NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Hyundai Kona Safety Ratings
The 2024 Hyundai Kona scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 42 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Hyundai Kona earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, placing it in the Strong band. This score represents a four-point decrease from the 2023 model's 84, primarily attributed to a weaker defect record. While crash-test results are solid, the vehicle's active-avoidance scoring presents caveats for an otherwise reasonable safety choice.
The 2024 Hyundai Kona SUV AWD received a 4-out-of-5 overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, based on NHTSA crash, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Hyundai Kona ranks 121 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 42 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 121 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Hyundai Kona?
The 2024 Kona demonstrates a notable four-point decline in its Safety Index, settling at 80 for the model year. This drop from the 2023 model's 84 is primarily attributable to its defect record and avoidance technology scores. While crash protection remains robust, earning 61 out of 70 points, its defect record component contributed a mere 13.5 out of 20 points, reflecting the impact of three recall campaigns. The NHTSA crash-test results confirm strong occupant protection, anchored by a 5-star side impact rating. However, the avoidance-tech score of 5 out of 10 further diminished the overall Safety Index, despite the inclusion of standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning. This indicates the scoring methodology prioritizes comprehensive active-safety features over the presence of basic systems. Potential buyers should consider the three recalls, particularly the one concerning rear seat belt retractors, a critical restraint component, when assessing the 2024 Kona. Its crash-test performance is genuinely positive, but the recall history warrants serious attention.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Hyundai Kona perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Kona AWD SUV achieved a 5-star rating in side-crash protection, a noteworthy result for this class of vehicle. Its overall score from NHTSA is 4 out of 5 stars. Frontal impact protection also rated 4 stars. Rollover risk stands at 16 percent, with dynamic tip testing concluding in a No Tip designation, contributing to its 4-star rollover rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19537
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2024 Kona. The first targets a potential electrical short in the EGR valve exhaust system, shared with the 2024 Elantra and Venue. The second addresses 12-volt battery cables that may chafe against the engine control module. The third covers rear seat belt retractors that may not function correctly. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory appears in the data for this model year.
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY26V452000
Risk: A seat belt buckle that fails to properly restrain an occupant in a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Passengers are advised not to use the rear center seat until the recall remedy is performed. Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 2, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 306. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchab
Reported 2026-07-14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)24V308000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 260.
Reported 2024-05-01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES23V901000
Risk: A short circuit increases the risk of an engine compartment fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install sheathing over the wiring, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 22, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 252.
Reported 2023-12-26
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:RETRACTOR23V650000
Risk: A seat belt that does not function properly may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt retractor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 21, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 250.
Reported 2023-09-22
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Hyundai Kona?
Owners have filed 42 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The Electrical System leads by a wide margin with 27 alleged reports, followed by Engine at 7 and Service Brakes at 6. Steering and Forward Collision Avoidance each account for 4 alleged reports. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
42 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Hyundai Kona?
Any shopper considering this 2-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before purchase. All three recall campaigns, covering the EGR valve, battery cables, and rear seat belt retractors, must be confirmed as remedied. An open seat belt retractor recall in particular warrants verification of completed repair.
- The 2024 Kona's Safety Index fell four points to 80 compared to the 2023 model's 84, with the defect record sub-score of 13.5 out of 20 reflecting three active recall campaigns issued during this model year.
- A rear seat belt retractor recall affects the right and left rear seats on certain 2024 Kona vehicles, making VIN-specific remedy verification a priority for any used-market transaction.
- The side-crash rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the strongest individual result in the 2024 Kona's NHTSA test profile, while frontal and rollover protection each sit at 4 stars with a 16 percent rollover risk.
- Electrical System complaints account for 27 of the 42 unverified NHTSA owner allegations filed against this model year, a concentration that aligns with the battery cable recall and warrants attention during any pre-purchase inspection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Hyundai Kona places
The 2024 Hyundai Kona qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Hyundai Kona safety questions
Was the 2024 Hyundai Kona crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Hyundai Kona, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2024 Hyundai Kona crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 Hyundai Kona earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 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 15.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2024 Hyundai Kona have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Hyundai Kona. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Hyundai Kona?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 42 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 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 (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19537), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Kona 2024.
- 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 121 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.