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Top issues
14 known problems · 5 high
high
Hyundai engine class action (Australia) - Nu / GDi oil consumption
All engines
high
Nu piston-oil-ring defect (recall) - oil consumption, knock, seizure/fire risk
2.0L Nu MPi petrol (Atkinson)
high
7-speed dry DCT loss-of-drive (recall) and clutch shudder/overheat
1.6L Gamma T-GDi turbo petrol (AWD)
Recalls
5 on recordREC-000604
2020-11-18
Defect: The lithium-ion battery may have internal damage, or the Battery Management System control software may allow an electrical short circuit after charging.
Hazard: Vehicle fire risk.
Remedy: Hyundai dealer battery diagnosis and software update or battery replacement, free of charge.
Affected: Kona EV (OS) 2018-2020
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-30
REC-001623
2021-09-13
Defect: Piston rings assembled in the engine may be defective, damaging the piston rings and cylinder bore.
Hazard: Engine stall and/or oil leak, increasing risk of accident and/or fire.
Remedy: Hyundai dealer engine inspection/repair, free of charge.
Affected: 9,952 units; Kona and Veloster 2018-2020
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-30
REC-005607
2023-01-24
Defect: A programming issue where the fail-safe driving mode may not respond correctly to transmission faults.
Hazard: Reduced acceleration or loss of motive power.
Remedy: Hyundai dealer software update, free of charge.
Affected: 4,469 units; shared notice with Santa Fe (TM); Kona N (OS) 2020-2022
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-30
REC-006244
2025-01-17
Defect: A manufacturing defect in the high-pressure fuel pump's fuel control valve may allow excess fuel into the pump.
Hazard: Engine stall, sudden loss of motive power while driving.
Remedy: Hyundai dealer inspects/replaces the fuel pump, free of charge.
Affected: Shared notice with i30 Sedan N (CN7); Kona N (OS) 2020-2023
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-30
REC-006586
2026-04-09
Defect: A software issue in the Battery Management System (BMS) may cause an electrical short circuit while charging or parked.
Hazard: Vehicle fire risk.
Remedy: Hyundai dealer diagnoses the EV battery for a software update or battery cell rectification, free of charge.
Affected: 3,479 units, Kona EV (OS) 2018-2023
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-30
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Before and after
Before: None (new model line; sits below Tucson)
After: Hyundai Kona SX2 (2nd gen, 2023-)
Price (AUD)
$15k-$45k
Body styles
5-door SUV / crossover
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive (2.0 MPi petrol, Kona Electric), On-demand AWD (1.6 T-GDi turbo petrol, multi-plate coupling)
Origin
Korea
Built in
South Korea (Ulsan)
Overview
Hyundai's small monocoque crossover, sold in Australia from late 2017 as the OS generation in Active, Go, Elite and Highlander grades, plus the N Line trims and the standalone Kona Electric. It is a genuine on-road soft-roader: the volume seller is the 2.0L Nu MPi naturally aspirated petrol driving the front wheels through a conventional 6-speed torque-converter automatic (no CVT, no DCT - a real reliability advantage), while the sportier 1.6 T-GDi Gamma turbo gets a 7-speed dry dual-clutch (DCT) and an on-demand multi-plate AWD coupling. From 2019 Hyundai added the Kona Electric, an EV with a 150kW front motor and a 64kWh battery (the smaller 39kWh pack was NOT sold here). The big buyer caveats by powertrain: the 2.0 Nu engine is the subject of a worldwide piston-oil-ring recall and a high-profile Australian engine class action over oil consumption / knock / seizure risk, so demand proof the recall inspection (and PNSS software) was done; the 1.6's dry 7-speed DCT can shudder, hesitate and overheat in stop-start traffic and was recalled for a loss-of-drive fault on 2020-2022 builds; and early Kona Electrics carry the well-known LG battery fire recall (folded anode tab) plus a fresh 2026 urgent EV battery recall. The 2.0 auto is the safe used pick once the engine recall is confirmed; the turbo is more fun but adds DCT and AWD-coupling risk; the EV is excellent to drive but battery-recall history is non-negotiable to check.
Engines & variants
2.0L Nu MPi petrol (Atkinson)
Engine
2.0L Nu Atkinson-cycle multi-point-injection petrol I4
Engine code
Config
I4 NA
Displacement
1999cc
Power
110kW @ 6200rpm
Torque
180Nm @ 4500rpm
Drivetrain
FWD
Economy
6.7-7.2 L/100km combined (real-world ~8-9)
Tow (braked)
1300kg
Tow (unbraked)
600kg
Transmission
6AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Timing chain (no scheduled belt replacement)
Pros
- Conventional 6-speed torque-converter auto - no DCT or CVT to worry about
- Port (MPi) injection, not GDi, so far less intake-valve carbon
- Timing chain, FWD simplicity, cheapest Kona to buy and run
- Most common variant - easy to find serviced examples
Cons
- Subject of the Nu piston-oil-ring recall and an Australian engine class action
- Documented oil consumption on some engines; can lead to knock/seizure if ignored
- Atkinson tune is leisurely - only 110kW/180Nm in a 1.3t+ body
- FWD only; modest 1300kg braked tow
Known problems
high
Nu piston-oil-ring defect (recall) - oil consumption, knock, seizure/fire risk
Affected 2.0 Nu engines were assembled with piston oil rings of inconsistent heat treatment; excessive ring hardness can chip the ring and scuff the cylinder bore, causing rapid oil consumption, engine knock, oil-pressure warning, power loss and in the worst case a seized engine with a rod through the block (fire risk). This is the basis of the worldwide Nu recall and the Australian Hyundai engine class action.
Fix: Confirm the recall inspection was carried out and the enhanced ECU/Piston Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software is installed; if bore damage is found the engine is replaced. Check oil level and listen for cold knock before buying; avoid any neglected example.
medium
Excessive oil consumption
Beyond the recall scope, some Nu 2.0 engines drink oil between services; owners report needing top-ups and, in bad cases, related knock or low-oil warnings.
Fix: Monitor oil level closely between services; investigate any consumption with a leak-down/compression test; budget for engine work if it is using oil and burning it.
low
Reduced power / transmission clunk on acceleration
Sporadic reports of a clunk when accelerating and occasional hesitation; usually a software/adaptation or mount issue rather than a failed 6-speed auto, which is generally robust.
Fix: TCM software update and adaptation reset; inspect engine/transmission mounts; ATF service if neglected.
1.6L Gamma T-GDi turbo petrol (AWD)
Engine
1.6L Gamma turbocharged direct-injection petrol I4
Engine code
Config
I4 turbo
Displacement
1591cc
Power
130-146kW @ 5500-6000rpm
Torque
265Nm @ 1500-4500rpm
Drivetrain
On-demand AWD (multi-plate coupling, up to 50:50)
Economy
6.7-7.2 L/100km combined (real-world ~8-9.5)
Tow (braked)
1300kg
Tow (unbraked)
600kg
Transmission
7-speed dual-clutch (dry DCT)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Timing chain (no scheduled belt replacement)
Pros
- Genuinely quick and fun - strong mid-range torque from 1500rpm
- On-demand AWD adds wet-weather and light-trail security
- Timing chain; ReDriven notes it avoids the 2.0's worst engine issues
- N Line grades add sportier looks and equipment
Cons
- Dry 7-speed DCT can shudder, hesitate and overheat in stop-start traffic
- DCT subject to a loss-of-drive recall on 2020-2022 builds
- GDi direct injection builds intake-valve carbon over high km
- Premium-ish fuel preferred; AWD coupling adds a service item
Known problems
high
7-speed dry DCT loss-of-drive (recall) and clutch shudder/overheat
The dry 7-speed dual-clutch can shudder and hesitate from rest and overheat in heavy traffic; certain 2020-2022 Konas were recalled for a fault that could cause a complete loss of drive, a safety risk. Clutch packs and mechatronic faults are the main long-term DCT cost.
Fix: Confirm the DCT recall has been completed; have the clutch adaptation and mechatronic checked; budget for a clutch pack at higher km. Test thoroughly in stop-start traffic for shudder/overheat warnings before buying.
medium
GDi intake-valve carbon build-up
As a direct-injection (GDi) turbo, the Gamma 1.6 has no port-injection fuel wash over the intake valves, so carbon accumulates over time, causing rough idle, misfire and lost response.
Fix: Walnut-blast / intake clean if symptomatic; quality fuel, regular oil changes and the occasional spirited highway run slow it.
low
AWD multi-plate coupling / fluid wear
The on-demand AWD uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch coupling to the rear axle; neglected coupling fluid or a worn coupling can cause shudder on tight turns or reduced rear drive.
Fix: Service the coupling/rear-drive fluid per schedule; diagnose any tight-turn shudder; check for fault codes on the AWD system.
Kona Electric (64kWh)
Engine
Single front-mounted permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor with 64kWh lithium-ion battery
Engine code
EM16
Config
Single e-motor, FWD
Displacement
N/A (electric)
Power
150kW
Torque
395Nm
Drivetrain
FWD
Economy
~14.3-15.7 kWh/100km; ~449-484km WLTP range
Tow (braked)
Not rated for towing
Tow (unbraked)
Not rated for towing
Transmission
Single-speed reduction gear
Timing chain / belt / gear
N/A (electric motor, no timing chain/belt)
Pros
- Strong instant torque (395Nm), genuinely quick and refined
- Long real-world range from the 64kWh pack; cheap to run
- No engine, DCT or AWD coupling to service - very low routine maintenance
- One of the best-regarded early affordable long-range EVs
Cons
- Early cars carry the LG battery fire recall (full pack replacement)
- A fresh 2026 urgent battery recall affects OS EVs built May 2018-Jul 2023
- Battery degradation/replacement cost dominates the buy decision
- Australia got only the 64kWh pack (no cheaper 39kWh option); not rated to tow
Known problems
high
LG high-voltage battery fire recall (folded anode tab)
Certain 2019-2020 Kona Electrics used LG battery cells with a manufacturing defect (a folded anode tab) that could cause an internal short and, rarely, thermal runaway and fire. Hyundai Australia recalled affected cars (built ~Jan 2018-Mar 2020) for software and, in many cases, full battery-pack replacement.
Fix: Confirm the original LG battery recall was completed (BMS update and/or pack replacement); get the full recall and battery-replacement history before buying.
high
2026 urgent EV battery safety recall
Hyundai Australia issued a fresh 'Urgent Safety Recall' for OS-generation Kona Electrics built 15 May 2018 to 15 Jul 2023, including cars whose battery was already replaced under the 2020 recall. This is a live safety action.
Fix: Check the VIN against Hyundai/Product Safety recall records and confirm the 2026 EV battery recall has been actioned before purchase.
medium
High-voltage battery degradation / replacement cost
As with any EV, usable capacity falls over time and with frequent DC fast-charging; out-of-warranty pack replacement is the single biggest cost risk on an older Kona Electric.
Fix: Request a battery state-of-health (SoH) report; favour cars within the high-voltage battery warranty; avoid heavily DC-fast-charged examples and check charging history.