2025 Hyundai Kona Safety Report
2025 Hyundai Kona Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2025 Hyundai Kona
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2025 Hyundai Kona. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Low (0) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (20) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Electrical System | Compare electrical system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2026 | Compare against the 2026 Hyundai Kona with 4 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2020 | Check the 2020 Hyundai Kona before buying across this generation. |
Hyundai Kona Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Hyundai Kona years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Hyundai Kona | 4 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2024 Hyundai Kona | 35 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Hyundai Kona | 59 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Hyundai Kona | 88 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Hyundai Kona | 102 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Hyundai Kona | 140 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2025 Hyundai Kona Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2025 Hyundai Kona, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Electrical System
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Hyundai onlyUnknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Hyundai onlyElectrical System,Structure,Service Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Structure,Service Brakes issues Hyundai onlyElectrical System,Structure
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Structure issues Hyundai onlySuspension,Structure,Wheels
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension,Structure,Wheels issues Hyundai onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other issues Hyundai onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2025 Hyundai Kona
Reliability Score
The 2025 Hyundai Kona receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2025 Hyundai Kona
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2025 Hyundai Kona
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2025 Hyundai Kona:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embedded Navigation System The navigation system has been reported to direct the vehicle into off-road areas, which can be dangerous. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Cruise Control Malfunction Cruise control has been reported to flash and apply brakes unexpectedly, posing a significant safety risk. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Plastic Covers Coming Off Plastic covers such as wheel wells and underbody shields have been reported to come off, affecting aerodynamics and safety. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Front Passenger Door Unlatching The front passenger door has been reported to unlatch and open unexpectedly, posing a safety hazard. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2025 Hyundai Kona:
Issues with the navigation system directing the vehicle into off-road areas.
Malfunctioning cruise control causing unexpected braking or flashing.
Plastic covers such as wheel wells and underbody shields coming off.
Unlatching and opening unexpectedly.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2025 Hyundai Kona
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2025 Hyundai Kona with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
The embedded navigation system tends to provide directions getting the vehicle into off road areas that are not designated to be driven. This not only causes damages to the car but also leads to unsafe situations. While driving in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan headed to the Kitch-Iti-Kipi, it took me to tall grass and high voltage towers almost getting me to a ditch. While driving in St. Augusti...
The plastic covers such as the wheel wells, inner fender linings, under body shield, are very prone to coming off by either minor objects intruding them or hitting them such as branches, rocks, or even water and sand. While driving on a highway at the Upper Peninsula in Michigan on October, a large branch on the road got inside the front wheel well and it took it away. It flew into the highway as ...
A week after I got my 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited, while trying to have the moonroof when headed into the highway since it gets too noisy if left open, the glass will touch the guard and then back away and remain fully open. However, the issue becomes more serious when it starts to rain or snow as it will remain open. In three occasions, the moonroof will not close. During a downpour, I had to use a...
I have a 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited. On [XXX], around the afternoon on Sunnyvale, California, while exiting [XXX] headed to Lake Tahoe, the liftgate bolt that attaches to the body had buckled mechanically as the system did not back away when a flashlight that came out of a travel bag was blocking the way to have it closed. The car computer thinks the liftgate is open even though the lock is secured...
While the cruise is set, traveling on I44 with no other car in front of my Kona, the adaptive cruise control will start to flash and apply brakes immediately. The speed will drop instantly. Thankfully no other vehicle has been behind me, otherwise it would have caused a massive wreck. I have taken the Kona to the shop 5 to 6 times for this situation, but they will not do anything since they can n...
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, and the vehicle needed to be jump-started. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure an...
While slowing down from highway speed during hot weather, the front passenger door suddenly became unlatched and partially opened. A warning alert sounded, and I had to pull the door closed. There were no prior warnings or symptoms, and the dealer has not been able to reproduce the issue.
Engine light was on - I was told by Belmont Enterprise on Sept 17th to keep driving the vehicle even though it needed repairs immediately.
This is second time all electrical has gone dead in the car. First time I took car in for an update and now something is still draining the battery. I have read multiple posts online of this issue. The car has less than 5000 mile on it
The cruise control operation is unusual and the speed can vary greatly while it's engaged in moderately hilly terrain (not extreme) on the interstate ([XXX] through Kentucky and Tennessee). With the cruise set at interstate speeds and starting to climb a hill, the speed can drop by as much as 6mph below set point as the cruise control very, very slowly starts to increase throttle to compensate fo...
See attached document for complaint.
As part of Hyundai’s Driver Attention Warning system, it plays a loud beeping noise that disables other systems in the car (map, audio). This beeping noise plays at random times and has been heavily distracting on long drives almost causing me to crash due to issues with my hearing and the frequency of the noise. It cannot be disabled. I would be happy to present the vehicle for inspection. The de...
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the front driver's side seat independently ejected the contact forward into the steering wheel. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the failure was unidentified. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact sustained injuries to her back; however, no medical atten...
Significant Mechanical and Drivetrain Problems: ◦ Loss of Drive Power and Sluggish Acceleration: Reported as early as [XXX] ("bumpy driving, grinding and clanking noise"), with issues worsening by [XXX] ("slower acceleration, bumpier ride, metal clinking and cracking sounds"), and most severely on [XXX] ("car shifts hard to the left then goes back and forth (wobble)," "greatly reduced" power, ...
I was driving on the highway around 70 to 75 MPH and suddenly the sunroof exploded. No debris impact. Just suddenly and randomly the glass just exploded and shattered.
Mushy brake pedal after 1000 miles This just started yesterday, seemingly out of nowhere. When I push the brake pedal it's mushier than it used to be. If I push hard, I get more resistance at first but then it slowly sinks toward the floor as a I continue to press. If I push softer then it just sinks toward the floor. I still have plenty of stopping power. If I push the pedal repeatedly then it b...
The contact rented a 2025 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the driver's side front door independently unlatched and opened. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The Enterprise Car Rental Agency was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Transmission issues with this vehicle since 70 miles. Failed at 989 miles
I was driving down my street (one way) at 20mph when all of a sudden, the car veered to the left and smashed into a dumpster that was parked on the street. I had driven down my block several times during the day and was aware of the dumpster. I am convinced that the lane assist malfunctioned and drove into the side of the dumpster. I was not distracted and my brand new, 2025 Hyundai Kona was tot...
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving 38 MPH, the exterior lights, taillights, daytime running lights, and interior lights became inoperable for two and a half seconds. The seat belt light flashed. Additionally, the seat heater and steering buttons were switched off and then reset. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. ...
Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the 2025 Hyundai Kona
TSBs are manufacturer-acknowledged issues with recommended fixes. Unlike recalls, TSB repairs are not always free.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehi...
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior ...
Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary, replace the starter magnetic switch (solenoid) assembly.
Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink functions. This may be due to an occasional disconnection on Verizon’s communication network. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to verify Bluelink Data Communication Unit (DCU) network connection a...
Some 2019MY and newer vehicles equipped with a front view camera may illuminate certain warning lights and trigger DTC C272246 fault code for the front camera. In the following cases, the front camera auto-calibration range may be exceeded while driving: • If the front camera is not properly install...
Some Elantra (CN7, CN7A), Kona (OS, SX2), and Sonata Hybrid (DN8 HEV) vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines may illuminate a warning lamp for DTC P218100 (Cooling System Performance) related to the Integrated Thermal-Management Module (ITM). Follow the service procedure in this bulletin to install a s...
This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary ...
This bulletin provides information related to the changes introduced in the 2025 1st Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system as described in this TSB.
Some Kona (SX2) vehicles may experience battery drain due to faulty logic keeping the taillights illuminated while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Follow the procedures outlined in this TSB to update the Body Domain Controller (BDC) to the latest software.
Certain vehicles with the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) Lite units may exhibit connection issues with Bluetooth and wireless phone projection. The vehicle's name may also not appear when trying to connect via Bluetooth. This condition may be caused by an internal fault inside the ccNC unit...
This bulletin provides information related to the changes introduced in the 2024 2nd Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system. Refer to the 2024 2nd Navigation Map and Software Update Improvements section in this TSB for a list ...
Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink functions. This may be due to an occasional disconnection on Verizon’s communication network. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to verify Bluelink Data Communication Unit (DCU) network connection a...
Certain vehicles (See Applicable Vehicles List below) equipped with the 12-inch instrument cluster display and separate Instrument Cluster Module require software verification PRIOR to odometer mileage writing. If the Cluster Module does not have the latest software, the incorrect mileage may be wri...
Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink functions. This may be due to an occasional disconnection on Verizon’s communication network. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to verify Bluelink Data Communication Unit (DCU) network connection a...
Certain Kona (SX2) vehicles may exhibit a warning light ON in the cluster related to the “Check Forward Safety system” due to software intended from an alternate region. A software update is available for the Front Camera system to update logic in the Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) and Lane Keepi...
Hyundai Motor America has noted that several vehicles were impacted by a telecommunications outage that occurred on Sunday, February 9th , resulting in the potential loss of connectivity or interruptions when attempting to use Bluelink functions. Voice Recognition, Sports Media, and Weather will not...
Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink functions. This may be due to an occasional disconnection on Verizon’s communication network. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to reset the Connected Car Data Communication Unit (DCU) in Dealer Mo...
Certain Kona (SX2) vehicles may exhibit a dead battery concern linked to the Multimedia Keyboard (MKBD) logic. The MKBD may not enter sleep mode when the vehicle is turned OFF, causing the battery to be drained. Follow the procedure in this TSB to update the software for the MKBD to address this con...
Certain vehicles listed below may have a Bluelink malfunction or not able to have Bluelink setup. This bulletin provides instructions to reset the network in Dealer Mode to prevent the Data Concentrator Unit (DCU) modem from experiencing a "Blue Link Not Open" error.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Hyundai Kona
Has the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA been recalled?
No, the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA has no recalls on record with NHTSA as of our latest data update.
How many complaints does the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA have?
The 2025 HYUNDAI KONA has 20 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. 2 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA?
The 2025 HYUNDAI KONA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA involve electrical system (3 complaints), unknown or other (2 complaints), electrical system,structure,service brakes (1 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system,structure, suspension,structure,wheels, electrical system,unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA out of 20 total complaints (5.0% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA have?
There are no fire reports for the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA.
How many injuries are reported for the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA?
2 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2025 HYUNDAI KONA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA is generally recommended. It has 20 complaints, 0 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA?
The components with the most failures on the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE (1 complaints), 5. SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS (1 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 3 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2025 HYUNDAI KONA?
Be cautious of the navigation system directing you into off-road areas and monitor the cruise control for any unusual behavior. Regularly inspect plastic covers and ensure the front passenger door is secure. The 2025 HYUNDAI KONA has 20 NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA?
The 2025 HYUNDAI KONA receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 20 owner complaints, 0 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Embedded Navigation System and Cruise Control Malfunction.
What are the known issues with the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA?
Known issues with the 2025 HYUNDAI KONA include: Embedded Navigation System, Cruise Control Malfunction, Plastic Covers Coming Off, Front Passenger Door Unlatching. These are based on patterns found across 20 NHTSA complaints.
Can the navigation system direct the vehicle into off-road areas?
Yes, the navigation system has been reported to direct the vehicle into off-road areas, which can be dangerous.
What should I do if the cruise control malfunctions?
If the cruise control malfunctions, immediately reduce speed and manually control the vehicle until you can safely pull over and address the issue.
Are there any common issues with the plastic covers?
Yes, plastic covers such as wheel wells and underbody shields have been reported to come off, which can affect the vehicle's aerodynamics and safety.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of the navigation system directing you into off-road areas and monitor the cruise control for any unusual behavior. Regularly inspect plastic covers and ensure the front passenger door is secure.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2025 Hyundai Kona
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2025 Hyundai Kona. The data includes 20 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2025 Hyundai Kona an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16