NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Hyundai Kona Safety Ratings
The 2021 Hyundai Kona scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 110 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Hyundai Kona achieves an Exceptional rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 90 out of 100. This assessment reflects a strong safety profile for the model year, derived from its performance in NHTSA crash tests, the integration of crash-avoidance technology, and its defect record.
The 2021 Hyundai Kona received an overall 5-star crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Hyundai Kona ranks 24 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 | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.1% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 110 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 24 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
The 2021 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the Kona in safety terms. The NHTSA Safety Index rose to 90/100, Exceptional, up from 88/100, Strong, on the 2020 model. That two-point gain moved the vehicle across a band boundary, a distinction that reflects improvement in the defect record component, which scored 14.25 out of a possible 20. Crash protection contributed 66 of 70 available points, anchored by perfect frontal and side star ratings from NHTSA. The avoidance-tech component reached the full 10 out of 10, supported by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard equipment on this trim. The single recall, tied to the 2.0L Nu MPI engine and shared across several Hyundai nameplates, is the primary safety concern specific to this year. The complaint volume of 110 reports is noteworthy, with 72 alleged engine-related issues aligning thematically with that recall campaign, though complaints remain unverified allegations. Taken together, the 2021 Kona presents one of the stronger safety profiles in its segment for this specific model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Hyundai Kona perform in crash tests?
For the 2021 model year, the Hyundai Kona achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its frontal and side crash tests both returned perfect 5-star ratings. The rollover assessment shows a 4-star rating, with a 14 percent rollover risk, though the dynamic tip test indicated no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15127
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?
The 2021 Hyundai Kona carries one recall campaign for this model year. It targets vehicles equipped with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, covering a range that includes certain 2019 through 2021 Kona units. This is an engine-related defect campaign. Shoppers should verify by VIN whether the remedy has been completed, as engine recalls warrant close attention.
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 2021 Hyundai Kona?
NHTSA has received 110 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The top alleged problem area is the Engine, accounting for 72 reports. Other frequently cited components include Unknown Or Other at 18, Power Train at 14, and Electrical System at 10. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
110 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
Open recalls remain a critical consideration for the 2021 Kona. Any prospective owner should prioritize verifying the completion of the engine recall, specifically, through the NHTSA database using the vehicle's VIN. Documentation confirming the recall remedy was performed by an authorized dealer is essential before purchasing any affected unit.
- The 2021 Kona Safety Index of 90/100 Exceptional represents a two-point gain over the 2020 model year score of 88/100 Strong, crossing a full band boundary.
- One recall campaign was issued specifically covering certain 2021 Kona vehicles equipped with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, making VIN-level remedy verification essential for used-market buyers.
- NHTSA complaint data shows 72 of 110 unverified reports for this model year cite the Engine as the affected component, a concentration that aligns with the engine recall campaign.
- All three key crash-avoidance technologies, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are listed as standard on the 2021 Kona, contributing the full 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech points to the Safety Index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Hyundai Kona places
The 2021 Hyundai Kona qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Hyundai Kona safety questions
Was the 2021 Hyundai Kona crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Hyundai Kona, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Hyundai Kona crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Hyundai Kona have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Hyundai Kona. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 110 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15127), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Kona 2021.
- 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 24 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.