2026 Hyundai Kona: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2026 Hyundai Kona: 3 recalls, 10 owner complaints and up to 31 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #26V047000 · 2026 · 41,651 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to a software error, the instrument panel display May fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) number 101, "controls and displays."
Why it matters: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (ota) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026.
Steering Vehicle recall #26V069000 · 2026 · 4,555 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to a manufacturing error, the front steering knuckles May crack and break, which can result in a loss of vehicle steering control.
Why it matters: A loss of vehicle steering control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckles, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 5, 2026.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #26V452000 · 2026 · 47,787 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat belt buckle in the rear center seat May fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash.
Why it matters: A seat belt buckle that fails to properly restrain an occupant in a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Passengers are advised not to use the rear center seat until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2026.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Other / unknown (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (2): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Electrical (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2026 Hyundai Kona has 10 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 9 Kona model years for complaints (well below the 89 average). Complaints peaked in 2026 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 0 years old, at a median of 835 miles. Neighboring years: 2025 (28 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 35 | 31 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S1) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 29 | 27 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2026 Hyundai Kona.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2026 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2026 Hyundai Kona. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2026 Hyundai Kona problems?
Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (3), brakes (2), speed control / throttle (2).
What gas mileage does the 2026 Hyundai Kona get?
EPA ratings run up to 31 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (AV-S1)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2026 Hyundai Kona repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.