2025 Hyundai KONA problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
28 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
5,399 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2025 model year. Data snapshot: . 6 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 28 complaints (25.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 6 | 21.4% |
| Steering behavior | 6 | 21.4% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 4 | 14.3% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 3.6% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 3.6% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 7 |
| Unknown Or Other | 6 |
| Power Train | 4 |
| Service Brakes | 4 |
| Structure:Body | 3 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Engine | 2 |
Electrical System: 7; Unknown Or Other: 6; Power Train: 4; Service Brakes: 4; Structure:Body: 3; Vehicle Speed Control: 3; Air Bags: 2; Engine: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 6 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 22 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 14 |
2024: 1; 2025: 13; 2026: 14
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11671351 · 2025-07-05 (July 5, 2025)
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 builds up more resistance ("pump the brakes") but then the resistance calms down and it becomes mushy again.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11671351 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11718329 · 2026-02-16 (February 16, 2026)
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 not duplicate it. I took a video recording of it happening, and they still would not do anything. The first incident was December 31, 2024. This happen…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11718329 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11631039 · 2024-12-16 (December 16, 2024)
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. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,060.
Owner-reported narrative. 2,060 miles reported. Look up ODI 11631039 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11679287 · 2025-08-08 (August 8, 2025)
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, and "snapping" noises). You've had at least five repair attempts for these issues. ◦ Vehicle Shaking/Wobbling: This has been a recurring complaint…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11679287 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11695615 · 2025-10-25 (October 25, 2025)
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
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11695615 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11666179 · 2025-06-10 (June 10, 2025)
Transmission issues with this vehicle since 70 miles. Failed at 989 miles
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11666179 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11736013 · 2026-05-06 (May 6, 2026)
The vehicle experienced a total electrical failure while driving. Dealer diagnosed the issue as a loose fuse box connector/power distribution connector. The vehicle and repaired component should be available for inspection through the Hyundai dealer service department. The vehicle suddenly lost all power while being driven on a public roadway. The engine shut off, dashboard went dark, and power steering assistance was lost, creating a risk of collision and leaving the vehicle disabled in traffic. A Hyundai dealer diagnosed and confirmed that a…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11736013 at NHTSA ↗