The best and worst Hyundai Kona years, by the numbers
Short answer: The 2019 has the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2022 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2019 Hyundai Kona · 25.6 per 10,000 sold (1.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 40,000 miles; then oil consumption and leaks.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Hyundai Kona year: 15.7 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Hyundai Kona?
Among Hyundai Konas old enough to judge (2018–2022), the 2019 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 25.6, about 1.6× a typical Hyundai Kona year.
What goes wrong on the 2019 Hyundai Kona?
The most-reported problem on the 2019 Hyundai Kona is internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 40,000 miles.
Why aren't the newest Hyundai Kona years ranked?
The 2023–2026 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.