2023 Hyundai Kona N Safety Report

2023 Hyundai Kona N: Strong side impact rating, but fuel pump recall and engine power loss after water exposure are notable concerns.

4Complaints
1Recalls
60/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Engine (2)Power Train,Electrical System,Engine (1)Steering,Suspension,Unknown Or Other (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Hyundai Kona N

The 2023 Hyundai Kona N presents a mixed safety picture based on the available NHTSA data. While the overall crash test ratings are not fully available (Overall=N/A, Frontal=N/A), it received a strong 5-star rating for side impact and a respectable 4-star rating for rollover. However, the vehicle has a notable recall concerning the fuel pump, which can lead to a loss of drive power and increase crash risk. This recall affects 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. Despite only 4 total complaints, a significant pattern emerges regarding the engine, specifically related to water exposure and the knock sensor. Two of the four complaints directly describe a sudden loss of power and the vehicle entering 'limp mode' after being exposed to water, such as during a car wash. This issue is described as 'VERY common amongst owners' and a 'safety flaw' due to the sudden loss of power in traffic, nearly resulting in collisions. The P132600 diagnostic trouble code was mentioned in one complaint, indicating a specific engine issue. Another complaint points to issues with the power train, steering, and suspension, describing the car as tending to 'jerk and almost jump' when pulling out and turning, making it 'hard to steer'. While the total complaint volume is low for a new model year, the consistency of the engine-related complaints, particularly concerning water ingress and subsequent power loss, is a significant concern that buyers should be aware of. The fuel pump recall further underscores potential powertrain reliability issues.

Reliability Score

The 2023 Hyundai Kona N receives a reliability score of 60 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2023 Hyundai Kona N

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Hyundai Kona N:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Power Loss After Water Exposure (Knock Sensor Failure)
Engine enters 'limp mode' with flashing check engine light (P132600 code) and sudden loss of power after exposure to water (e.g., car wash), due to knock sensor failure. This is reported as a common issue among owners and a safety flaw.		 High Common new-low mileage miles
Fuel Pump Failure Leading To Loss Of Drive Power
Recall issued for fuel pump control/drive module failure, which can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.		 High Occasional all miles
Vehicle Jerking/Jumping During Initial Acceleration And Turns
Car tends to jerk and jump when first pulling out and turning, with suspension sounds, making it hard to steer.		 Medium Occasional new-low mileage miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Hyundai Kona N:

Engine 50% of complaints

Two out of four complaints relate to engine issues, specifically sudden power loss and 'limp mode' after water exposure due to knock sensor failure.

Power Train 25% of complaints

One complaint mentions the car jerking and jumping, potentially related to power train, and the fuel pump recall directly impacts power train reliability.

Steering 25% of complaints

One complaint notes difficulty steering due to the car jerking and jumping during initial acceleration and turns.

Suspension 25% of complaints

One complaint describes suspension sounds and the car jumping during initial acceleration and turns.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Hyundai Kona N

Is the 2023 Hyundai Kona N safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 Hyundai Kona N has a 5-star side crash rating and a 4-star rollover rating, but overall and frontal ratings are not available. There is a recall for fuel pump failure that can cause a loss of drive power. Additionally, multiple complaints highlight a concerning pattern of sudden engine power loss after water exposure, which owners describe as a safety flaw.

What are common problems with the 2023 Hyundai Kona N?

The most reported issues, despite a low complaint count, are sudden engine power loss and 'limp mode' after water exposure (affecting 50% of complaints), attributed to knock sensor failure. There's also a recall for fuel pump failure. Other reported issues include the car jerking/jumping during initial acceleration and turns, affecting steering and suspension.

Has the 2023 Hyundai Kona N been recalled?

Yes, the 2023 Hyundai Kona N has been recalled for a fuel pump issue. The fuel pump may fail, leading to a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

How does the 2023 Hyundai Kona N perform in crash tests?

The 2023 Hyundai Kona N received a 5-star rating for side crash tests and a 4-star rating for rollover. Overall and frontal crash test ratings are not available from NHTSA.

Is the engine issue after car washes a widespread problem for the Kona N?

While only two complaints specifically detail this, the complainants state it is 'VERY common amongst owners' and a 'safety flaw'. This suggests it may be a more widespread issue than the low complaint count indicates, particularly given the specific nature of the failure (water exposure leading to knock sensor failure and limp mode).

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Exercise caution when considering a 2023 Hyundai Kona N due to the fuel pump recall and recurring reports of sudden engine power loss after water exposure; thoroughly investigate these known issues and ensure all recalls are addressed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Hyundai Kona N

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Hyundai Kona N. The data includes 4 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.