Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems: Drivers of the 2019 Hyundai Kona have reported several recurring problems, notably with the engine, braking, and electrical systems.
Hyundai issued a recall in the 2019 Kona for improperly heat-treated piston oil rings. Additionally, the manufacturer also released two recalls that included the 2019 Kona Electric due to potential fire hazards related to its battery and electrical systems.
Another recall was also issued for the Electronic Brake system in the 2019 Kona Electric.
There have also been complaints regarding the braking system of the 2019 Kona. Hyundai drivers have encountered premature wear of brake pads and rotors, vibration during braking, and problems with the antilock braking system.
To learn more about the safety concerns and available remedies for 2019 Hyundai Kona owners, continue reading below.
Common 2019 Hyundai Kona Problems
- Engine: Check engine light, excessive oil consumption, loss of power, knocking sounds, sudden acceleration, stalling
- Braking System: High-pitched noises from the brakes, spongy brakes, brake pulses, dashboard warning light, signs of wobbling or vibration, shuddering in brake pedal, sudden activation of the automatic emergency brake
- Electrical System: Key fob issues, door lock errors, sudden shutoff of electrical system, battery failure, reduced battery charge, battery warning light
2019 Hyundai Kona Engine Problems
Owners of the 2019 Hyundai Kona have reported several engine-related problems, with the most significant being issues related to the piston oil rings.
These problems can lead to excessive engine wear, stalling, and in severe cases, an increased risk of fire due to oil leaks onto hot exhaust components.
In 2021, Hyundai issued a recall affecting 2019 Kona models equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The recall addressed concerns about piston oil rings that might not have undergone proper heat treatment.
This defect could lead to significant engine problems, such as excessive wear, stalling, or, in severe cases, an increased risk of fire. An engine with this issue could leak oil onto hot exhaust components, potentially igniting a fire.
To address this problem, Hyundai dealerships are conducting inspections and, if necessary, replacing the affected engines at no cost to the vehicle owner.
Additionally, Hyundai is updating the vehicles with Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software.
The recall is registered under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number 21V301.
2019 Hyundai Kona Braking Problems
Several 2019 Hyundai Kona owners have reported various braking problems, including premature wear of brake pads and rotors, pulsation or vibration, and issues with the antilock braking system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, and brake squeaking. Some have also experienced brake failure.
Hyundai previously issued a recall for certain 2019 Kona models equipped with an Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system.
This defect could cause the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) to light up and significantly impair braking performance due to an abnormal sensor signal.
The recall is identified by Hyundai’s recall number 199 and NHTSA campaign number 20V748.
2019 Hyundai Kona Electrical System Problems
Drivers of the 2019 Hyundai Kona have encountered various electrical system issues, particularly with the battery and related components.
These problems can pose significant fire hazards, which have led to multiple manufacturer bulletins, recalls, and extensive repair measures.
In February 2021, Hyundai issued a recall affecting 2019 Kona Electric vehicles due to potential fire hazards linked to the battery and electrical systems.
This recall was later expanded to include vehicles in the United States, South Korea, and other regions, covering those manufactured between August 28, 2018, and March 2, 2020.
Initially, Hyundai’s Recall 196 allowed dealers to update software, inspect the lithium-ion battery, and replace it if necessary. Hyundai has since expanded this recall with Recall 200, which includes additional remedies.
The NHTSA campaign number for the February 2021 recall affecting 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric vehicles due to potential fire hazards linked to the battery and electrical systems is 21V-127.
As an interim measure, owners can update their battery software through the vehicle’s infotainment system or request assistance from a Hyundai dealer.
It is also recommended that owners park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the issue is addressed.
Many drivers have reported challenges in obtaining recall repairs and replacement parts, particularly EV batteries, with some waiting months for resolution.
Complaints from 2019 Kona Drivers
“11 days after purchasing the vehicle it began shutting completely off in the middle of me driving it, losing all power for no reason I could see and would not turn on for a considerable amount of time. I brought the vehicle back to the dealership on 6 separate occasions, one of the times my car stayed at Jenkins Hyundai for 12 weeks while they tried to find the issue. Finally, it was towed to a Hyundai dealership in Valdosta, GA who kept it for 2 weeks and found two electrical shorts under the front bumper. After this repair it stopped losing power randomly but I still experienced electrical surges, flickering, and consistently blown lightbulbs. It was brought back to my dealership I bought from after this but they claimed nothing was wrong, so I gave up trying. I don’t feel like my issues were ever taken seriously and I am now stuck with this vehicle.”
“We brought our 2019 Kona EV in for the battery recall and the Battery Maintenance System (BMS) recall. The reduced charge amount to 80% and ran the BMS software update. This was on a Friday (5/7/21). We picked up our car that same day and drove home. Drove the car twice over the weekend and charged the car overnight, Sunday-Monday. When we got in the car Monday morning (5/10/21), the car would not go into gear (forward or reverse). On the dash and the info screen, was a message about an Electrical System Failure. We had to have the car towed to the local Hyundai dealer (Curry Hyundai, Cortlandt, NY). The told us the BMS caused the battery to go into lockdown mode and that there was no resolution except for the battery to be replaced. We were told to get a battery could take several months. They gave us a loaner but it is not an electric vehicle. So far no one know when or if a battery will be available.”
“I bought a brand -new 2019 Kona and the display screen started having issues within 2 weeks with the display screen not coming on And it sucks because we can’t even listen to the radio or do anything without it on.”
How the Lemon Law Can Work for You
If your 2019 Hyundai Kona frequently experiences problems affecting its performance and reliability while still under warranty, the Lemon Law can offer valuable protection.
This law provides legal recourse for consumers whose vehicles consistently fail to meet quality and performance standards despite multiple repair attempts.
To qualify under the Lemon Law, your vehicle must undergo a reasonable number of repair attempts for the same issue, or have a significant problem that affects its use, value, or safety.
What constitutes a reasonable number of attempts can vary, but it generally means at least three to four repair attempts for the same issue, or the vehicle being out of service for a significant amount of time.
If your Kona meets these criteria, you may be entitled to one of several remedies, which can include a refund, a replacement vehicle, or monetary compensation.
The manufacturer may deduct a usage fee for the time the vehicle was operational and trouble-free from any refund or replacement value.
If you opt for a replacement vehicle, you could be responsible for covering any difference in cost between the original and the new vehicle.
For those dealing with ongoing issues with their Kona, be sure to maintain detailed records of all repairs and communications with the dealer or manufacturer.
These records can serve as crucial evidence in proving that your vehicle qualifies as a lemon.
Let the Experts Turn Your Lemon into Lemonade!
If you are facing persistent issues with your 2019 Hyundai Kona, expert legal assistance is your best bet at resolution.
With over 15 years of experience, our team at the Lemon Law Experts successfully secured substantial settlements for thousands of clients dealing with defective vehicles.
We are committed to offering personalized legal support tailored to your specific situation, focusing on lemon law and warranty violations.
Our team is dedicated to ensuring your safety and protecting your legal rights if you suspect your Hyundai Kona is a lemon.
For a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us at (877) 885-5366 or complete our online form. Let us help you turn your lemon into lemonade and get the resolution you deserve.
