2025 Hyundai Kona

28 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Jul 24, 2026Failure Jul 24, 2026Charlotte, NCAdaptive cruise control, Unknown or other, Vehicle speed control

   The dash will completely go black except for red words *no signal.* and all warnings are no longer visible, I cannot tell what speed I’m going, or what percentage battery my car is at. I don’t see visible lane or collision warnings. It is very unsafe and I have been to the dealership twice to try and fix it. The issue returned both times.

   NHTSA complaint 11752687
2. Filed Jul 19, 2026Failure May 1, 2026Orlando, FLService brakes, Steering, Suspension1 injured

   I purchased a used Hyndai Kona with 26,000 miles April 30 2026. I was told I have the balance of the manufacturer warranty of 5 years or 60,000 miles. I have not driven my car for 73 days because of extreme safety problems the Hyundai Kona. The car is very difficult to steer. The car pulls significantly to the right. One day after I purchased this vehicle the car jumped the curb and my face hit the steering wheel cutting my nose and creating a black eye. There is a lot of play in the steering wheel. When accelerating from a stop the car hesitates to move creating a safety concern. My rear view mirror does not stay in place. The mirror drops down and I cannot see behind me causing a safety concern. Both side view mirrors have to be adjusted each time I drive the car.

   NHTSA complaint 11751386
3. Filed Jun 21, 2026Failure May 15, 2026Youngsville, NCEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train

   Power train the engine roars up and drops jarring you back and forth second car within a yr first blew up brand new both and Hyundia and dealership blew me off

   NHTSA complaint 11745464
4. Filed Jun 11, 2026Failure Nov 25, 2024Oklahoma City, OKService brakes, Unknown or other

   Component or System: The brake system, specifically what appears to be a false ABS activation or IEB (Integrated Electronic Brake) system malfunction. The component is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: While braking at speeds between 25-40 mph, typically on dry pavement and more frequently on downhill grades, the brake pedal exhibits a chugging sensation, erratic stopping behavior, and pedal softening consistent with unintended ABS activation or IEB malfunction. This occurs on dry roads where ABS activation is neither warranted nor expected, creating unpredictable braking response and extended stopping distances. The defect has occurred 24 documented times since [XXX], and existed prior to that date. Dealer Confirmation: Yes. During a ride-along at Edmond Hyundai on [XXX], a technician directly witnessed and confirmed the occurrence. Despite this confirmation, it was not documented on the repair order. Two prior repair attempts returned cannot-reproduce results: March 2, 2026 at Bob Howard Hyundai and March 10, 2026 at Edmond Hyundai. Additional Repair/Inspection Attempts: On April 7, 2026, Norman Hyundai opened and closed a repair order without the consumer's knowledge and refused to provide a copy despite an explicit request. On May 23, 2026, a scheduled appointment at Bob Howard Hyundai was missed; a reschedule request was subsequently ignored by the dealership. HMA Case No. [XXX] is active. Warning Lamps or Prior Symptoms: No warning lamps have illuminated. The defect presents exclusively as a physical sensation—pedal/brake chugging, softening, and erratic stopping during normal dry-pavement braking. The issue has been present since delivery on [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11743594
5. Filed May 29, 2026Failure May 29, 20265,000 milesSyracuse, NYAir bagsCrash

   The contact owned a 2025 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed through an intersection, the vehicle collided with another vehicle that was towing a trailer. The contact stated that during the crash, the driver's air bag, located in the steering wheel, deployed; however, the air bag became inoperable and deflated. The contact further stated that smoke emitted from the deployed air bag and entered the passenger compartment of the vehicle. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained, and no medical treatment was required. The vehicle was towed by the insurance company and was deemed a total loss. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11740921
6. Filed May 24, 2026Failure Dec 31, 1969Markham, ILWarnings, Automatic emergency braking

   My forward collision warning activates without cause. My automatic braking systems will engage.

   NHTSA complaint 11739784
7. Filed May 6, 2026Failure Mar 18, 2026Greensburg, PAElectrical system

   The vehicle experienced a total electrical failure while driving. Dealer diagnosed the issue as a loose fuse box connector/power distribution connector. The vehicle and repaired component should be available for inspection through the Hyundai dealer service department. The vehicle suddenly lost all power while being driven on a public roadway. The engine shut off, dashboard went dark, and power steering assistance was lost, creating a risk of collision and leaving the vehicle disabled in traffic. A Hyundai dealer diagnosed and confirmed that a loose fuse box connector caused the loss of power. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealer service department. No police or insurance inspection was performed. No warning lights, messages, or symptoms appeared prior to the failure. The vehicle lost power suddenly without warning while driving.

   NHTSA complaint 11736013
8. Filed Apr 27, 2026Failure Apr 24, 20265,798 milesChico, CASun/moon roof assembly1 injured

   The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving, she observed a loud explosion emanating from the roof of the vehicle. The contact slammed on her brakes and then steered the vehicle to the side of the road, where she observed crackling glass noises also emanating from the sunroof. The contact then exited the vehicle to inspect, where she observed the sunroof had a frisbee-sized hole in the middle. There was no impact on the sunroof. The contact called the police, but there was no police report taken. The contact stated that her ears began ringing, and medical attention was needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was no natural cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 5,798.

   NHTSA complaint 11734040
9. Filed Feb 27, 2026Failure Oct 4, 2025Dearborn Heights, MIElectrical system, Unknown or other

   The embedded navigation system tends to provide directions getting the vehicle into off road areas that are not designated to be driven. This not only causes damages to the car but also leads to unsafe situations. While driving in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan headed to the Kitch-Iti-Kipi, it took me to tall grass and high voltage towers almost getting me to a ditch. While driving in St. Augustine Beach, it almost took me to the ocean. While driving near Lubbock Texas around a detour due to construction, it almost took me to a cliff.

   NHTSA complaint 11721028
10. Filed Feb 27, 2026Failure Oct 4, 2025Dearborn Heights, MIBody, Suspension, Wheels

    The plastic covers such as the wheel wells, inner fender linings, under body shield, are very prone to coming off by either minor objects intruding them or hitting them such as branches, rocks, or even water and sand. While driving on a highway at the Upper Peninsula in Michigan on October, a large branch on the road got inside the front wheel well and it took it away. It flew into the highway as debris and cars began evading them. I had to replace it at my expense and it come off again while driving on sand on a beach in St. Augustine Florida on December (the car is 4x4 off-road capable and sold as such). The underbody shield began coming off in a highway in near Austin Texas around a construction zone where loose gravel was present. Almost all plastic clips were missing after I was informed by a driver that plastic parts were coming off my car striking his vehicle. The wheel well of the driver side also began to come off. I had to zip-tie it; no holes were damaged but it was fully scratch and cracked in multiple locations from touching the pavement. I was hit on the side of the rear of the passenger side door and the plastic cover came off. I replaced it but it seems those plastic parts are superimposed and not well secured into the body of the car and can come off fairly easily during driving becoming road hazards that can result in a crash to vehicles driving from behind or even people or animals. I had a Sonata and the same under shield came off while driving to Miami on December 2024, their service department only had it cut leaving the underbody exposed.

    NHTSA complaint 11721013
11. Filed Feb 27, 2026Failure Apr 12, 2025Dearborn Heights, MIElectrical system, Body

    A week after I got my 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited, while trying to have the moonroof when headed into the highway since it gets too noisy if left open, the glass will touch the guard and then back away and remain fully open. However, the issue becomes more serious when it starts to rain or snow as it will remain open. In three occasions, the moonroof will not close. During a downpour, I had to use a large umbrella to avoid water to flood the car. Had I not had an umbrella or something to prevent water from getting in, the vehicle electronics could have become damaged including my personal belongings including but not limited to my sensitive medical equipment. Had I been in a snow shower, I will have gotten sick with a cold. I had reported the issue several times to different dealers and they only say it needs to be cleaned and reset. I had a Sonata with the same moonroof for over three years and I never experienced such an issue.

    NHTSA complaint 11721007
12. Filed Feb 27, 2026Failure Feb 14, 2026Dearborn Heights, MIElectrical system, Service brakes, Body

    I have a 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited. On [XXX], around the afternoon on Sunnyvale, California, while exiting [XXX] headed to Lake Tahoe, the liftgate bolt that attaches to the body had buckled mechanically as the system did not back away when a flashlight that came out of a travel bag was blocking the way to have it closed. The car computer thinks the liftgate is open even though the lock is secured. The car computer allows to drive without seatbelts secured or closures ajar for a few seconds at low speed but then it automatically with little warning engages the electronic handbrake while driving. I was driving on a highway in a middle lane when the car engaged without my consent the electronic handbrake locking the wheels and I almost got rear ended and killed by a semitruck. I had to floor the gas pedal and steer to a shoulder to request a tow. Since it was a long weekend before Presidents Day, I had the car taken to the nearest dealer in Modesto California. Their service department invented a lie that due to a side crash, which was a failure of the collision mitigation system that happened months ago, is the cause and that it is my fault even though the driver admitted responsibility but it is an unrelated issue. There should be a way of overriding the car computer so it does not engage the electronic hand brake on the middle of the highway, specially at night as this creates a road hazard that can lead to death. I replicate the issue with a rental, a Hyundai Tucson, they use the same gas strut and bolt that in my opinion has a very narrow gage. As you can see in the picture, the passenger side bolt is fine, the driver side is buckled. The side accident that happened on May 2025 was on the passenger side but the liftgate is fine; at any rate both sides should be deformed not just one if that were to be the case but it is not. Dealer and Hyundai attempting to sideline the issue to avoid a warranty and recall in my opinion. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11721002
13. Filed Feb 16, 2026Failure Feb 8, 2026Phillipsburg, MOAdaptive cruise control, Automatic emergency braking, Vehicle speed control

    While the cruise is set, traveling on I44 with no other car in front of my Kona, the adaptive cruise control will start to flash and apply brakes immediately. The speed will drop instantly. Thankfully no other vehicle has been behind me, otherwise it would have caused a massive wreck. I have taken the Kona to the shop 5 to 6 times for this situation, but they will not do anything since they can not duplicate it. I took a video recording of it happening, and they still would not do anything. The first incident was December 31, 2024. This happens every other week when I travel out of town for my daughter parenting time with her dad.

    NHTSA complaint 11718329
14. Filed Jan 16, 2026Failure Jan 1, 202612,000 milesPoint Lookout, NY12v/24v/48v battery

    The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, and the vehicle needed to be jump-started. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle did not fall under the Lemon Law. The failure mileage was 12,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11711457
15. Filed Nov 21, 2025Failure Aug 25, 2025Seattle, WAUnknown or other

    While slowing down from highway speed during hot weather, the front passenger door suddenly became unlatched and partially opened. A warning alert sounded, and I had to pull the door closed. There were no prior warnings or symptoms, and the dealer has not been able to reproduce the issue.

    NHTSA complaint 11700814
16. Filed Nov 17, 2025Failure Sep 17, 2025Redwood City, CAEngine

    Engine light was on - I was told by Belmont Enterprise on Sept 17th to keep driving the vehicle even though it needed repairs immediately.

    NHTSA complaint 11699974
17. Filed Oct 25, 2025Failure Oct 25, 2025Everett, WAElectrical system

    This is second time all electrical has gone dead in the car. First time I took car in for an update and now something is still draining the battery. I have read multiple posts online of this issue. The car has less than 5000 mile on it

    NHTSA complaint 11695615
18. Filed Sep 22, 2025Failure Sep 22, 2025Columbus, INVehicle speed control

    The cruise control operation is unusual and the speed can vary greatly while it's engaged in moderately hilly terrain (not extreme) on the interstate ([XXX] through Kentucky and Tennessee). With the cruise set at interstate speeds and starting to climb a hill, the speed can drop by as much as 6mph below set point as the cruise control very, very slowly starts to increase throttle to compensate for the grade. Eventually it will stop the deceleration at that up to 6mph speed below the set point, before slowly starting to accelerate back up to the set point. One instance I timed was 22 seconds between the speed first falling below the set point, down to 6mph below, before recovering back to the set point. Sometimes it overshoots the set point by 2mph, meaning it could cause you to exceed the speed limit and/or your intended driving speed if the uphill is long enough for the speed to fully recover itself. It is not an issue with vehicle power available as I can easily maintain an exact speed through the same hills using the throttle manually without cruise control, it is only an issue with how the cruise control is programmed or executed. An 8mph variance with cruise control on the interstate in non-extreme terrain is a safety concern because it makes the vehicle unpredictable by other drivers who are trying to time their maneuvers around trucks and other vehicles and when my car suddenly slows significantly next to them they have to suddenly change or abort their maneuvers. It has not been reviewed or inspected by anyone else. It is a rental vehicle and not available for inspection by request from me, but may be from the owner. There were no warning lights or any other indication there was a problem recognized by the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11689044
19. Filed Sep 10, 2025Failure Aug 13, 2025Baltimore, MDExterior lighting, Power train, Driveshaft

    See attached document for complaint.

    NHTSA complaint 11686355
20. Filed Aug 21, 2025Failure Aug 21, 2025Rincon, GAElectrical system

    As part of Hyundai’s Driver Attention Warning system, it plays a loud beeping noise that disables other systems in the car (map, audio). This beeping noise plays at random times and has been heavily distracting on long drives almost causing me to crash due to issues with my hearing and the frequency of the noise. It cannot be disabled. I would be happy to present the vehicle for inspection. The dealership and manufacturer have not responded to calls or have given unsatisfactory feedback as to solutions. This alarm has gone off about three times within the past 10 minutes and i am struggling to drive long distances with it on. Any help please.

    NHTSA complaint 11682087