2023 HYUNDAI Kona

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

1RecallsNHTSA Verified52ComplaintsNHTSA Data0InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2023 Hyundai Kona exhibits a concerning reliability profile due to an active recall related to the powertrain's electronic controller. With a significant number of complaints and a peak failure range within the critical early mileage period, buyers should proceed with caution.

Key Factor:Powertrain overheating risks

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

The presence of one recall for the 2023 Hyundai Kona highlights potential issues with the powertrain, specifically concerning the automatic transmission oil pump's electronic controller which may overheat. This defect raises questions about the overall longevity and performance reliability of the vehicle during its crucial early driving years. Additionally, with 52 complaints logged, it suggests that current owners are experiencing various difficulties that could impact their day-to-day driving experience. In this competitive segment, where quality and dependability are paramount, manufacturers like Hyundai must maintain strict engineering standards to reassure potential buyers. A single recall in tandem with numerous complaints can detract from the vehicle's perceived value and trustworthiness in comparison to rivals within its class who may offer less problematic histories.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis

  • πŸ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • βš–οΈ
    Vs Brand: Better than avg (1.7)
    πŸ“
    Summary: Considering the reliability history of the Hyundai Kona brand over recent years, this model's current recall situation is more worrisome than typically expected for new entrants in its category. The high volume of complaints indicates that while engineering improvements have been made, specific areas still require attention from both manufacturers and consumers alike.
Critical Component: Warning

Safety & Reliability Score

89/100
Very Good

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-2.6
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2023 HYUNDAI Kona

Model Year2023
MakeHYUNDAI
ModelKona
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Nov22
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan23
NEWProduction
Jan23
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

11 complaints (21% of total)
➑️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
βœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 52 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
5(10%)
🟑Medium
9(17%)
🟒Low
38(73%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

βš™οΈEngineering Insight

With most failures occurring within the first 20,000 miles and an average failure mileage of just under 11,000 miles, current owners should be particularly vigilant as issues may likely arise soon after purchase. This early failure period signals that potential buyers should be cautious regarding this vehicle’s immediate performance and long-term reliability.

πŸ“Š Mileage data extracted from 14 of 52 complaints (27% coverage)
0-20k
13 reports (93%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
1 reports (7%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

POWER TRAIN

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Powertrain

Issue: The electronic controller for the oil pump may overheat, causing operational issues.

βœ…

Monitor transmission performance closely and report any irregularities immediately.

πŸ”

Request detailed service records indicating any repairs or maintenance related to the powertrain.

Campaign:NHTSA Campaign Number Not Provided
πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your HYUNDAI dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (1)

Campaign: 23V526000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
βœ“

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

52 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2023 Kona.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning21%
Accident12%
Acceleration Issues10%
Stall8%
Check Engine Light6%
Crash/Accident6%
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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)

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #23V526000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Nov 9, 2025Open
Other⚠️ High
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 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.

Sep 21, 2025Under Review
OtherπŸ”Ά Medium
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 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.

Sep 17, 2025Under Review
ElectricalπŸ”΅ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Horn keeps failing

Sep 3, 2025Under Review
ElectricalπŸ”΅ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Aug 28, 2025Under Review
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My car intermittently loses power when I’m driving and I almost got hit yesterday.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #23V526000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Aug 9, 2025Under Review
ElectricalπŸ”΅ Low
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 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.

Jul 31, 2025Under Review
Safety SystemsπŸ”΅ Low
LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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.

Jul 25, 2025Under Review
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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:

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #23V526000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Jul 20, 2025Under Review
Safety SystemsπŸ”΅ Low
SEAT BELTS

The front passenger seatbelt buckle has trouble latching when buckling seatbelt.

Jul 9, 2025Under Review

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common issues reported by owners of the 2023 Hyundai Kona?

Owners have reported electrical concerns primarily focused on powertrain performance which could include symptoms like stalling or erratic shifting behavior stemming from potential overheating issues related to the oil pump controller.

How does warranty coverage apply for recalls on a new Hyundai Kona?

Hyundai generally offers extensive warranty coverage for recalls on new vehicles like the Kona. Any repairs associated with safety recalls will typically be covered at no cost to you as part of manufacturer obligations. It's advisable for buyers to check if all recall updates have been serviced prior to purchasing.

πŸ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

➑️Stable 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

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

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.
πŸ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 1 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.
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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.