The 2023 Hyundai Kona N shows some reliability concerns, particularly regarding the fuel pump which can lead to a loss of drive power. With significant peaks in reported issues within the first 20,000 miles, it's crucial for owners to stay vigilant.
Key Factor:Fuel pump reliability risk
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Standard Safety Record
The 2023 Kona N maintains a standard safety record for HYUNDAI, with 1 recall documented.
1 recall for this vehicle1.7 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
📋Why This Matters
The recall for the fuel system in the Kona N indicates potential risks that could leave drivers stranded if the fuel pump fails. This isn't just an inconvenience; losing drive power while on the road can pose significant safety hazards. Additionally, with four complaints registered, it’s clear that issues might arise during early ownership, primarily in that critical initial mileage range. A clean track record is essential in this segment, and such defects can tarnish Hyundai's reputation for quality manufacturing.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Check Engine Light
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Vs Brand: Better than avg (1.7)
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Summary: Year-over-year trends suggest that while Hyundai has made strides in engineering reliable vehicles, the Kona N’s current recalls indicate a step back. Compared to previous models without such recalls, this raises concerns about maintaining performance without compromising dependability.
Safety & Reliability Score
92/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-0.2
Investigation Impact-0
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2023 HYUNDAI Kona N
Model Year2023
MakeHYUNDAI
ModelKona N
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Jan23
NEWProduction
Sep23
ISSUEFirst Report
Dec24
RECALLRecall Issued
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
2 complaints (50% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 4 consumer complaints by severity level.
🟡Medium
1(25%)
🟢Low
3(75%)
✅Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.
Mileage Failure Analysis
⚙️Engineering Insight
With peak failures reported between 0-20k miles and an average failure mileage of around 16,000 miles, owners should expect to monitor their Kona N closely after purchase. Early symptoms could emerge shortly after hitting those initial milestones—it's vital not to ignore any unusual driving behavior.
📊 Mileage data extracted from 1 of 4 complaints (25% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (100%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
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Fuel Pump
Issue: Potential fuel pump failure leading to a loss of drive power.
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Check service records and schedule an inspection immediately if approaching critical mileage.
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Verify if recall repairs have been performed before purchasing.
Campaign:23V123
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your HYUNDAI dealer to verify recall completion status.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
Consequence
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 9, 2024. Some interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 262 and 023G.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
0 investigations
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No active investigations for this vehicle.
Consumer Complaints
4 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2023 Kona N.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Check Engine Light50%
Acceleration Issues25%
Power Loss25%
Jerk25%
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE
The knock sensor on the engine fails when exposed to any amount of water. The car is designed in a way that lets on too much. It’s something that is VERY common amongst owners of these vehicles. It’s a safety flaw that needs to be fixed because it puts the car in “limp” mode. That makes the car instantly halt acceleration. Please hold Hyundai accountable
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
After washing my '23 Kona N in a hand car wash, I experienced a sudden, complete loss of power as I was pulling into traffic immediately afterwards, nearly resulting in a rear-end collision. There was a flashing check engine light (CEL or MIL) on the dash, and I had to have the vehicle towed to a dealership. The stored OBD-II code is P132600 (knock sensor). The car has only 16k miles on it. This is a KNOWN ISSUE, and there are complaints about it all over Reddit, Facebook, and other Internet sites, and it also affects the same generation Elantra N. This issue can occur ANY TIME THE VEHICLE GETS WET. It is unacceptable that simply washing my car or driving my vehicle in the rain can cause me to lose all power and create an unsafe driving condition. PLEASE compel Hyundai to address this safety issue with a recall.
Steering/Suspension🔵 Low
STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car tends to jerk and almost jump when first pulling out of almost anywhere. Seems to have happened with other people with the same car. When you turn after pulling out sometimes, the car will jump and the suspension sounds like it’s jumping. The particular issue makes it hard to steer and can easily make the car lose control for anyone not experienced.
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE
I took my vehicle through a touch free car wash. After the wash the vehicle sat for about 10 to 20 minutes while I dried off the exterior and cleaned out my interior. After leaving the car wash the car made it less than a mile down the road and illuminated a flashing check engine light with a P132600 code implying a connection rod failure detected by the knock sensor. As of time of reporting the vehicle is still waiting to be serviced by the dealership as it is still under warranty. Safety can be impacted as the vehicle will immediately go into limp mode, throttling performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about the reliability of the 2023 Hyundai Kona N?
The reliability of the 2023 Hyundai Kona N is currently under scrutiny due to a recall concerning its fuel system. The primary concern is with the fuel pump potentially failing, which may lead to a loss of power while driving. If you're considering this vehicle or already own one, it's essential to stay updated on any recall repairs and monitor performance closely.
How does the fuel pump issue affect my driving experience in the Kona N?
'A malfunctioning fuel pump not only impacts performance but could also lead to dangerous situations if it fails unexpectedly while you’re on the road. If you notice any signs of trouble—like engine sputtering or sudden loss of acceleration—don’t hesitate to seek an inspection or repair.'
📊Year-over-Year Context
➡️Stable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2023 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
🧭What This Means for You
This information is especially relevant for drivers who rely on stop-and-go traffic or frequently use auto start-stop systems.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official HYUNDAI records to ensure no 1 recalls remain open.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in HYUNDAI's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
This specific Kona N year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.