NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Hyundai Kona Safety Ratings
The 2026 Hyundai Kona scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 6 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Hyundai Kona received a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment reflects solid performance in NHTSA's crash tests. However, the Kona's overall Safety Index was affected by a notably weak score for its avoidance technology and by two active recall campaigns issued for this model year.
The 2026 Hyundai Kona received a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Hyundai Kona ranks 135 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 | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 6 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 135 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Hyundai Kona?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona registers a Safety Index of 80 out of 100, a four-point decrease from the 2025 model's 84. This reduction is directly attributable to specific deficiencies rather than a broad performance decline. A defect record sub-score of 17 out of 20 indicates robust structural integrity, complemented by a crash protection score of 61 out of 70, reflecting strong NHTSA performance, particularly a 5-star side impact rating. However, the Safety Index is significantly impacted by an avoidance technology sub-score of just 2 out of 10. Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems are noted as absent for this configuration. This omission represents a considerable safety trade-off for a current model year vehicle in a competitive SUV segment. Further complicating the assessment are two recall campaigns initiated early in this vehicle's production. One recall addresses potentially cracked front steering knuckles, a direct concern for vehicle control. The convergence of a four-point index decline, a low avoidance technology score, and an active structural recall suggests that prospective buyers prioritizing safety should scrutinize the specific trim and feature set of the 2026 Kona closely before purchase.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Hyundai Kona perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona achieved a 4 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While its frontal and rollover protection each earned 4 stars, with a 16 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic test result, the model's side-crash performance stands out. This specific category was awarded a full 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21147
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?
Yes. Two recall campaigns cover the 2026 Kona. The first and more critical involves front steering knuckles that may crack due to a manufacturing error, a structural concern that affects vehicle control. The second, a multi-model campaign, addresses the instrument cluster and electrical system. Neither has been publicly flagged as a do-not-drive order, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN immediately.
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
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM26V069000
Risk: A loss of vehicle steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckles, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 5, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 295. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 7, 2026.
Reported 2026-02-06
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V047000
Risk: An instrument panel display that fails to show critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The instrument panel display software will be updated over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 24, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 293. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 28, 2026.
Reported 2026-01-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Hyundai Kona?
Six owner complaints have been submitted to NHTSA for the 2026 Kona, including one alleged crash and two alleged injuries. The most frequently cited components are Service Brakes and Unknown Or Other, each appearing twice. These are unverified consumer allegations and have not been confirmed as defects by NHTSA.
6 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Hyundai Kona?
Two open recall campaigns mark the current model year, necessitating buyer vigilance. Before delivery, prospective owners should confirm both the steering knuckle and instrument cluster recalls have been remedied. Use NHTSA's VIN lookup tool, and request written documentation of completion from the dealership.
- The 2026 Kona's Safety Index dropped four points from the 2025 model's 84 to 80, a year-over-year decline driven in part by a 2-out-of-10 avoidance-tech sub-score on this specific AWD configuration.
- A manufacturing-error recall covering front steering knuckles that may crack was issued for 2026 Kona vehicles, making it essential to verify remedy completion by VIN before driving or purchasing.
- Side-crash protection earned a perfect 5 stars from NHTSA, making it the strongest single result in the 2026 Kona's crash-test profile and a genuine year-specific data point in its favor.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are both listed as not present on this 2026 configuration, which directly accounts for the low avoidance-tech score and distinguishes this year's safety profile from vehicles in the segment that include those systems as standard.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Hyundai Kona places
The 2026 Hyundai Kona qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Hyundai Kona safety questions
Was the 2026 Hyundai Kona crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 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 2026 Hyundai Kona crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Hyundai Kona have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Hyundai Kona. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Hyundai Kona?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 6 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 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 (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21147), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Hyundai Kona 2026.
- 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 135 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.