With 2 recalls and 8 complaints, the 2026 Hyundai Kona rates as low on the safety concern scale. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool before signing.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

26V0690002026-06-02

STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Kona vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front steering knuckles may crack and break, which can result in a loss of vehicle steering control.

A loss of vehicle steering control increases the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

26V4520002026-14-07

SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Kona Electric and 2026 Kona vehicles. The seat belt buckle in the rear center seat may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash.

A seat belt buckle that fails to properly restrain an occupant in a crash increases the risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

The 2026 Hyundai Kona's biggest weak point? UNKNOWN OR OTHER. It leads 8 total complaints spanning 1 years. Budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially in that area.

01Unknown Or Other2

02Engine1

03Electrical System1

04Unknown Or Other,service Brakes1

05Vehicle Speed Control1

8 total across 1 model years (2026–2026)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Hyundai Kona Fuel Economy

26–31mpg combined

25-29city

28-35hwy

$2,200-$2,600/yr

Fuel economy for the 2026 Hyundai Kona ranges from 26 to 31 MPG combined across 6 setups. The table below breaks it down by trim so you know exactly what you're signing up for.

By Trim

Kona FWD - Automatic (AV-S1)

31mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

28 city35 hwy~$2,200/yr6/10 Average

Kona FWD w/Stop-Start - Automatic (AV-S1)

31mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

29 city34 hwy~$2,200/yr6/10 Average

Kona AWD w/Stop-Start - Automatic (AV-S1)

28mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

27 city29 hwy~$2,400/yr5/10 Average

Kona FWD SX2 1.6T 8AT FWD - Automatic (S8)

28mpg

1.6L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

26 city31 hwy~$2,400/yr5/10 Average

Kona AWD - Automatic (AV-S1)

27mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

26 city29 hwy~$2,500/yr5/10 Average

Kona AWD SX2 1.6T 8AT AWD - Automatic (S8)

26mpg

1.6L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

25 city28 hwy~$2,600/yr5/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2026 Hyundai Kona

34States

30%in top 3

The biggest cluster of inventory is in Florida (14%), but the remaining listings are spread across 33 other states nationwide.

FLFlorida

1,45614%

TXTexas

9749%

CACalifornia

7147%

PAPennsylvania

6807%

NYNew York

5375%

GAGeorgia

4664%

DEDelaware

4524%

NJNew Jersey

4184%

AZArizona

3153%

NCNorth Carolina

2863%

ILIllinois

2813%

OHOhio

2723%

MDMaryland

2562%

MOMissouri

2402%

RIRhode Island

2322%

WAWashington

2282%

DCWashington DC

2232%

MNMinnesota

1962%

CO194

NH177

TN174

UT136

OK135

MA122

IN121

WI112

CT111

MI107

OR94

NV88

AL85

VA68

NE64

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2026.

2026 Hyundai Kona Buyer FAQ

What to know before you buy

Is the 2026 Hyundai Kona a good car to buy?

Here's the short version on the 2026 Hyundai Kona. There are 2 recalls to verify before purchase. Dig into the safety overview and pricing trends for recall-by-recall detail.

Are there recalls on the 2026 Hyundai Kona?

NHTSA shows 2 recall campaigns for the 2026 Hyundai Kona. Before buying, verify all recalls are complete. The dealer must fix them at no charge. See the safety section for the full list.

What's the gas mileage of the 2026 Hyundai Kona?

You'll get between 26 and 31 MPG combined from the 2026 Hyundai Kona, depending on engine and drivetrain. That's a meaningful difference over time. The fuel economy table shows exactly which configs get what.

What are common problems with the 2026 Hyundai Kona?

UNKNOWN OR OTHER problems top the list with 8 total complaints filed. Not every car is affected, but it's worth asking about and inspecting. Full details in the known issues section.