2021 Hyundai Kona Problems
We deep-dive into 2021 Hyundai Kona problems: common issues, recalls, and thoughts on general 2021 Hyundai Kona reliability.
The Hyundai Kona is a futuristic selection from the iconic brand, offering excellent dimensions and a classy appearance. There are also ample features available for a solid price point. There are only a few years available so far, including the 2021 Hyundai Kona. Before investing in the 2021 model year, it’s helpful to check out the 2021 Hyundai Kona problems.
Unfortunately, no vehicle is without problems, and the 2021 version of the Hyundai Kona is one of the worst. If you’re determined to invest in it, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting into before purchasing the selection. Read on to learn more about the troubles in the 2021 Hyundai Kona and whether it’s a reliable vehicle worth the investment.
Trouble With the 2021 Hyundai Kona
Like any other vehicle, there are significant troubles available in the 2021 Hyundai Kona. It’s critical to be ready as an owner and uphold regular maintenance to keep the worst of it at bay.
Let’s dive into some of the most significant troubles with the 2021 Hyundai Kona. From faults with the engine to past recalls, there are ample considerations that can lead to a large hole in your pocket. Owning this vehicle means you should have a chunk of change on the side for repairs.
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Engine Oil Troubles
One of the first considerations on our list of 2021 Hyundai Kona problems is issues with the engine oil. These are widespread issues, and most drivers report this issue comes up in the first 15,000 miles of the car’s ownership. The engines burn oil and coolant too fast, which can lead to intense wear and tear on the various components inside the vehicle.
Here are some symptoms of engine oil issues:
- Check engine or oil light
- Dirty and dark oil
- Noisy and knocking engine
- Exhaust smoke
These show there could be something wrong with the engine.
Unfortunately, the engine is one of the more expensive areas of a vehicle to repair. Though it might be tempting to save money, leave the repairs and fixes to the professionals. Expect to pay somewhere around $5,000 if you must do a complete replacement of your engine. It will be less if it requires minor fixes.
Broken Headlights
Broken headlights also seem to be a strangely frequent trouble in the 2021 Hyundai Kona, especially within the first 25,000 miles of ownership. Water and condensation gather inside the headlights and shorts the light. This trouble can be problematic and requires a bulb replacement.
Indicators of broken headlights include the following:
- Flickering or dim lights
- Imperative lights
- Dim headlights
If anything is out of the ordinary, there’s likely something wrong with your headlights.
Luckily, headlights are something you can do by yourself if you’re familiar with the setup of the Hyundai Kona. However, if you’re unsure of the issue or are rarely around vehicles, take it to a professional. They will repair your machine and ensure the headlights are in working condition as soon as possible. Repair costs hover around $700 per light.
A/C System Failures
Unfortunately, the air conditioning system can fail even when the vehicle is under 10,000 miles. It’s a commonly reported trouble and is problematic in the heat of the summer. Drivers report the compressor tends to wear out, which in turn causes the entire system to fail and requires substantial improvements.
Here are indicators of an A/C system failure:
- Strange noises
- Weak airflow
- Unfortunate smells
- Warm air instead of cold
These are clear signs the air conditioning system is going through something dire.
Air conditioning is critical in any vehicle, so it’s vital to get it in check as soon as possible. For many cars, Hyundai offers to replace the compressor for free. However, if you don’t have access to that, it could cost around $1,500 to make this a reality for your 2021 Hyundai Kona.
HOW LONG DO HYUNDAI KONAS LAST?
If you’re interested in a Hyundai Kona, it’s helpful to know what you’ll get with your investment. You might wonder - how long do Hyundai Konas last?
Recalls
The final cap on the 2021 Hyundai Kona problems is the recall that occurred in this particular model. Luckily, the 2021 Kona wasn’t alone in this recall. Most small SUVs from the same year received the same recall.
In the recall, there were details surrounding an improper treatment of heat-treated piston oil rings. This trouble can cause leaks, which could then cause a fire in the vehicle. This recall was for a dangerous component in the car.
Luckily, there is a happy solution to this problem. Hyundai offers to replace this component in the engine for free in any impacted Kona selections.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona a Reliable Car?
We’ve gone over some of the most significant 2021 Hyundai Kona problems. Now, there’s a question to ask. Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona a dependable vehicle, or should you go with another model year?
According to cars.usnews.com, the 2021 Hyundai Kona is a semi-reliable vehicle. It scores 82 out of 100, which places it on the bottom portion of decent for the car. It isn’t at the top of the pack but it is far from the worst.
If you were to purchase a year of the Hyundai Kona, the 2020, 2021, and 2022 selections are the best. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t without their flaws. The 2021 model year, in particular, is prone to significant troubles.
No matter which year you select, take it for a test drive and have it examined by a mechanic before putting down any money. You never know how the previous owner of the vehicle treated the machine.
THE HYUNDAI KONA YEARS TO AVOID
In its first generation, you only have a few years of Kona to choose from if you’re buying used. Therefore, we’ll walk you through the worst Hyundai Kona years to avoid and the ones you can safely buy.
Final Thoughts
No car is without its issues, and that’s also true for the 2021 Hyundai Kona. The more you know about the machine and its faults, the easier it will be to decide if it’s the model year you want to go with. There are struggles in the 2021 Hyundai Kona.
We hope these details are beneficial, especially if you’re considering making the 2021 Hyundai Kona your own. No matter which vehicle you’re considering, examining all the details is critical for a complete picture.
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