Skip to main content

I Loved My Hyundai Kona Until the Engine Blew Up After Just Two Years, Now I’m Left with Regret

One owner thought her Hyundai Kona was the perfect fit, until the engine blew up at just two years old, opening the conversation to stories from other owners facing the same reality.
I Loved My Hyundai Kona Until the Engine Blew Up After Just Two Years, Now I’m Left with Regret

Some cars manage to win you over before you’ve even left the dealership lot. The design feels daring, the price feels fair, and every drive puts a smile on your face. That’s the kind of first impression the Hyundai Kona gives off. It's a fresh, practical, and fun car. But behind that charm, there are stories surfacing that paint a very different picture of long-term ownership.

I discovered that contrast between love and letdown in one post today that really captured the heart of the issue. In the "Hyundai Kona Owners" Facebook group, Nicole Nolan shared that she bought her Hyundai Kona two years ago and had been genuinely enjoying it until the engine suddenly blew up without any warning. In just a moment, the car she once adored turned into a costly disappointment, and now she's left dealing with the emotional hit of needing an engine replacement far earlier than anyone should have to face. Here's how she describes her scenario: 

“I got my Kona 2 years ago and I love it but regret getting it at the same time as it needs a new engine already.”

It’s a sharp reminder that loving a car doesn’t always protect you from being let down, especially when reliability gives way to reality in lots of instances. The Hyundai Kona, known for its stylish design, approachable price point, and fun-to-drive feel, has become a popular choice in the compact crossover segment. But stories like Nicole’s suggest a darker undercurrent for some owners, especially those with the 2.0-liter engine, which has been quietly developing a reputation for catastrophic failure.

Hyundai Kona

 

When One Story Becomes Many

Nicole’s post isn’t an outlier. As I kept reading through the thread, more owners chimed in with their own versions of the same nightmare.

Kristina Ankrom commented, “My engine blew with under 50,000 miles on it.” That’s well below what most would consider the halfway point of a modern engine’s lifespan. And while manufacturers often offer 100,000-mile powertrain warranties, the stress of unexpected downtime, diagnostics, and dealing with service centers isn’t something a warranty erases.

Then there’s Iliyana Ilieva, who wrote, “I can relate to your pain. My blue Kona left me stranded today. I’ll hear the verdict on Monday. I’m nervous.” Her comment carries the kind of anxious uncertainty many drivers know all too well, when the car you rely on unexpectedly fails and leaves you waiting, hoping the damage isn’t terminal.

Danny Kovalchuk’s story adds a deeper technical layer. “Same for mine at 68k miles, cylinders 1 and 2’s valves unseated and sprayed oil into the cylinders and exploded the spark plugs. I did everything myself for around $500 in parts to replace 3 valves.” His DIY fix might have saved him thousands, but it also reveals how some owners are left scrambling for solutions after the factory solution fails them.

Trying to make sense of it all, Denis Shea suggested that “Regular oil changes no more than 4K miles in between with a quality synthetic oil will most likely prevent this in 2.0 motors 2021 and newer.” But Mary Waisanen immediately challenged that theory: “It won’t. It has to do with how the engines were manufactured. It’s a known issue, which is why they cover the replacement. Kia had the same issue as well.” Her comment isn’t just informative, it's reality. It hints at a systemic defect that can’t be prevented with good maintenance alone which is why Hyundai has been providing warranty replacements for a bunch of vehicles.

A Broader Pattern Across the Hyundai Lineup

This issue isn’t exclusive to Nicole or a handful of owners. Similar patterns have been reported across platforms, including other stories of Hyundai Kona engine failure, where one owner saw smoke pouring from under the hood at just 70,000 miles right after leaving the dealership.

The 2.0-liter engine in question is part of a family of Hyundai-Kia powertrains that have come under increasing scrutiny. While they promise efficiency and performance, owners have experienced everything from excessive oil consumption to full-on engine seizure. What’s concerning is that these failures often occur without warning, leaving even meticulous drivers blindsided.

More Models, But Same Engine Worries

Meanwhile, those who fell in love with the Kona’s looks and nimble drive, like Nicole did, are now facing unexpected mechanical trauma. And it's frustratingly common. Other owners of Hyundai SUVs like the Tucson have shared similar breakdowns at just 60,000 miles, suggesting that the issue may span multiple models with shared engine designs.

What makes this even more complicated is Hyundai's evolving model lineup. The 2025 Hyundai Kona N-Line boasts upgraded styling and performance, but owners who bought recent models are still left wondering whether their vehicles carry hidden vulnerabilities. With each update, Hyundai adds more tech and polish, but questions remain about the long-term durability of these vehicles beneath the surface.

Performance Means Nothing If the Engine Can’t Keep Up

This story stands out to me not just because of the mechanical failure, but because of the emotional disconnect it creates. Here you have people who genuinely love their Kona. It fits their lives, it drives great, and it’s affordable. But all of that disappears the moment the engine lets go.

That moment when admiration turns into frustration is something no owner expects, yet it's happening more often than most would think. It’s one thing to be disappointed by a car you didn’t love in the first place. It’s another to be betrayed by a car you believe in. It’s not just about engines, it’s about expectations, trust, and how fragile that relationship becomes when a vehicle fails this early.

Key Takeaways:

  • These engine failures are happening early and unexpectedly: Several Kona owners have reported catastrophic issues under 70,000 miles, shaking confidence in long-term durability.
  • Routine maintenance doesn’t always offer protection: Some engines failed despite proper care, pointing to deeper design or manufacturing concerns.
  • Warranty support exists, but the experience can still be draining: Even if Hyundai covers the cost, the stress, inconvenience, and emotional impact can’t be overlooked.
  • Patterns are emerging across multiple Hyundai and Kia models: The 2.0L engine problems extend beyond the Kona, affecting other vehicles with shared platforms and powertrains.
  • A car’s charm means nothing if it can’t stay on the road: No matter how stylish, affordable, or fun a vehicle is, reliability remains the one thing that truly matters.

Let’s Hear from You

Have you ever loved a car that failed you way too soon?

And if you own a Hyundai or Kia with a 2.0 engine, has your experience been smooth or are you starting to see warning signs?

Share your story in the comments below, someone else out there might need to hear it.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Grok

Automotive News
TorqueNews Hot Topics
Hyundai

Comments

Debra (not verified)    April 19, 2025 - 5:44AM

Permalink

I bought my 2020 Hyundai Kona SEL in October of 2020. The first thing that went wrong is instead of having the car shipped down from New York because that's where the color I wanted was they had somebody drive it to West Virginia. Huge mistake!! We already know that whoever the driver was didn't follow the motor break in protocol so low and behold at 9101 miles the 2.0 engine blew; third cylinder. Of course I had every single receipt for itty bitty teeny tiny service I had on that vehicle so they had no other choice but to replace the motor. Car was at the dealership for 3 weeks. At 80,000 miles the catalytic converter had to be replaced. That should have been done at the same time the motor was replaced for obvious reasons, but they only do what they need to do to get the car back on the road because it's all warranty repair the cheaper the better for them! About 85,000 miles my crank sensor went out. Lucky for me when I bought the car I bought the extended warranty package so all of it was covered under warranty except no rental car on the extended warranty package but the dealership was kind enough to give me a vehicle after waiting a week. I love my Hyundai Kona everything about the way it handles and it drives turns all of it the car itself is well balanced on its axles and will take you anywhere you want to go in any weather. But as much as I love this Kona I will never do another one. It is a cheaper crossover but it's also high maintenance and I'm getting too old for this kind of crap! She has 91,000 Mi on her today which means only 9,000 more warranty miles. I soon will have to kiss her goodbye! 2 months in the shop in 4 1/2 years is way too much.

Debra (not verified)    April 19, 2025 - 5:45AM

Permalink

I bought my 2020 Hyundai Kona SEL in October of 2020. The first thing that went wrong is instead of having the car shipped down from New York because that's where the color I wanted was they had somebody drive it to West Virginia. Huge mistake!! We already know that whoever the driver was didn't follow the motor break in protocol so low and behold at 9101 miles the 2.0 engine blew; third cylinder. Of course I had every single receipt for itty bitty teeny tiny service I had on that vehicle so they had no other choice but to replace the motor. Car was at the dealership for 3 weeks. At 80,000 miles the catalytic converter had to be replaced. That should have been done at the same time the motor was replaced for obvious reasons, but they only do what they need to do to get the car back on the road because it's all warranty repair the cheaper the better for them! About 85,000 miles my crank sensor went out. Lucky for me when I bought the car I bought the extended warranty package so all of it was covered under warranty except no rental car on the extended warranty package but the dealership was kind enough to give me a vehicle after waiting a week. I love my Hyundai Kona everything about the way it handles and it drives turns all of it the car itself is well balanced on its axles and will take you anywhere you want to go in any weather. But as much as I love this Kona I will never do another one. It is a cheaper crossover but it's also high maintenance and I'm getting too old for this kind of crap! She has 91,000 Mi on her today which means only 9,000 more warranty miles. I soon will have to kiss her goodbye! 2 months in the shop in 4 1/2 years is way too much.

Michael Sanford (not verified)    April 20, 2025 - 2:44PM

Permalink

I had a 2018 Hyundai Tucson with the 2.0l engine. It was a great car until it started burning oil at about 65,000 miles. All maintenance was done at the dealership. They told me that Hyundai would not do anything until it started burning more than 1 qt of oil every 1000 miles. Anyone less is considered "normal".
By 90,000 miles it was burning 3qts every 5,000 miles, still considered "normal".
I wound up cutting my losses and traded it in on a new Mazda CX-5.

Craig (not verified)    April 21, 2025 - 12:40PM

Permalink

Why is there story after story after story on Kia's and Hyundai's engine failures yet, no mention of the 100000 mile 10 year.Warranty that obviously is worthless?

Eric Smith (not verified)    April 22, 2025 - 8:08AM

Permalink

Please for the love of GOD. People stop buying any HYUNDAI or KIA. I wish I knew sooner. I have a 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA LIIMITED. With literally everything. My first new car ever. Been in the shop more times than I can count. Only 76000 miles. They are TRASH 🗑 IF I can save one person from buying their brand. I hope this helps.

Delores Furbee (not verified)    April 22, 2025 - 9:20AM

Permalink

I have a 2022 Kona about every 750 miles I have to put a quart of oil in it. The dealership did an engine combustion and said that took care if the problem. No it didn't I have the same issue. There us a recall on the engine with the rings on the pistons they didn't take care of that either. The engine combustion they said fixed it, but it is still using oil. I have around 50,000 miles on it. Never buy another hyundai.

Bru (not verified)    April 23, 2025 - 8:03AM

Permalink

Kia has 7yr warranty..so it won't be a problem getting it fixed..obviously a massive nuisance.lve owned a couple of 2.0l kia ceratos..they were fantastic. Only thing that went on one of them was a power coil..cheap to fix

Mikethrtyke (not verified)    April 24, 2025 - 7:27AM

Permalink

I have owned two 2.0 Hyundai tdci engined Tucson and both proved to be very reliable. The 2.0 petrol engine currently used by KIA and Hyundai has a terrible reputation in the USA where a huge court action is under way. I have not seen any comment addressing this issue from Hyundai presumably they are trying to save face but you would hope that such a huge corporation would fix this problem and salvage their reputation. My Hyundai garage assures me that the 1.6T gamma engine that they use is considerably more reliable.

Paul (not verified)    April 24, 2025 - 10:11AM

Permalink

2014 hyundia santa fe, 2.4 liter, blew up at 100000 kms, oil changed every 5000, the saving grace was I did all the warranty upgrades,knock sensor, etc, first thing they started looking at, if that wasn't done they will be denied. It happened to my neice and her Kia, bought it used, previous owner didn't do and of the warranty updates, she was stonewalled. It wouldn't have stopped the failure, just like mine, but gives the ammo to shut you down, was going to sell it but I have in writing a new motor with 10 year, 100000kms warranty. Every 2 or 3 years do the intake cleaning, at the dealership, or they may try to use that as leverage against you, that's my story, good luck,cover all your bases.

Sonia Smith (not verified)    April 24, 2025 - 11:13AM

Permalink

This really sends deep concerns to me . I own a 2023 Kona and I have noticed several different things going on but no one really wants to believe that their new car could be malfunctioning. I also noticed that the power that should be behind this car really isn't there. The sensor is usually telling me that my hands are off the steering wheel and they both are on the steering wheel. Has me wondering what other problem will be heading my way. I love my Hyundai cars but you buy them because they are supposed to be good and long lasting not something that your going to have to replace everything on it before you get it paid off. 🤦🏼I know I don't have this kind of means.

Norma (not verified)    April 26, 2025 - 3:51AM

Permalink

I;m in shock in the fact that my 2021 Hyundai Kona required a new radiator mid 2024.! I informed my neighbour who has the same year & model & her radiator had to be replaced after 2 yrs!
After reading all the latest info on Torgue News & am worried that there may be ANOTHER ISSUE with Hyundai vehicles.