NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Hyundai Kona Safety Ratings
The 2023 Hyundai Kona scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 61 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Hyundai Kona achieved an 84/100 NHTSA Safety Index, placing it firmly in the Strong band. This strong performance, however, is tempered by a single serious recall and a modest showing in avoidance technology assessments, preventing the Kona from reaching the highest safety tier.
The 2023 Hyundai Kona received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Hyundai Kona ranks 84 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13.6% |
| Recalls on file | 1 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 61 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 84 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Hyundai Kona?
The 2023 Kona's single high-severity recall, a park-outside campaign concerning the automatic transmission pump, marks a notable shift in its safety profile from the prior model year. This recall significantly influenced its defect record sub-score, which stands at 13.25 out of 20, and contributed to a 10-point drop in the overall NHTSA Safety Index, from 94/100 (Exceptional) in 2022 to 84/100 (Strong) for 2023. NHTSA crash-test results for frontal and side impacts each earned 5 out of 5 stars, contributing to a strong crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70. However, the avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 is modest. This lower score reflects the overall breadth and integration of the safety technology suite, even with forward collision warning and lane departure warning listed as standard equipment. The defect record is further detailed by 61 reported owner complaints, which include 4 alleged crashes and 3 alleged injuries. The Electrical System and Forward Collision Avoidance are the most frequent complaint categories. While still a well-rated vehicle, the 2023 Kona presents a distinct safety consideration not present in the 2022 model.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Hyundai Kona perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Kona achieves a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in crash tests. It earned 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side impact evaluations. The rollover assessment shows a 4-star rating, with a 14 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18647
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?
The 2023 Kona carries one recall, and it is a serious one: a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign tied to the automatic transmission fluid pump and its electronic controls. This campaign covers certain 2023 Hyundai Kona vehicles alongside other Hyundai models. Owners should verify remedy completion by VIN before driving.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP23V526000
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 246.
Reported 2023-07-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Hyundai Kona?
Sixty-one unverified owner allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (24 reports), Unknown Or Other (17), Forward Collision Avoidance (12), Power Train (10), and Vehicle Speed Control (7). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
61 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Hyundai Kona?
For the 2023 Kona, a critical park-outside transmission recall demands immediate attention. Prospective owners should verify the recall remedy has been completed via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool before operating or taking ownership of the vehicle.
- The 2023 Kona's Safety Index dropped 10 points from the 2022 model year (94 to 84), driven largely by a high-severity park-outside recall tied to the automatic transmission fluid pump.
- NHTSA crash tests gave this specific model year a 5-star overall score with a 4-star rollover rating and a 14-percent rollover risk, the only sub-perfect result in the crash-test suite.
- Sixty-one unverified complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year include alleged issues with the Electrical System (24) and Forward Collision Avoidance (12), two areas worth scrutiny given the avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10.
- The single recall on this model year is not a minor parts fix: it is classified as a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, the most serious recall severity tier, and verification of remedy completion is essential for any current or prospective owner.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Hyundai Kona places
The 2023 Hyundai Kona qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Hyundai Kona safety questions
Was the 2023 Hyundai Kona crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Hyundai Kona, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 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 2023 Hyundai Kona crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 13.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Hyundai Kona have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Hyundai Kona, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Hyundai Kona?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 61 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Hyundai Kona. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Kona years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18647), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Kona 2023.
- 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 84 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.