall requirements. I am waiting for corporate to contact me also.

NHTSA complaint #11680070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I am the original owner of a 2020 Hyundai Kona equipped with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine. This engine has been subject to known manufacturing defects, including excessive oil consumption, timing component wear, and premature failure. Hyundai has acknowledged that my specific engine falls within the range of engines affected by this defect and has confirmed that it is part of a recall/service campaign group. However, Hyundai is refusing to repair or replace the engine because it passed a vibration test back in 2021. That test was performed over three years ago, and my vehicle is now experiencing major engine problems, including the activation of check engine light with code P0017, which refers to crankshaft-camshaft correlation issues — a known symptom of the engine defect. Hyundai is denying coverage based on a test that is now outdated and irrelevant, despite the fact that the engine is part of the known defect group and is showing signs of failure consistent with hundreds of similar cases. The vehicle is no longer under powertrain warranty, but the root cause of the failure is clearly related to the previously identified defect. Hyundai’s refusal to act puts me, and potentially others, at risk of sudden engine failure due to timing or lubrication problems. This is a potential safety issue if the engine stalls while driving. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Hyundai’s use of past vibration tests to deny coverage for active and dangerous engine defects. Owners like myself should not be penalized for a test performed years ago when clear evidence of failure now exists.

NHTSA complaint #11677887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was driving when I heard a rattle below the car. About a mile later, my engine died. Turns out the oil plug fell out causing irreparable damage to my engine. Was fortunate to be able to coast down the bottom side of the bridge I was on to a safe spot off to the side.

NHTSA complaint #11671093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Car is losing power. Car is stopping in the middle of the road. Car was towed to my Personal mechanic on June 21,2025 who has ran a diagnostic on vehicle & vehicle is throwing out an Engine Failure Code. Check Engine light is blinking ; car is making odd "knocking type" noises. First appeared June 20, 2025. Car is not safe to drive due to losing power. Vehicle is now being towed to the dealership (after multiple calls) and the loss of power is concerning/dangerous if vehicle looses power with traffic around. I feel I won't be able to get the vehicle and myself off the road safely before an accident/injury/fatality occurs. I will upload a copy of the diagnostic report

NHTSA complaint #11668695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Recall 203 was done on vehicle immediately upon purchase in 2021. Recall 974 was done and CNDS software installed in 2022. Engine stalled and check engine light came on at the end of February. Took car in March 11th to the dealership was told that the engine would need to be replaced due to code P1327. Said there was piston noise. Told me none of it is covered and that I would be out of pocket almost $9,000.00 with a car that is 5 years old. Have a case open with Hyundai Consumer Affairs (Case#[XXX]) and have not heard anything back from them. I am needing to know if this should be covered. According to my research it should be. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11651114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving the car it stalled and all dash lights came in. After about 20 mins it started back up and I proceeded down the road. After a few minutes the engine light came on blinking. I got the car to a local mechanic who placed it in the diagnostic machine. It came back code engine-pistons. I have a Hyandai 2020 Kona MPI-NU 2.0l engine but it was not included in the recall of the same vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11648537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.