NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Hyundai Kona Safety Ratings
The 2025 Hyundai Kona scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 26 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Hyundai Kona achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, securing its position in the Strong band. This score represents a four-point increase over the 2024 model, indicating a notable improvement in its safety profile. A key contributor to this performance is its perfect 5-star rating in side-crash protection, as published by NHTSA. Furthermore, the 2025 Kona enters the market with a clean recall record to date.
The 2025 Hyundai Kona SUV AWD earned a 5-star side-crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100 based on NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Hyundai Kona ranks 127 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 26 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 127 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Hyundai Kona?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona marks a measurable step forward in the Safety Index, climbing four points from the 2024 model's 80/100 to 84/100, both within the Strong band but the gap is meaningful. The defect record sub-score of 18.25 out of 20 is the clearest driver of that improvement: zero recall campaigns on file means no active safety defects have required a federal remedy for this model year. The crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 reflects solid but not flawless structural performance, consistent with the 4-star overall and frontal ratings. The 5-star side result is the single most impressive data point in the crash profile and separates this year's Kona from many competitors in its segment. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 5 out of 10 is the index's softer spot, reflecting that some crash-avoidance features are listed as optional rather than uniformly standard. Forward collision warning carries both a Standard and an Optional notation, suggesting trim-level variation buyers should verify. The 26 unverified complaints, with 9 targeting the Electrical System, are worth monitoring, but at this vehicle age the complaint volume does not yet indicate a pattern that has triggered federal action.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Hyundai Kona perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona SUV AWD achieved a 4 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with a perfect 5-star result in the side-crash test. Frontal crash protection was rated at 4 stars. Rollover protection also earned 4 stars, reflecting a 16 percent risk of rollover and a "No Tip" outcome in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20567
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. There are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. That clean defect record contributes 18.25 out of a possible 20 points to the Safety Index, the highest sub-score in the breakdown.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Hyundai Kona?
Twenty-six unverified consumer allegations have been submitted to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem area is the Electrical System, cited in 9 reports, followed by Power Train at 4 and Service Brakes at 3. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects.
26 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Hyundai Kona?
Before purchasing a used 2025 Hyundai Kona, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm no new campaigns have opened since this data was compiled. Verify that the specific trim includes forward collision warning as standard equipment, since the NHTSA data shows it is listed as both Standard and Optional across configurations.
- The 2025 Kona has zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file, a clean defect record that directly boosted its Safety Index four points above the 2024 model's score of 80/100.
- The 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating is the highest individual result in the 2025 Kona's crash profile and is the strongest single safety data point for this model year.
- Forward collision warning is listed as both Standard and Optional in NHTSA's 2025 data, meaning crash-avoidance equipment may vary by trim level and should be confirmed before purchase.
- Twenty-six unverified consumer allegations have reached NHTSA for this model year, with 9 targeting the Electrical System - a component category worth asking about during any pre-purchase inspection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Hyundai Kona places
The 2025 Hyundai Kona qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Hyundai Kona safety questions
Was the 2025 Hyundai Kona crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Hyundai Kona, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 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 2025 Hyundai Kona crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 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 2025 Hyundai Kona have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2025 Hyundai Kona. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Hyundai Kona?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 26 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20567), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Kona 2025.
- 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 127 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.