Hyundai Kona vs Toyota Highlander
For 2018–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 15.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 18.0 for the Hyundai Kona. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2018–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Hyundai Kona
18.0 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.2× the Toyota Highlander’s rate
- Complaints
- 630
- Sold
- 350,270
- Recall campaigns
- 2
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2019. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)
Typically around 36,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 17,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 7,000 mi
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 52,100 mi
-
Driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration
Typically around 1,577 mi
Toyota Highlander
15.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
16% fewer than the Hyundai Kona
- Complaints
- 1,795
- Sold
- 1,183,157
- Recall campaigns
- 13
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Fewest: 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 56,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 16,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 46,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,100 mi
-
Automatic transmission internals
Typically around 73,350 mi · repair $2,910–$5,410
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Hyundai Kona or the Toyota Highlander?
For 2018–2022 models, the Toyota Highlander has 15.2 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Hyundai Kona has 18.0, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Hyundai Kona?
The most-reported problem on the Hyundai Kona is internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 36,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Highlander?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Highlander is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 56,000 miles.
Which Hyundai Kona and Toyota Highlander years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Hyundai Kona: 2019.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.