Hyundai Kona Years to Avoid | Don’t Buy Them in 2025

The Hyundai Kona is a popular small SUV known for its stylish style and useful features. However, not all model years are excellent. Some years have seen more issues than others, making them less trustworthy for buyers. 

You should know which years to avoid if you want to buy a used Hyundai Kona. This article will help you know what Hyundai Kona years to avoid so you can prevent expensive repairs.

What Is Hyundai Kona?

The Hyundai Kona is a stylish and compact SUV that was introduced in 2017 for the 2018 model year. Its modern style, excellent technology, and reasonable pricing soon gained popularity. The Kona stands out in the subcompact SUV market for its fuel efficiency and optional all-wheel drive.

Hyundai offers the Kona various powertrain options including a regular gasoline engine and an all-electric version for environmentally conscious drivers. The inside is built for comfort with an easy-to-use entertainment system and advanced safety features including lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.

Why Choosing the Right Model Year Is Important?

When purchasing a used Hyundai Kona, choosing the correct model year is important to avoid potential dependability concerns and pricey repairs. While the Kona is generally a well-designed and efficient SUV, some years have seen repeated troubles, including engine failures, gearbox problems, and electrical glitches. Choosing a model year with fewer documented flaws can help avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly maintenance.

By analyzing the best and worst Hyundai Kona years, you can make an informed decision and invest in a car that provides long-term dependability. A dependable model year guarantees a smoother driving experience and fewer trips to the repair.

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Top Hyundai Kona Years to Avoid

Below are the Hyundai Kona years buyers should avoid due to regular complaints and costly repairs.

2018 Hyundai Kona

The 2018 Hyundai Kona was the first model year and like many debut models, it had several issues. Owners complained of transmission problems including jerks and rough shifting which gave an uncomfortable ride. Electrical system malfunctions such as touchscreen failures and dashboard warning lights were common. In addition, excessive wind and road noise made the ride less enjoyable, especially on highways.

2019 Hyundai Kona

Although Hyundai addressed a few issues related to the 2019 model Kona, the car had some reliability problems. The largest issue was oil consumption, which led to total engine failure in some models. 

In addition, the battery in many of these vehicles would run out of gas, requiring many jump-starts and unexpected failures. Electronic failures were also present such as faulty infotainment systems and dead key fobs.

2020 Hyundai Kona

The 2020 Hyundai Kona still had mechanical defects, especially in the power train. The drivers complained that engine stalling upon driving raised greater safety concerns and major issues upon its use for owners. 

Responding to changing gears was transmitted inconsistently, which delays accelerating and jerk shifting. Failing air conditioner complaints were reported, often making driving the car hotter in the sunny weather.

2021 Hyundai Kona

Although the 2021 Hyundai Kona had some improvements, it still had a few major reliability issues. Owners reported that the suspension tuning was rough making the ride bumpy and uncomfortable on uneven roads. 

Engine performance issues such as sluggish acceleration and occasional stalling were also noted. Some drivers complained about transmission hesitation which made lane merging and city driving unpredictable.

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Hyundai Kona Model Years With the Best Reliability

If you’re considering a used Kona, the following model years are the best options for reliability.

2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received big improvements such as a refreshed exterior design and improved interior technology. It features a smoother transmission and a more refined suspension, leading to better ride quality than earlier models. 

Owners have reported fewer mechanical issues in this model. Hyundai’s advanced safety features such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control make this year a solid choice.

2023 Hyundai Kona

The changes in this model of 2023 have continued to even better improvements than in 2022. This year has brought a much-refined new infotainment system that allows for better touchscreen responsiveness and fewer connectivity issues. There are minimal complaints, and the reliability ratings of the subcompact SUV 2023 Hyundai Kona are good.

2024 Hyundai Kona

The 2024 generation Hyundai Kona has a bigger, roomier interior with up-to-date technologies. Hyundai focused on better reliability and improvements over past concerns with the performance of the engines and transmissions. Initial reviews suggest this model has met expectations well regarding potential long-term reliability.

Tips for Buying a Used Hyundai Kona

Follow the guidelines below to select a reliable Kona and avoid high repair bills:

Perform a Pre-Purchase Inspection

Before you seal the deal, have a mechanic you trust take a look at the car. He can spot hidden mechanical issues such as engine wear or electrical faults. A professional inspection can save you from many headaches down the road.

Test Drive for Performance Issues

Test drive the Hyundai Kona to check its performance. Observe whether the gear is shifting or the engine runs smoothly and note any weird noises. Press on the brake pedal, then steer and press down on the suspension for a comfortable drive.

Research the Model Year

Not all Hyundai Kona years are the same in terms of reliability. Consumer reviews and recall history are important to check. Avoid those years prone to problems such as those mentioned above, as they have engine and transmission problems. Instead, look for the best-rated years such as 2022 and newer for a trouble-free experience.

Vehicle History Report

There should always be an inquiry for a vehicle history report from services like Carfax. This will provide a car with its accident history, maintenance record, and other recalls. If the car happened to be in a major car accident or often repaired, then you should look for a new option.

Confirm Recalls and Repairs

Some Kona models have been recalled due to safety and reliability concerns. Check the car’s VIN on Hyundai’s official recall website or the NHTSA database to see if it has any outstanding recalls. Make sure all needed repairs have been completed before purchasing.

Look for a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Model

Consider purchasing a certified pre-owned Hyundai Kona from a dealership. CPO vehicles are subject to strict inspection and have extended warranties that give you that extra peace of mind. Sure, they will be more expensive than a regular used Kona, but they tend to be much more reliable and better cared for.

Negotiate the Price Based on Condition

Negotiate a fair price with your research, inspection results, and the vehicle history report. For minor issues or high mileage, demand a low price as a heads-up for the repairs to be made in the future. An informed person gets the best possible deal.

How to Maintain Your Hyundai Kona?

Regular maintenance is needed to avoid costly problems and maximize vehicle performance. Here are some important tips for maintaining your Kona.

Maintenance Schedule

As shown in the owner’s manual, Hyundai provides a maintenance schedule for your Kona. Regular checks and services help ensure all essential parts of your vehicle are properly inspected. These regular maintenance operations will ensure major breakdowns do not occur. 

Oil Changes

Regular oil change is the key to maintaining your Kona’s engine performance. Clean oil reduces friction and keeps the engine cool for smooth running. Thus, follow the recommended oil change interval to avoid damaging the engine.

Check Tires

Tire maintenance involves checking the tire pressure regularly and rotating it every 6,000 miles. Proper tire pressure is required for good fuel efficiency and the safety of the driver and passengers. Rotating the tires helps them wear evenly and increases their lifespan.

Check the Brakes

Brakes play a big role in safe driving, so it’s very important to check for wear. Check the squeaking sound or any kind of vibration from the brakes, which professionals should inspect immediately. Replace brake pads when needed to get reliable power.

Maintain the Cooling System

Preventing the engine from overheating is very important. Maintain coolant levels and add it as required not to damage the engine. This way, a good cooling system on your Kona will keep it running in all weather conditions.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Hyundai Kona model year is important to avoid costly repairs and difficulties with dependability. We have encountered engine, transmission, and electrical system problems in some model years. You can prevent these troublesome years by conducting research before purchasing and performing a professional examination.

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