MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2023 Hyundai Kona

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Hyundai Kona

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
61Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE HYUNDAI KONA

The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact crossover SUV that has carved out a loyal following among urban commuters and small-family buyers who want an affordable, maneuverable package without sacrificing modern features. Spanning model years 2019 through 2025, the Kona competes in one of the most crowded segments in the American market, and its safety record is a meaningful part of its pitch to value-conscious shoppers.

VERDICT

Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2023 Hyundai Kona carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Hyundai Kona as a well-rounded subcompact SUV that punches above its price point in terms of standard features and driving refinement. Most praise its composed handling for the segment and practical packaging, though reviewers have noted that the Kona's safety recall history is a factor worth monitoring, particularly for earlier model years in this generation.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 13.6%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18647

Index breakdown

Crash protection66/70
Avoidance tech5/10
Defect record13.25/20
Forward collision warning: Standard & OptionalLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

Park outside / do not drive This vehicle has a recall advising owners to park away from structures or stop driving until repaired. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov.
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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

61 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

4reported crash
0reported fire
3reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 24Unknown Or Other 17Forward Collision Avoidance 12Power Train 10Vehicle Speed Control 7Engine 6

Other Kona years

Rivals in SUV (2023)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 18647), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Hyundai Kona 2023. Class rank 83 of 139 in SUV 2023. Methodology · Disclosure