2018 Hyundai KONA
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2018 Hyundai KONA has 112 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 139. The most common issue is engine problems (38% of all complaints), specifically: was driving hyundai kona down the freeway. i smelled a burning smell, i saw the check engine light blink once. the car went into limp mode and i started pulling over to the shoulder. stopping on the shoulder, i noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. i evacuated the car and within a few . ⚠️ 18 fire reports filed.
112
Total Complaints
0
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
0.8x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
42 complaints- • WAS DRIVING HYUNDAI KONA DOWN THE FREEWAY. I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL, I SAW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINK ONCE. THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND I STARTED PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER. STOPPING ON THE SHOULDER, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. I EVACUATED THE CAR AND WITHIN A FEW
- • MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING UNEVENTFULLY DOWN A HIGHWAY FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND PULLED OVER FOR NO OTHER REASON BUT TO GET GAS. WE HAVE A HIGH TECH BLUE LINK SYSTEM AND ONLY 17K MILES ON THE CAR. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS OR WARNINGS AT ALL. JUST AFTER PARKING AT THE GAS PUMP THE ENGINE STARTED SMOKING A
- • ON 1/13/21, VEHICLE EMITTED A BLUE SMOKE AND MISFIRED WHEN ACCELERATING FROM COMPLETE STOP FROM RURAL ROAD ONTO STATE HIGHWAY.. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CIOCCA HYUNDAI OF WILLIAMSPORT, WHERE IT HAD BEEN SERVICED 2 DAYS PRIOR. THEY REPLACED 2 SPARK PLUGS AND STATED IT WAS FINE. VEHICLE WORKED FINE UNT
“WAS DRIVING HYUNDAI KONA DOWN THE FREEWAY. I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL, I SAW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINK ONCE. THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND I STARTED PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER. STOPPING ON THE SHOULDER, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. I EVACUATED THE CAR AND WITHIN A FEW ”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2018 Hyundai KONA
Based on 35 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 17K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
OTHER
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Hyundai KONA
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Hyundai KONA
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Hyundai KONA Service Intervals
Turbo engines (1.6T, 2.0T) need premium fuel and more frequent oil (some owners service at 5,000 miles).
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Hyundai New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
10 years/100K powertrain warranty is transferable only to first purchaser after initial owner
These are the terms for a new Hyundai. If you're buying a used 2018 KONA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Hyundai dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 112 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: WAS DRIVING HYUNDAI KONA DOWN THE FREEWAY. I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL, I SAW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINK ONCE. THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND I STARTED PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER. STOPPING ON THE SHOULDER, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. I EVACUATED THE CAR AND WITHIN A FEW
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: BCW (BLIND COLLISION WARNING) NOW FOR THE SECOND TIME ABOUT 3000 MILES APART FROM THE FIRST TIME AT 8960 AND NOW AT 11246 AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING IN PERFECT WEATHER, NO GRIME OR MUD ANYWHERE NEAR OR ON THE SENSORS IN REAR BUMPER. TURNS OFF WARNING TRIANGLE TURNS ON FOR APPROX 15 MINUTES
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: WAS DRIVING HYUNDAI KONA DOWN THE FREEWAY. I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL, I SAW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINK ONCE. THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND I STARTED PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER. STOPPING ON THE SHOULDER, I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. I EVACUATED THE CAR AND WITHIN A FEW
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: WHEN CAR SHE STARTS CAR AND IN MORNING AND NIGHT , WHEN I PUTS IN GEAR AND AND STEPS ON GAS THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER OFF AND ON UNTIL SHE GETS ON ROAD ABOUT A MILE. HAD THIS CHECK AT HYUNDAI DEALER AND THEY SAID NOTHING IS WRONG BUT IT STILL CONTINUE TO DO THIS. THIS COULD BE HAZARD WHEN I DRIVE I
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Hyundai KONA — Year Comparison
How does 2018 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 112
- Recalls
- 0
- Fire reports
- 18
- Crash reports
- 10
- Injury reports
- 20
- Segment avg
- 139
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2018 Hyundai KONA