What weaknesses does the Hyundai Kona OS have?

The Hyundai 1.6L CRDi (Smartstream) (Diesel, 116–136 PS) comes with 2 different engines: D4FE (2018–2020, Be Careful) und D4FE (2018–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.6L CRDi (Smartstream)!

The Hyundai 1.0L T-GDI (Kappa II) (Benziner, 120 PS) has the G3LC (1.0L T-GDI (Kappa II)) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.

The Hyundai 1.4L (Kappa) (Benziner, 100 PS) has the G4LC (1.4L (Kappa)) — rated: "Good Choice", 5 known weaknesses.

The Hyundai 1.6L T-GDI (Gamma II) (Benziner, 177 PS) has the G4FJ (1.6L T-GDI (Gamma II)) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.

The Hyundai Kona Hybrid (Benziner Hybrid, 141 PS) has the G4LE (1.6L GDi Hybrid (Smartstream)) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Hyundai Kona Elektro (Elektro, 136–204 PS) comes with 2 different engines: EM10 (2018–2020, Be Careful) und EM10 (2018–2020, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the Kona Elektro!

Vehicle Weaknesses

	Weakness	Cost
✖	DCT damage: judder and acceleration problem The DCT on the Kona OS shows judder when shifting and later reduced acceleration. Especially in city use the clutch is heavily loaded. Symptoms: Judder when shifting, later more difficult acceleration from 60,000 km Ad DCT clutch Kona OS Dual clutch Kona 2017	High
!	Dual-clutch gearbox — judder when pulling away The 7-speed DCT on the Kona OS tends to jerk when shifting in city driving and hesitates on take-off. Clutch wear increased on short runs and towing. Symptoms: Judder when pulling away, delayed throttle response, clutch judder at low speed from 60,000 km Ad Clutch Hyundai Kona OS DCT Dual clutch Kona 1.6 T-GDI	High

NHTSA Owner Complaints

Below Average

625 complaints · 2017–2023

Engine

340 ⚠ 5

Other

116 ⚠ 9

Electrical

90 ⚠ 4

Powertrain

Collision Avoidance

48 ⚠ 8

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (340 complaints)

⚠ Other (116 complaints)

⚠ Electrical (90 complaints)

Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 64 weaknesses have been documented for the Hyundai Kona OS (2017–2023) — 55 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. 4 problem engines: G3LC (1.0L T-GDI (Kappa II)), G4FJ (1.6L T-GDI (Gamma II)), G4KH (2.0L T-GDI (Theta II-N)), G4NA (2.0L MPI (Nu)). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Other, Electronics, Brakes. Considered reliable: G4LC (1.4L (Kappa)).

Kona (D4FE, 2018–2020) — Be Careful: EGR valve contamination, DPF regeneration fails on short trips, VTG turbocharger actuator seized. Power: 116 PS.

Kona (D4FE, 2018–2020) — Be Careful: EGR valve contamination, DPF regeneration fails on short trips, VTG turbocharger actuator seized. Power: 136 PS.

Kona (G3LC, 2017–2020) — Stay Away!: Turbocharger sensitivity on small displacement, Timing chain tensioner Kappa T-GDi, Timing chain stretches prematurely. Power: 120 PS.

Kona (G4FJ, 2017–2020) — Stay Away!: Fuel contamination of engine oil, Turbocharger oil coking, LSPI: pre-ignition at low rpm. Power: 177 PS.

Kona (G4FT-ICE, 2020–2023) — Be Careful: Timing chain — replacement recommended before 130,000 km, GDI direct injection carbons intake valves, CVVD variable valve duration system — early field experience shows actuator problems. Power: 199 PS.

Kona (G4KH, 2021–2023) — Stay Away!: Connecting Rod Bearing Damage from Metal Swarf (Recall), Fuel Contamination of Engine Oil, Theta-II Recall: Connecting Rod Bearings and Fire Risk. Power: 280 PS.

Kona (G4NA, 2021–2023) — Stay Away!: Timing Chain Stretch and Jumping, Cylinder Bore Scoring from Catalytic Converter Disintegration, Recall: Cylinder Bore Scuffing (Piston Rings). Power: 147 PS.

Kona (G4LE, 2019–2020) — Be Careful: Hybrid Battery Cooling Fails at High Ambient Temperature, GDI Direct Injection Causes Intake Valve Carbon Buildup, Elevated Oil Consumption from Piston Ring Tolerances. Power: 105 PS.

Kona (D4FE, 2021–2023) — Be Careful: EGR valve contamination, DPF regeneration fails on short trips, VTG turbocharger actuator seized. Power: 136 PS.

Kona (EM10, 2018–2020) — Be Careful: Electric motor bearing wear from electrical current, 12V battery discharge, Traction battery capacity loss from DC fast charging. Power: 136 PS.

Kona (EM10, 2018–2020) — Be Careful: Electric motor bearing wear from electrical current, 12V battery discharge, Traction battery capacity loss from DC fast charging. Power: 204 PS.

What to watch out for with the Hyundai Kona? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Hyundai Kona OS have? +

The Hyundai Kona OS has 55 known engine weaknesses and 9 vehicle weaknesses.

What should I look for when buying a used Hyundai Kona OS? +

faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec

Which engine is recommended? +

Good choice: G4LC (1.4L (Kappa)). The most reliable engine is the G4LC (1.4L (Kappa)) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the G4KH (2.0L T-GDI (Theta II-N)). Problem engine: G4KH (2.0L T-GDI (Theta II-N)) — stay away!

Which Hyundai Kona OS engine is the most reliable? +

The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Hyundai Kona OS. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 5 known weaknesses to be aware of.

Which Hyundai Kona OS engine is the most fun? +

The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Hyundai Kona OS — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The Kona N is what no other compact SUV dares to be: a genuine N car with 280 hp, N-DCT, and electronic LSD. A Veloster N for people with car seats in the back. The higher center of gravity shows up, but the chassis overcompensates brilliantly. On a back road it is shockingly fast — for an SUV, or anything at this price.

Is the Hyundai Kona OS worth buying used? +

Caution is advised with the Hyundai Kona OS — 4 of 9 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.

What horsepower variants are available for the Hyundai Kona OS? +

The Hyundai Kona OS is available with engine variants from 99 to 280 hp. Petrol: G3LC (1.0L T-GDI (Kappa II)), G4LC (1.4L (Kappa)), G4FJ (1.6L T-GDI (Gamma II)), G4KH (2.0L T-GDI (Theta II-N)), G4NA (2.0L MPI (Nu)), G4LE (1.6L GDi Hybrid (Smartstream)), G4FT-ICE (1.6L T-GDI (Smartstream)). Diesel: D4FE (1.6L CRDi (Smartstream)).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee