The vehicle dossier US · 2021

2021 Hyundai
KONAProblems & recalls

116 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Engine appears in 78 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 116 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Engine78 reports
Other components32 reports
Transmission & drivetrain14 reports
Electrical system11 reports
Fuel system4 reports
Brakes3 reports
Steering2 reports
Body & structure1 reports
Visibility1 reports
See original component labels
ENGINE77
UNKNOWN OR OTHER18
POWER TRAIN13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING3
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION3
SERVICE BRAKES3
STEERING2
WHEELS2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
TIRES:SIDEWALL1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
SEATS1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 6 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Sep 11, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

23,700 miles is the median among 29 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 7,500–86,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

1 recall campaign on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Apr 28, 2021 Safety recallENGINECampaign 21V301000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 203

Read campaign 21V301000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

67 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Sep 22, 2026 Service Campaign9D1 OLHyundai has become aware that certain Kona vehicles equipped with 1.6T-GDI engines may not meet engine-out NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) and Particulate Matter (PM) emission standards.NHTSA ID 11037496

Hyundai has become aware that certain Kona vehicles equipped with 1.6T-GDI engines may not meet engine-out NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) and Particulate Matter (PM) emission standards.

Campaign / software reference: 9D1

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11037496 at NHTSA
Aug 21, 2026 Service Campaign26-01-027H DNCertain Kona (OS) vehicles equipped with the 1.6T-GDI engine may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions that may not meet engine-out NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) and Particulate Matter (PM) emission standards.NHTSA ID 11036623

Certain Kona (OS) vehicles equipped with the 1.6T-GDI engine may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions that may not meet engine-out NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) and Particulate Matter (PM) emission standards.

Campaign / software reference: 9D1

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036623 at NHTSA
Aug 21, 2026 Service Campaign26-01-027H TSBCertain Kona (OS) vehicles equipped with the 1.6T-GDI engine may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions that may not meet engine-out NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) and Particulate Matter (PM) emission standards. This bulletin provides th…NHTSA ID 11036622

Certain Kona (OS) vehicles equipped with the 1.6T-GDI engine may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions that may not meet engine-out NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) and Particulate Matter (PM) emission standards. This bulletin provides the instructions to update the emission logic within the Engine Control Module (ECM) to improve engine-out NOx and PM emissions within permissible specifications.

Campaign / software reference: 9D1

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036622 at NHTSA
May 16, 2026 Warranty Program/ExtensionZ07 OLCertain 2021-2023 model year Kona, 2021-2023 model year Kona Electric, and 2022-2023 model year Kona N vehicles may experience an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize. At Hy…NHTSA ID 11032720

Certain 2021-2023 model year Kona, 2021-2023 model year Kona Electric, and 2022-2023 model year Kona N vehicles may experience an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize. At Hyundai, we are committed to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value. In an effort to meet this commitment, the warranty coverage for the horn assembly replacement has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

Campaign / software reference: Z07

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032720 at NHTSA
Apr 18, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions26-EE-003H TSBSome vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary, replace the starter magnetic …NHTSA ID 11031400

Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary, replace the starter magnetic switch (solenoid) assembly.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11031400 at NHTSA
Apr 18, 2026 Warranty Program/Extension26-BE-010H DNSome vehicles may have an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for the horn replacement under this condition to 10 years or 120,0…NHTSA ID 11031398

Some vehicles may have an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for the horn replacement under this condition to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners. If a horn needs to be replaced, follow the instructions within this TSB to install the latest design. Please note that any vehicles under 10 years/120,000 miles are covered by this TSB, even if vehicle is within original warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles.

Campaign / software reference: Z07

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11031398 at NHTSA
Apr 18, 2026 Warranty Program/Extension26-BE-010H TSBSome vehicles may have an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for the horn replacement under this condition to 10 years or 120,0…NHTSA ID 11031397

Some vehicles may have an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for the horn replacement under this condition to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners. If a horn needs to be replaced, follow the instructions within this TSB to install the latest design. Please note that any vehicles under 10 years/120,000 miles are covered by this TSB, even if vehicle is within original warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles.

Campaign / software reference: Z07

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11031397 at NHTSA
Apr 10, 2026 OtherDTN DLThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN…NHTSA ID 11032523

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during deployment, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin. To date, Hyundai is aware of three people who have died while driving a Hyundai vehicle with one of these substandard replacement airbag inflators that deployed in what likely would have been a survivable crash. NHTSA has issued a public advisory urging vehicle owners and service professionals to have vehicles inspected if there is reason to believe that a non-genuine replacement airbag may have been installed. Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, prior airbag deployments, or unknown repair histories may present a higher risk. NHTSA strongly cautions against self-inspection by vehicle owners and recommends inspection by trained technicians.

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032523 at NHTSA
Apr 10, 2026 OtherDTN DCSThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co.…NHTSA ID 11032522

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached announcement, provided by NHTSA, for more details.

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032522 at NHTSA
Dec 19, 2025 OtherTRW Settlement DCSA Class Action settlement regarding the TRW Airbag was recently decided. Based on the Class Action, customers are eligible for certain settlement benefits. Please see attached for details. Impacted vehicles are also noted below…NHTSA ID 11027047

A Class Action settlement regarding the TRW Airbag was recently decided. Based on the Class Action, customers are eligible for certain settlement benefits. Please see attached for details. Impacted vehicles are also noted below. For further information regarding settlement benefits and contacts, please review the dealer notification per the attached. It is also available on Hyundaidealer.com under Hyundai Tech Info > Service News.

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11027047 at NHTSA
Dec 19, 2025 OtherTRW Summary NoticeA Class Action settlement regarding the TRW Airbag was recently decided. Based on the Class Action, customers are eligible for certain settlement benefits. Impacted vehicles are also noted below. For further information regardi…NHTSA ID 11027046

A Class Action settlement regarding the TRW Airbag was recently decided. Based on the Class Action, customers are eligible for certain settlement benefits. Impacted vehicles are also noted below. For further information regarding settlement benefits and contacts, please review the corresponding dealer notification. It is available on Hyundaidealer.com under Hyundai Tech Info > Service News.

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11027046 at NHTSA
Dec 19, 2025 OtherTRW Settlement NoticeHyundai has settled a class action lawsuit that alleges that certain Hyundai and Kia Class Vehicles (defined below) contain defective ZF-TRW airbag control units (“ZF-TRW ACUs”) that are vulnerable to a condition called electri…NHTSA ID 11027045

Hyundai has settled a class action lawsuit that alleges that certain Hyundai and Kia Class Vehicles (defined below) contain defective ZF-TRW airbag control units (“ZF-TRW ACUs”) that are vulnerable to a condition called electrical overstress, which may cause the vehicles’ airbags and other safety features to fail during a collision. Hyundai has not been found liable for any claims alleged in the lawsuit. Instead, Hyundai reached a voluntary settlement (referred as “the Settlement” or “the proposed Settlement”) to avoid lengthy litigation and provide relief to people who own ed or leased Class Vehicles in the United States and U.S. Territories. Class Members may be entitled to compensation if they submit valid and timely Claims.

Components: AIR BAGS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11027045 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Jan 27, 2023 ClosedPedestrian alert soundsDP22005

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

Recorded closure: Aug 7, 2023

Campaign reference in the source: 22V063000

Find investigation DP22005

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