Recalls: Hyundai OS Kona
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Hyundai OS Kona
2018 Hyundai Kona 1.6T: poor brake performance or brake failure
In January 2019, recall campaign 81C103 was issued for Hyundai Kona vehicles that had 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engines. During assembly, the front brake tube may not have been fitted correctly such that the tube could contact the exhaust system. Prolonged contact could cause the brake line to be squashed or ruptured – this would reduce brake performance or cause brake failure, thereby increasing the risk of a collision. For the VINs of the recalled Hyundai Kona vehicles, please see PRA 2018/17252.
2018-20 Hyundai OS Kona: defective piston rings
In September 2021, recall campaign 210510 was issued for 2018-20 Hyundai OS Kona vehicles. The piston rings in the engines of these vehicles may be defective and this could cause damage to the piston rings and cylinder bores. This, in turn, could cause the engine to stall and/or leak oil, conditions which increased the risk of a collision and/or vehicle fire. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-001623.
2020-22 Hyundai OS Kona N: fail-safe mode could cause loss of power
In January 2023, recall campaign 21D155 was issued for 2020-22 Hyundai OS Kona N vehicles. Due to a programming issue, the ‘fail-safe’ driving mode may not respond as intended when certain transmission faults were detected. Specifically, the fail-safe mode may activate and result in reduced acceleration, followed by a loss of motive power. If this loss of motive power occurred while driving at speed, it could increase the risk of a collision and injury for vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005607.
2020-23 Hyundai OS Kona N: potential engine stall and loss of power
In January 2025, recall campaign 41D156 was issued for 2020-23 Hyundai OS Kona N vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel control valve in the high-pressure fuel pump could allow excess fuel to enter the pump. If this occurred, the engine could stall, resulting in a sudden loss of motive power whilst driving. A sudden loss of motive power could increase the risk of a collision and injury to vehicle occupants and other road users. To fix, an authorised Hyundai dealer was to inspect the fuel pump and, if required, replace it. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-006244.
Problems and faults: Hyundai OS Kona
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Problems and faults: Hyundai OS Kona
2017-20 Hyundai OS Kona with 1.6-litre Gamma II GDI Turbo engine: oil consumption and piston slap
For 2017-20 Hyundai OS Kona vehicles with 1.6-litre “Gamma II” GDI Turbo petrol engines, there have been reports of:
- excessive oil consumption, i.e. more than 1 litre per 1000 km; and
- loud “knocking” or “tapping” noises from the engine, especially when cold (i.e. piston slap).
These symptoms were typically caused by cylinder bore scoring, where manufacturing defects enabled the piston skirts to rub against the cylinder walls, causing damage, increased clearances and oil to bypass the piston rings and enter the combustion chamber. If the engine lost oil pressure, it could seize.
To fix, the engine needed to either be rebuilt or have the cylinder block replaced. To verify this condition, Hyundai dealers require an oil consumption test where the dealer would seal the dipstick and monitor the oil level over 1,000 kilometres. Owners of these vehicles are encouraged to regularly check their oil levels.
Johnson Winter Slattery has initiated a class action against Hyundai in respect of these engines. See https://www.hyundaiengineclassaction.com.au/ for details.
2021-23 Hyundai OS Kona N with 2.0-litre Theta II GDI Turbo engine: oil consumption and piston slap
For 2021-20 Hyundai OS Kona N vehicles with 2.0-litre “Theta II” GDI Turbo petrol engines, there have been reports of:
- excessive oil consumption, i.e. more than 1 litre per 1000 km; and
- loud “knocking” or “tapping” noises from the engine, especially when cold (i.e. piston slap).
These symptoms were typically caused by cylinder bore scoring, where manufacturing defects enabled the piston skirts to rub against the cylinder walls, causing damage, increased clearances and oil to bypass the piston rings and enter the combustion chamber. If the engine lost oil pressure, it could seize.
To fix, the engine needed to either be rebuilt or have the cylinder block replaced. To verify this condition, Hyundai dealers require an oil consumption test where the dealer would seal the dipstick and monitor the oil level over 1,000 kilometres. Owners of these vehicles are encouraged to regularly check their oil levels.
Johnson Winter Slattery has initiated a class action against Hyundai in respect of these engines. See https://www.hyundaiengineclassaction.com.au/ for details.
