Hyundai Kona 2023: Retiros, Quejas y Ley de Limón de California

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.

NHTSA #11726817

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.

NHTSA #11677647

Horn keeps failing

NHTSA #11684733

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.

NHTSA #11727689

Liftgate was clicking leaving interior lights on Drained battery- had to buy new battery! NOW Liftgate wil NOT open at all.

NHTSA #11721170

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.

NHTSA #11710576

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.

NHTSA #11728608

Check engine light on DTC 218100 Code Was this vehicle included in recall?

NHTSA #11640456

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V526000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, Hyundai West (10611 W Arthur Ave., West Allis, WI 53227), and was informed that parts might be available in two to three weeks after being taken in for service. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA #11553420

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)

NHTSA #11716965

Horn does not work.

NHTSA #11612439

Horn stopped Working out of nowhere.

NHTSA #11561806

Forward Safety Mode is the default setting on every time you start the vehicle and this mode when entering from side streets or any strip center or lane into on coming traffic lanes the vehicle senses you crossing the road lines and kills the Accelerator ! When trying to enter onto the main road even if you allow enough time to accelerate to pull out onto main road : The vehicle thinks you are off raod or in some sort of danger and kills the accelerator and if you think fast enough after the 2-3 second delay you can floor the accelerator and the vehicle will then start picking up after a dangerous delay that can get someone t-boned and very serious accident if not possible death. Its a very dangerous function. Note: I manually go in and turn this forward safety to warning only or off. I use the warning but the real problem is you have to do this upon every start after turning the engine off. I think this needs to be seriously looked into.If you dont turn to warning setting and go to say pull out of a store onto the highway and dont leave enough time to avoid on coming traffic and or you freeze due to no accelleration you are in deep trouble and maybe an accident !! Or Death..

NHTSA #11591990

Had left Costco and while driving away down road to intersection, the 2023 Kona SEL abruptly locked the brakes and briefly skidded, as it displayed Emergency Braking Activated message on display. I had crossed a dotted line to enter a left turn lane at about 20 mph to make a turn which should not have triggered the AEB-there wasnt anything in front of me whatsoever except empty road, the roadway was dry and unobstructed. I maintained control of the car after being surprised by the brakes locking up for a second or two without any warning. I have not experienced this before after driving the Kona for little over a year and a half, with 22, 000 miles. I experienced repeated phantom braking problems with a 2120 Mazda Cx30 I previously owned; the Kona braked harder into a brief skid but shorter in time than the CX30. This was more dangerous!

NHTSA #11568881

Within 1 mile of having windshield replaced the mirror broke free falling down completely distracted the driver, tried to grab mirror did not see the car ahead applied his brakes the forward collision warning and the automatic emergency braking did not warn of the danger or avoid it . the driver applied the brakes but not soon to avoid the accident

NHTSA #11523497

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.

NHTSA #11676079

ALL OF THE VEHICLE SAFETY ALERTS ARE NOT WORKING. HMFUSA HAS CHANGED THE VIN NUMBER ON THIS VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP SAYS THE VEHICLE CAN NOT BE REPAIRED.

NHTSA #11594330

This has happened 3 times and I’ve only owned the car since Sept 2023, the first time was Feb 4 2024, then Feb 28th and March 11, 2024, when I am trying to accelerate I push on the gas and the rpm’s will go higher but the car doesn’t gain any speed.so when trying to pass a vehicle I can’t because it will do this and it’s dangerous, I do have a video of this

NHTSA #11579866

The car is set at a speed for cruise control. For no reason it loses power, after a while it returns speed as set. At the beginning the doors weren’t working for locking and unlocking by the handle. Seems okay now but I made a video showing the rear camera staying on while driving. Also included, two pictures of maintenance reports with different results.

NHTSA #11496647

While driving on the highway on an extended trip my cruise control dropped its speed from 71 to 65 without warning. On one occasion it happened while I was in the passing lane with a lot of traffic behind me. It created a very dangerous situation before I could get into the right lane. Another incident was when again I was driving along, no one in front of me, beside me or behind me and the speed dropped once again. Had I been in traffic who knows what would have happened. I have turned the automatic breaking system off because while on a trip I was in the right lane when a car cut me off. The breaks went on and the car went totally out of control! I have filed a complaint with Hyundai and after waiting 8 weeks for a call regarding my case number they refuse to acknowledge that it is a manufacturing issue. I have had the vehicle into the dealer 3 times and they have not been able to replicate it by driving around the area, but have not taken it out on the highway at a higher speed which is when it occurs and when one would use the cruise control. I have only 9,000 miles on the car at this point and no remedy in sight.

NHTSA #11554821

The cruise control on this 2023 Kona has not worked since the day I purchased it. When the cruise control is engaged it will suddenly decelerate, but the cruise still appears engaged. It sometimes then suddenly reaccelerates. This causes traffic to suddenly back up behind me, and also to be in danger in front of me when it reaccelerates rapidly. I informed the dealer immediately of the issue. They advised there was a 2022 in their shop for the exact same issue at 8,000 miles. They asked me to bring mine in, which I have done now three times. That shop now has 4 Konas with the exact same issue, yet they do not have a fix. The Hyundai forum boards are full of this same complaint. I have contacted Hyundai Corporate. They also don’t have a solution, but won’t take back my new vehicle. I have less than 1,000 miles on this Kona - most of that from driving one hour to/from the dealer 3 times. I have been understanding and professional in my dealings with them however, I have run out of patience. I did not get what I paid for and am being asked to put myself/my family in danger driving this vehicle back and forth to this dealer who doesn’t even have a fix.

NHTSA #11518022

This is the second dangerous situation on the highway. Both were within reasonable speed and distance, and the car couldn't come to a complete stop. This time there was an accident and I hit the car in front of me. I realized the car had a very important brake failure malfunction.

NHTSA #11519158

In damp weather the brake rotors corrode overnight. This causes the brakes to lock up when the brake pedal is touched gently. The car then stops quickly and unexpectedly. This could result in the car being rear ended in traffic. This problem has occurred 7 times since I bought the car.

NHTSA #11512204

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)

NHTSA #11698455

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

NHTSA #11679588

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:

NHTSA #11674917

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

NHTSA #11672323

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.

NHTSA #11715395

Vehicle was service at a Hyundai Dealer for routine required maintenance to continue the warranty. Less than 24 hours later I was driving my special needs, handicap daughter to breakfast and pulled into a handicap parking space and placed my foot on the brake. The pedal seemed to not have any tension and go to the floor. The emergency collision warning went off, but the brakes did not work. The vehicle jumped over a parking curb, knocking over a handicap sign, going across the sidewalk, hitting a garbage can and finally coming to a stop in a brick building.

Reportado presuntamente: 2 lesiones (según lo reportado a NHTSA). NHTSA #11636006

I received a notification by email from NHTSA about a recall for our 2023 Hyundai Kona N. It states that the recall has to do with Loss of Drive Power from Fuel Pump Failure. Your recall ID 24V528 sent July 22, I phoned the dealer, Mike Murphy in Peoria, Illinois and they could not find this recall. I have an appointment with them on Oct 24 to bring in my car for an oil change and to fix a recall on the trunk lock (I was not given any info on this recall until I contacted the dealership). Since I put in my VIN # above, It did not turn up anything either. What's going on and why are you sending Recalls that have nothing to do with my vehicle (?)

NHTSA #11620184

While driving, my car completely turned off and the dashboard say “engine turn off”. This happened on two separate occasions. Also on separate occasions while i was driving the beep to indicate that i was too close to another car went off when i was not near another car, during that time it also emergency breaked on its own.

NHTSA #11595972

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.

NHTSA #11707833

Horn is not working. When the horn is pressed from the driver's seat, no noise is made. Checked fuse in engine fuse box compartment. 15A fuse is ok (not blown, etc). Checked with spare 15A and that did not work either. Reported problem to dealership and they plan to investigate and repair. Google search indicated this is not the first Hyundai Kona to have this issue. This should be more looked into by regulatory boards.

NHTSA #11557134

Rodent damage found during 1-year maintenance. This is an increasing problem that is under-reported. Damage was found before any wires were effected, however, the wiring was exposed and would have caused a malfunction had this not been detected by technician. 1. Automakers across the board are using cheaper, soy-based elements to wrap wiring and customers are having to deal with the result of subpar parts. 2. With automakers increasing the time allowed between oil changes, customers are given a false sense of functionality in the vehicles they drive. 3. Automakers that advertise "free maintenance" should not be allowed to limit maintenance to once per year or every 5,000-8,000 miles, as more prudent inspection would prevent customers from unknowingly having their cars devoured by rodents.

NHTSA #11562355

While driving at 60 miles per hour on an interstate, the car's steering system took control of the car and made a quick "S" maneuver. It took all of my strength to maintain control of my car. This incident lasted for just a second or two but it was potentially very dangerous to me (the driver of the car) and to nearby cars (and their drivers). The vehicle is available for inspection. I just reported the incident to to Hyundai and haven't heard back from them. There seemed to be some kind of red warning message on the computer screen, but I couldn't read it because I was so busy fighting the steering wheel for control of the car.

NHTSA #11548719

The rear door Latch opens while vehicle is moving and I've have taken it to service and they don't know what failure is al about.Its a manufacture failure.

NHTSA #11555097

Car has only 3000 miles and already has a bad battery. Code DTC P1AA600

NHTSA #11534905

Car stopped accelerating on the highway and held me at 40mph. This happened twice. Then before being able to get it in for service while driving the car made a loud bang and came to a rolling stop again on the highway and the transmission control system alarm went off and the car would not move. Had to get towed off the highway and in a rental now. This was a brand new 2023 hyundai kona sel limited.

NHTSA #11531199

Car pulls to the right since I had it..the dealer did a alignment twice already but it still pulls to the right..they did a alignment at around 5000 miles and again at 8000 miles but it still does it.

NHTSA #11592357

The vehicle was purchased brand new. After the first recommended oil change interval, the car has leaking oil daily. A complaint of the leak made to the dealer at 2nd oil change. Dealer stated they found nothing wrong. Car still leaks oil even after subsequent oil changes at prescribed service intervals. We now have to place a pan underneath the vehicle while it’s parked in the garage to catch the daily oil leaks. Very frustrating and very concerning that a brand new car is leaking oil.

NHTSA #11573887

While traveling at 70 mph on the freeway my 2023 Kona with less than 2,000 miles dropped into neutral and lost speed, almost causing a crash. I’m lucky the driver behind me braked in time. The dealer has informed me that the transmission needs to be replaced.

NHTSA #11525038

P235/40 R19 Pirelli P-Zero driver and passenger front tires and rear driver. Purchased Hyundai Kona N on Oct 25, 2023 new (<50miles). Vehicle sold new with these tires already installed. Pressure always maintained per recommendations. Noticed tire cracking and stability issues several months ago. Vehicle has 4000 miles on it now. Front driver and passenger tires are heavily cracked and throwing off chunks of rubber from tread. Rear driver side tire showing slight signs of cracking. Rear passenger tire seems ok. Integrity of the tires are compromised. Highly concerned about a major blowout of the tires. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My personal safety and the safety of my children are at risk from major tire blowout, loss of control of vehicle, major accident, injury and/or death. Emailed and spoke with representatives at Palatine Hyundai (Dealer of Sale) on May 9th requesting pro-rata replacement of the defective tires... never was contacted back by the dealer or any representative. Emailed with representatives of Pirelli Tires on May 9th requesting pro-rata replacement of defective tires... was told that there was nothing they could do because the vehicle with the tires was purchased in Illinois and terminated all communication with me. Called Hyundai Customer Assistance and opened a case with them. I was told that even though the vehicle was purchased with the tires installed by dealer, they couldn't do anything and that I should contact the tire manufacturer. I followed up with the call and added photos of the defective tires to the associated case number with Hyundai. Do my kids or I need to die in a car crash before action is taken by the dealer, tire/vehicle manufacturer, or a governmental agency? How far does this need to go?

NHTSA #11523201

P235/40 R19 Pirelli P-Zero driver and passenger front tires and rear driver. Purchased Hyundai Kona N on Oct 25, 2023 new (<50miles). Vehicle sold new with these tires already installed. Pressure always maintained per recommendations. Noticed tire cracking and stability issues several months ago. Vehicle has 4000 miles on it now. Front driver and passenger tires are heavily cracked and throwing off chunks of rubber from tread. Rear driver side tire showing slight signs of cracking. Rear passenger tire seems ok. Integrity of the tires are compromised. Highly concerned about a major blowout of the tires. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My personal safety and the safety of my children are at risk from major tire blowout, loss of control of vehicle, major accident, injury and/or death. Emailed and spoke with representatives at Palatine Hyundai (Dealer of Sale) on May 9th requesting pro-rata replacement of the defective tires... never was contacted back by the dealer or any representative. Emailed with representatives of Pirelli Tires on May 9th requesting pro-rata replacement of defective tires... was told that there was nothing they could do because the vehicle with the tires was purchased in Illinois and terminated all communication with me. Called Hyundai Customer Assistance and opened a case with them. I was told that even though the vehicle was purchased with the tires installed by dealer, they couldn't do anything and that I should contact the tire manufacturer. I followed up with the call and added photos of the defective tires to the associated case number with Hyundai. Do my kids or I need to die in a car crash before action is taken by the dealer, tire/vehicle manufacturer, or a governmental agency? How far does this need to go?

NHTSA #11523202

i was driving at 45mph and a deer came in front of my car . We hit the deer in front of car , deer approximitly 100 lbs no warning like brake sytem lane obstruction or air bags deployed ? I bought this car based Hyundai telling me how safe of car it is . When obiously it is not I notified Hyundai america of these things and they said everything worked correctly ?

NHTSA #11516654

The radio/GPS screen cuts out and goes completely blank and I can't turn it off or down or do anything with the radio. The tire pressure lights come on and off at random times. The backup camera randomly stays on when I'm driving and I can't get it to go back to a regular screen. The lights randomly turn on and off when I am driving. There is obviously some kind of electrical issues.

NHTSA #11498123

My 2023 Hyundai Kona SEL FWD currently has approximately 1500 miles on the odometer. Pretty much since the day I my 2023 Kona SEL on 9/3/2022, the car has had an issue where, after I start the car and begin driving it for about 20 or 30 seconds the car will lose power entirely. Engine shuts down, and the following warning codes illuminate-Immobilizer, check engine light, battery light, and oil lights come on and the car prompts me to restart it. Sometimes an alarm will also sound, flashing red, with the following message on the vehicle's information display "Engine Off! Shift to N, then start engine." At other times the following message will appear "Shift to P and N to start engine." Initially this happened once or twice a week, 1-2 times a day, usually after the vehicle has been powered off for 12 or more hours. As of the writing of this message, 11/2/2022, this issue occured 4 times in one day. The first time in the morning while I was driving the vehicle at low speeds and applied the brakes, and the other 3 times in the evening, also while I was driving at low speeds and applied the brake. Fortunately, vehicle shuts down when I am driving at low speeds while the brake is applied. I personally feel unsafe driving the car, because I am not sure if the issue will worsen and the vehicle will lose power while it being driven at higer speeds and public roasds. I have a servicing appointment scheduled my with Hyundai dealership for 11/11/2022 (this message is dated 11/2/2022). Honestly, I am very concerned the problem will worsen. I hope the dealership will be able to reproduce and rectify the issue. I have opened a case with Hyundai USA in this regard as well. I am not sure what specific system is causing the above warning lights and warnings to appear, or causing the vehicle to lose power while being driven at low speeds with the brake applied, but the vehicle would defintely be available for further inspection if needed.

NHTSA #11492026