Hyundai Kona Years to Avoid and The Best Years

Hyundai Kona Years to Avoid – The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that has been around since 2018. It quickly gained popularity for its stylish design, good fuel economy, and tech features. However, like any other car model, some years are better than others. In this article, we’ll go over the Hyundai Kona years to avoid and the best years to buy.

We’ll also look at some common problems that Kona owners have experienced and answer some frequently asked questions about the vehicle.

Overview of the Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona is a five-passenger subcompact SUV that comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. It also has an available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that produces 175 horsepower and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Kona’s fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

In terms of features, the Kona comes with a 7-inch touch screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a rearview camera, and a forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The upper trim levels offer more features such as a larger 8-inch touch screen, wireless device charging, and a sunroof.

Which Hyundai Kona Years to Avoid

While the Hyundai Kona is generally a reliable car, there are a few model years that you should avoid. Let’s take a closer look at these years.

2018 Hyundai Kona

The 2018 model year was the first year of production for the Kona, and as with any new car model, it had some teething problems. The 2018 Kona had some issues with the transmission, which could cause a delay in acceleration.

2019 Hyundai Kona

The 2019 model year didn’t have any major issues, but it did have a recall related to the brake system. The recall affected around 8,000 Kona models and was due to a faulty ABS module.

Best Years for Hyundai Kona

If you’re looking for the best Hyundai Kona model year, there’s really only one option: the 2020 Hyundai Kona.

2020 Hyundai Kona

The 2020 Kona has a number of features that make it the best year for the model. For starters, it comes with a host of safety features that were previously optional, such as lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning.

It also has an improved infotainment system, with a larger 8-inch touchscreen and wireless device charging.

The 2020 Kona also has a newly available engine option: a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that produces 147 to 175 horsepower and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine is more powerful than the standard engine and provides a more engaging driving experience.

Common Problems With Hyundai Kona

While the Hyundai Kona is generally a reliable car, there are a few common problems that Kona owners have experienced. Let’s take a closer look at these issues.

1. Engine Catching Fire

In 2019, Hyundai recalled over 160,000 Kona models due to an issue with the engine that could cause it to catch fire. The recall affected Kona models from 2018 to 2020. If you own a Kona from one of these model years, it’s important to make sure that the recall work has been completed.

2. Vehicle Speed Control Problem

Some Kona owners have reported an issue with the vehicle speed control system. The system could malfunction and cause the vehicle to accelerate suddenly, making it difficult to control.

3. Blind Collision Warning Shutting Down

Some Kona owners have reported that the blind collision warning system would shut down unexpectedly, which could potentially lead to a collision. This issue has been reported in Kona models from 2018 to 2020.

4. Battery Fires

In addition to the engine fire issue, some Kona owners have also reported fires in the vehicle’s battery. This issue has been reported in Kona Electric models and has resulted in a recall of over 80,000 vehicles globally.

5. Brake System Malfunction

As mentioned earlier, the 2019 Kona had a recall related to the brake system. Some owners reported that the brake pedal would feel soft, and the vehicle would take longer to stop than expected.

6. Front Collision Warning System Unexpectedly Activating

Some Kona owners have reported that the front collision warning system would activate unexpectedly, even when there was no obstacle in front of the vehicle.

It’s important to note that not all Kona models will experience these issues, and Hyundai has issued recalls and fixes for many of them. It’s always a good idea to do your research and keep an eye out for any potential issues when considering purchasing a Kona.

How long does Hyundai Kona last?

With proper maintenance, the Hyundai Kona can last for around 200,000 miles or more. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your Kona.

Is the Hyundai Kona a good car?

Yes, the Hyundai Kona is generally considered a good car. It has a stylish design, good fuel economy, and a range of features that make it a competitive option in the subcompact SUV market.

Is Hyundai Kona worth buying?

If you’re in the market for a subcompact SUV, the Hyundai Kona is definitely worth considering. It’s a reliable car with good fuel economy and plenty of features, making it a great value for the price.

Is the Hyundai Kona fuel efficient?

Yes, the Hyundai Kona is fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Is the Hyundai Kona good in the snow?

The Hyundai Kona is equipped with all-wheel drive, which makes it a good option for driving in snowy conditions. Its compact size and good maneuverability also make it easier to navigate through snowy or icy roads.

Is Kia a competitor to Hyundai Kona?

Yes, Kia is a competitor to Hyundai Kona. Kia’s subcompact SUV, the Kia Soul, is often compared to the Kona due to its similar size and features.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Hyundai Kona is generally a reliable and good car. However, there are a few years to avoid, such as the 2018 and 2019 models, due to some teething problems and recalls. The 2020 Kona is considered the best year for the model, with improved safety features and an available more powerful engine option.

While there have been some common problems reported, it’s important to note that not all Kona models will experience these issues, and Hyundai has issued recalls and fixes for many of them. With proper maintenance and research, the Kona can be a great option for those in the market for a subcompact SUV.

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