2023 Hyundai Kona
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Hyundai › Kona › 2023
These records cover every 2023 Hyundai Kona. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2023 Hyundai Kona. Newest first.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 246.
Owner complaints
66 complaints4 involved a crash3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
The horn on my 2023 Hyundai Kona has failed for the THIRD time. This is a dangerous situation. The time before this I barely avoided an accident when a pickup truck was accelerating very fast in reverse from a driveway and didn't see me. Luckily no one was in the oncoming traffic lane and I was…
The horn on my 2023 Hyundai Kona has failed for the THIRD time. This is a dangerous situation. The time before this I barely avoided an accident when a pickup truck was accelerating very fast in reverse from a driveway and didn't see me. Luckily no one was in the oncoming traffic lane and I was able to accelerate into that lane and avoid an accident. But I could not warn him, my horn wasn't working. I can't warn anyone that they're about to drive into my space/lane. IT ISN'T SAFE. Hyundai needs to permanently fix the horns. I have to test mine everyday when I start my vehicle. I shouldn't have to do that!! Do you do that?? Do most people have to do that?? DO SOMETHING TO HELP ME!!!
- Engine
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving 64 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power with reduced acceleration. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valve and boost solenoid…
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving 64 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power with reduced acceleration. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valve and boost solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,144.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
I was in a rotary and there were two lanes and they both exited to a bridge. I was on the outside lane of the rotary and when exiting the rotary the car from the inside cut me off and I was unable to alert the driver because me HORN wasn't working. I blew out 2 tires hitting a curb and needed to be towed.State police arrived on the other side of the bridge. My HORN has been replaced by the dealer 3 times now.
- Electrical system · Forward collision avoidance › Warnings
Dear Hyundai Motor America Consumer Affairs, My name is [XXX], and I am submitting this correspondence as a formal safety and customer-service complaint concerning my 2023 Hyundai Kona SEL, the recurring failure of its horn, and the treatment I received at Capitol Hyundai in San Jose, California. I…
Dear Hyundai Motor America Consumer Affairs, My name is [XXX], and I am submitting this correspondence as a formal safety and customer-service complaint concerning my 2023 Hyundai Kona SEL, the recurring failure of its horn, and the treatment I received at Capitol Hyundai in San Jose, California. I am requesting that Hyundai Motor America immediately open a corporate case, investigate the dealership’s handling of this matter, preserve all relevant records, and provide me with a written resolution. This complaint involves an unresolved vehicle safety concern. My vehicle’s horn has failed repeatedly. I previously presented the vehicle to Hyundai for this same horn issue in 2024. One of those visits was properly documented. I subsequently returned regarding the horn again, and the horn was made operational; however, to the best of my knowledge, that subsequent visit and/or work was not properly documented in my service history. The horn has now failed again. A functioning horn is an important vehicle safety device. Without it, I cannot reliably warn another driver, cyclist, pedestrian, or other road user when immediate warning may be necessary to avoid a collision. On August 11, 2026, I brought my vehicle to Capitol Hyundai, 1050 Capitol Expressway Auto Mall, San Jose, CA 95136, seeking assistance with this recurring problem. What occurred is particularly concerning because Capitol Hyundai’s own Repair Order documents the situation. The Repair Order states: “CUSTOMER STATES HORN IS NOT WORKING PLEASE CHECK AND ADVISE” and also states: “DEALERSHIP IS REFUSING TO SERVICE CLIENT DUE TO CUSTOMER ISSUE.” I am attaching a copy of this Repair Order. Therefore, there should be no dispute that Capitol Hyundai had actual written notice on [XXX] that I reported an inoperative horn and that the dealership documented its refusal to service me. Instead of resolving the safety concern, I left without the horn being repaired. I was also told that the dealership would INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
- Engine
I was driving to work on a normal day under normal circumstances when a check engine light won my dashboard. Seconds later my car started showing car is over heating. I immediately swayed from the speed lane to the side of the road almost getting into a crash as other vehicles were at full speeds…
I was driving to work on a normal day under normal circumstances when a check engine light won my dashboard. Seconds later my car started showing car is over heating. I immediately swayed from the speed lane to the side of the road almost getting into a crash as other vehicles were at full speeds behind me. I immediately called dealership and made an appointment. My vehicle experienced a premature failure of the cooling coolant valve, a critical component of the engine cooling system. This failure resulted in diagnostic trouble codes, warning messages, and concerns regarding the reliability of the vehicle. A component of this importance should not fail on a vehicle that is only three years old and has been properly maintained. When I brought the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership, I was required to pay a $248 diagnostic fee simply to identify the failed component. After the diagnosis, I was presented with an estimated repair cost of approximately $1,600 to replace the defective coolant valve and associated parts. I believe these charges are unreasonable because the failure appears to involve a defective component rather than normal wear and tear. Consumers should not be expected to pay significant diagnostic and repair costs for a major cooling system component that fails prematurely. I have also learned that Hyundai has issued recalls and/or service campaigns affecting certain other vehicles for cooling system-related issues. However, my vehicle is apparently not included in those actions, despite experiencing a similar premature failure. While I understand that recalls apply only to specific vehicles and conditions, I respectfully request that investigators determine whether the defect affecting my vehicle is related to those existing actions or whether additional vehicles, including my 2023 Hyundai Kona, should be evaluated for expanded coverage. My research also indicates that other Hyundai Kona owners have reported similar coolant valve fail
- Power train
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle hesitated before driving forward. The Engine START/STOP feature was engaged. The contact stated that the ESC warning light was illuminated…
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle hesitated before driving forward. The Engine START/STOP feature was engaged. The contact stated that the ESC warning light was illuminated temporarily. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, but was a recurring failure. The check engine warning illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the electric oil pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact had not informed the manufacturer about the failure. The contact researched online and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V526000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
- Unknown or other
My horn is not working again. It was replaced when I initially got the Kona in 2023. It did not work coming out of the dealership. And now again it is back to not working. This is a liability and also a danger to my children.
- Electrical system › Horn
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the horn was working intermittently. The horn occasionally operated but had become permanently inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
- Unknown or other
Liftgate was clicking leaving interior lights on Drained battery- had to buy new battery! NOW Liftgate wil NOT open at all.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
Dear Hyundai Motor America Consumer Affairs, I am formally escalating a safety defect involving my 2023 Hyundai Kona, VIN [XXX] , purchased [XXX]. Since the purchase, the vehicle’s horn has repeatedly failed. I have brought the car in for service multiple times, and the issue is thoroughly…
Dear Hyundai Motor America Consumer Affairs, I am formally escalating a safety defect involving my 2023 Hyundai Kona, VIN [XXX] , purchased [XXX]. Since the purchase, the vehicle’s horn has repeatedly failed. I have brought the car in for service multiple times, and the issue is thoroughly documented in service records and email correspondence. Despite these efforts, the defect has not been permanently resolved. A non-functioning horn is a serious safety issue. This defect is not isolated; identical horn failures in Hyundai Kona vehicles are widely documented across public Internet forums, consumer complaint sites, and owner reports, further underscoring the seriousness of this issue. Given the repeated repair attempts and ongoing safety risk, I am requesting immediate corporate-level review and a clear, permanent resolution. This matter requires prompt attention. [XXX] , service manager, informed me today that my horn was changed/serviced 4 times already. As of today, 2-10-2-26 he is ordering me another horn. Please respond in writing with next steps. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Electrical system · Forward collision avoidance › Warnings · Unknown or other
Rear latch unlocks while vehicle is running or not running up to 30 times at once. Rear latch unlocks without key being in vehicle. This has been reported to Hyundai Motor America since August 2025. The front collision warning goes off at random times, left side departure goes off at random times.
- Unknown or other
I brought vehicle in once for horn not working to dealer. They fixed it. Seven months later in a near traffic incident horn not working. Outside temperatures were below freezing at the time. Following week outside temperatures goes above freezing & horn is working again. It appears horn has an intermittent problem.
- Unknown or other
Safety system that automatically puts the car in park if a door is opened while in gear failed to apply
- Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
After a routine service visit, the vehicle’s braking and speed‑control systems began to behave abnormally. The ABS/ESC control module was replaced or reprogrammed without documentation, and immediately afterward the vehicle’s braking feel, speed‑control behavior, and forward‑collision warning…
After a routine service visit, the vehicle’s braking and speed‑control systems began to behave abnormally. The ABS/ESC control module was replaced or reprogrammed without documentation, and immediately afterward the vehicle’s braking feel, speed‑control behavior, and forward‑collision warning timing changed noticeably. These changes created a safety risk because the vehicle no longer responded in a predictable way compared to its original performance. The affected components are available for inspection upon request. The issue was reproduced multiple times under normal driving conditions. Braking response became inconsistent, and the speed‑control system no longer behaved as it did before the service. The timing and behavior of forward‑collision alerts also changed compared to pre‑service operation. These changes created unpredictability in traffic, especially during following‑distance adjustments, stop‑and‑go situations, and sudden‑braking scenarios. The dealership did not provide technical documentation or explanation for the module replacement or configuration changes and did not acknowledge the change in system behavior. The manufacturer’s customer service reviewed the case but did not provide technical findings. An independent service center could not verify the original configuration because the manufacturer did not provide the Manufacturer Build Sheet. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared before or after the issue. The only indication of a problem was the sudden change in braking, speed‑control, and forward‑collision system behavior immediately after the service visit.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
My Kona N Line is not functioning well. Especially after driving for a longer period of time. About 60% of the time, upon letting go of my brake, the car jerks. Going from 0 - 5 mph is the worst. The car definitely hesitates many times. Again, it is when I have driven it for over 10 minutes. I took…
My Kona N Line is not functioning well. Especially after driving for a longer period of time. About 60% of the time, upon letting go of my brake, the car jerks. Going from 0 - 5 mph is the worst. The car definitely hesitates many times. Again, it is when I have driven it for over 10 minutes. I took the car to a service department in El Monte, CA on 11/1. They cannot find the problem. They rode with me and it did not show at that time. They released the car to me. The Kona N has a recall but not my car, the Kona N Line. The recall is for the same problem. I am extremely frustrated. I have another appointment on Tuesday of this week to take to the Glendora service department. I don't know what to do. I am not one to complain but this is not safe. This is my fifth Hyundai. Nothing but good cars until now. Please advise. [XXX] [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Unknown or other
I was trapped inside the liftgate of my 2023 Hyundai Kona and was unable to operate the emergency release. I had the key fob with me and the car was unlocked, but the trunk would not open from the inside. I tried sliding a standard key and a flat card into the release, but it would not engage. It…
I was trapped inside the liftgate of my 2023 Hyundai Kona and was unable to operate the emergency release. I had the key fob with me and the car was unlocked, but the trunk would not open from the inside. I tried sliding a standard key and a flat card into the release, but it would not engage. It was not specified that the mechanical key inside the Hyundai fob was required. The release is a small black sliding latch at the bottom of the liftgate with only a car symbol. It is recessed, not easily visible in low light, and does not glow in the dark. I also could not climb over the rear seats because the liftgate hood was sealed, so the fire department had to open the trunk to get me out. Even the operator and the fire department found the instructions difficult to determine. While this may be a rare circumstance, it could have been dangerous. I was able to get out safely, but it would be helpful if the emergency release were redesigned with clearer instructions or made more visible, such as using neon or glow in the dark markings, so that in the future it can be accessed more easily by anyone inside.
- Unknown or other
The issue is the horn. On three different occasions, I've attempted to use the horn and it wasn't working. I've taken it to Hallmark Hyundai in Flowood and they've repaired and/or replaced the horn on four separate occasions. The new horn is always working when I leave the dealership, but it…
The issue is the horn. On three different occasions, I've attempted to use the horn and it wasn't working. I've taken it to Hallmark Hyundai in Flowood and they've repaired and/or replaced the horn on four separate occasions. The new horn is always working when I leave the dealership, but it eventually goes out. Or it goes out for a period of time and then comes back without explanation. My most recent horn outage happened while I was driving on I-55 in Jackson MS and an 18 wheeler started shifting in my lane. I wasn't able to notify them with my horn and ended up having to drive on the shoulder to avoid a collision. This is a major safety issue and they haven't taken the time to remedy it.
- Electrical system
Horn keeps failing
- Electrical system › Horn
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while pressing the horn pad, the horn failed to produce a sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the horn was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the horn had been replaced four times and was…
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while pressing the horn pad, the horn failed to produce a sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the horn was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the horn had been replaced four times and was scheduled for a fifth horn replacement. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
My car intermittently loses power when I’m driving and I almost got hit yesterday.
- Electrical system
The horn is not working in my vehicle. I found this out today when I almost had someone collide with my vehicle while I was on the highway, not once, but twice. I was unable to use my horn to alert the other driver. I called Hyundai and they said it is not covered under warranty and this is a known…
The horn is not working in my vehicle. I found this out today when I almost had someone collide with my vehicle while I was on the highway, not once, but twice. I was unable to use my horn to alert the other driver. I called Hyundai and they said it is not covered under warranty and this is a known issue with my vehicle. I have only had the vehicle for 3-4 months and this should not be happening. I cannot safely drive without a horn and if something happens to me or my vehicle and Hyundai knows its an ongoing issue with this year, make, and model, I am not sure what I can do. Please make this right.
- Forward collision avoidance › Warnings · Lane departure › Blind spot detection · Lane departure › Warning
Theres more than three issues going on. The car has shut off while driving at least 50 mph on the highway. Currently there's no safety features working on the car.
- Electrical system · Power train
Dear Customer Care, I am the owner of a 2023 Hyundai Kona AWD purchased brand new from Vision Hyundai West Henrietta, NY. I paid for the vehicle in full with a cashier's check totaling over $31,000. At just 64,000 miles, the vehicle has become undrivable-experiencing loud noises, jerking, and no…
Dear Customer Care, I am the owner of a 2023 Hyundai Kona AWD purchased brand new from Vision Hyundai West Henrietta, NY. I paid for the vehicle in full with a cashier's check totaling over $31,000. At just 64,000 miles, the vehicle has become undrivable-experiencing loud noises, jerking, and no acceleration. I was driving and car would not move. These symptoms are clearly drivetrain-related and should be covered under Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty . When I contacted the dealership, I was incorrectly told my roadside coverage had expired at 36,000 miles, Hyundai Warranty Escalation Letters which contradicts Hyundai's stated policy of 5 years/unlimited mileage. Additionally, I requested a loaner vehicle due to the urgency and distance (I'm 80 miles away), but no one followed up, leaving me stranded and without any transportation options. I am requesting Hyundai's assistance:
- Seat belts
The front passenger seatbelt buckle has trouble latching when buckling seatbelt.
- Electrical system
The horn stopped working. The first time, replacing a fuse fixed it, the second time I had to go to the dealership to get the horn replaced under warranty. There were no warning lamps.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11008011Certain 2023MY Kona (OS) vehicles may have a detached pad between the rear spoiler and roof panel due to an error in the assembly process. Follow the procedure outlined in this TSB to replace the pad on the rear spoiler.
- 11008008A software update is available for multiple vehicles equipped with either Display Audio 2.0V or the AVN 5th Gen Wide system.
- 11007485A software update is available for multiple vehicles equipped with either Display Audio 2.0V or the AVN 5th Gen Wide system.
- 11006111Some vehicles equipped with the AVN 5th Gen Wide system may exhibit a condition where the radio app crashes frequently when entering radio mode and/or displays a message that reads Uneven Road Ahead, Drive carefully on the cluster along with a warning sound. Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to update the AVN software to resolve this condition.
- 11002708A software update is available for multiple vehicles equipped with either Display Audio 2.0V or the AVN 5th Gen Wide system.
- 11000902This bulletin provides information to replace the outer tailgate handle switch due to a defective rubber injection which allows water to leak into the switch, potentially hindering proper tailgate opening.
- 10252354This bulletin contains the software update procedure for the Engine Control Unit (ECU) on certain 2021-2023MY Elantra (CN7) and 2022-2023MY Kona (OS) vehicles equipped with the 1.6 liter T-GDI Gamma 2 engine, that may exhibit a warning lamp with one or more of the DTCs listed below: P250F - Engine Oil Level Too Low P011B, P050C - Engine Coolant Temperature/intake Air Temperature Correlation P00B7, P2B60 - Engine Coolant Flow Low/Performance
- 10251285This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated on the inner side of the wiper blade, which could lead to poor wiping performance and/or possible scratching of the windshield glass. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to properly remove the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all new wiper blades.
- 10249699Some vehicles equipped with the AVN 5th Gen Wide system may exhibit a condition where the radio app crashes frequently when entering radio mode and/or displays a message that reads Uneven Road Ahead, Drive carefully on the cluster along with a warning sound. Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to update the AVN software to resolve this condition.
- 10247189This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services.
- 10243378This bulletin provides the procedure for updating the software of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on 2022 2023MY Kona (OS) 1.6L turbo models equipped with smart cruise control. In certain Konas when using smart cruise control (SCC), there can be a delayed acceleration response to achieve the set (higher) speed, for example, after the slower vehicle ahead departs the lane. SCC Set Speed 74 to 80 MPH Vehicle Speed 62 to 74 MPH
- 10243319Certain 2023MY Kona (OS) and Elantra (CN7) vehicles equipped with the 2.0L Nu Atkinson engine may experience a warning lamp illumination for a diagnostic trouble code P250C that is related to the oil level sensor circuit. Follow the service procedure outlined in this bulletin to reprogram the powertrain control module to update the oil level sensor warning light logic. DTC P250C - Engine Oil Level Sensor Circuit Low
- 10241889This bulletin provides information related to a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software update for certain vehicles equipped with an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmissions (8WDCT) that improves the touch point learning variation. Certain 8WDCTs (indicated by a new part number) received an improved clutch spring. The correct TCU software update must be matched with the correct corresponding 8WDCT hardware, otherwise drivability concerns may occur.
- 10241878Certain vehicles equipped with the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) may experience a check engine light or malfunction indicator light due to Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) listed below. This bulletin provides information on replacing the oil pressure sensor to remedy these DTCs, rather than replacing the entire IVT assembly.
- 10240087This Service Information bulletin provides information on how to update the Apple Carplay software from Hyundais Navigation Updates page. The current version of Google Maps has 10 times the data transmission compared to the previous version. As a countermeasure, an update with a frame skip logic has been added to resolve the data congestion with Google Maps.
- 10235566Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the PPF. These spots are the result of moisture trapped between the PPF and the paint.
- 10230904This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation.
Every Hyundai Kona model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.