NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Hyundai Kona Safety Ratings
The 2019 Hyundai Kona scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 183 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Hyundai Kona achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, placing it in the Strong category. While NHTSA crash test results are largely excellent for the Kona, a single recall campaign, coupled with a substantial volume of owner complaints, both specifically targeting the 2.0L engine, introduce a notable caveat to an otherwise robust safety profile.
The 2019 Hyundai Kona received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Hyundai Kona ranks 12 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.1% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 183 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 12 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Hyundai Kona?
The 2019 Hyundai Kona achieves an overall Safety Index of 89 out of 100. This is primarily attributed to strong crash protection and comprehensive standard safety technology. The model earned a crash-protection subscore of 66 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for its standard crash-avoidance features. Its defect record subscore, 13 out of 20, prevented a higher overall rating. A notable concern for the 2019 Kona is the recall campaign targeting the 2.0L Nu MPI engine. This recall is directly reflected in owner complaints, with 125 of the 183 total complaints for this model year specifically related to the engine. These complaints include 4 unverified fire allegations, which align with the issues prompting the recall. In federal crash testing, the Kona performed well, earning the highest possible ratings for both frontal and side impact protection. Its standard fitment of forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems are significant safety assets for a vehicle in this segment from 2019. Its rollover rating indicates a 14 percent rollover risk with a no-tip dynamic result. This is a common and acceptable outcome for a small SUV. No prior-year Safety Index is available for comparison, as 2019 marked the model's launch year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Hyundai Kona perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Hyundai Kona achieves 5 out of 5 stars for overall crash protection. Frontal and side impact protection both rated 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's evaluations. The rollover test, however, yielded a 4 out of 5 star rating, indicating a 14 percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test concluded with no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13638
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?
The 2019 Hyundai Kona carries one federal recall campaign: an engine defect affecting vehicles equipped with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, shared with certain 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster models as well as 2019-2020 Elantra vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided, but shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN before purchase.
ENGINE21V301000
Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Reported 2021-04-28
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Hyundai Kona?
NHTSA has received 183 unverified owner complaints for the 2019 Kona. Alleged issues center heavily on the Engine component, which accounts for 125 of those reports, followed by Electrical System and Power Train. Consumers have also alleged 11 crashes, 4 fires, and 6 injuries, though none of these are established facts.
183 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Hyundai Kona?
Any shopper considering a used 2019 Kona should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether the 2.0L Nu MPI engine recall has been completed. An unresolved recall remedy on a 7-year-old vehicle is a concrete safety question that should be answered before any transaction.
- The 2019 Kona has one active federal recall targeting the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, a campaign that also covers other Hyundai models from overlapping years, making VIN-level remedy verification essential for used buyers.
- Engine complaints account for 125 of 183 total unverified NHTSA reports for this model year, an unusually high concentration in a single component category that aligns directly with the recall campaign.
- NHTSA awarded the 2019 Kona a perfect 5-star rating in both frontal and side crash protection, and all three listed crash-avoidance technologies, including forward collision warning and lane departure warning, came standard on this model year.
- The defect record subscore of 13 out of 20 is the primary reason the Safety Index did not reach a higher band, reflecting the weight of the recall and complaint volume rather than any weakness in the crash-test results.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Hyundai Kona places
The 2019 Hyundai Kona qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Hyundai Kona safety questions
Was the 2019 Hyundai Kona crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Hyundai Kona, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Hyundai Kona crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Hyundai Kona earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Kona have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Hyundai Kona. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Hyundai Kona?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 183 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Hyundai Kona. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Kona years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13638), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Kona 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 12 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.