2018-2022 Hyundai Kona: piston ring recall and anti-theft software

Last reviewed 2026-10-09 · Data: NHTSA, official settlement and manufacturer documents · Independent site, not affiliated with Hyundai, Kia or NHTSA

Short answer

Two things matter on a gas Kona from these years. Certain 2019-2021 Konas with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine are in recall 21V-301, because the piston oil rings may not have been heat-treated properly. And turn-key Konas without an immobilizer are on Hyundai's anti-theft software list. The Kona isn't on either engine settlement's class list. The Kona Electric is a different vehicle in NHTSA's data and isn't covered here.

Check your VIN to see recalls and which programs list your exact engine.

Which versions and years are involved

2.0L Nu MPI: certain 2019-2021 cars are in recall 21V-301.
1.6L turbo: not in 21V-301 and not on either engine settlement list.
Anti-theft: the Campaign 993 bulletin lists certain 2018-2022 Konas. It applies only to cars with a turn-key ignition and no immobilizer light.

What the recall and anti-theft programs say

Recall 21V-301: dealers inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, and install Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software, free. NHTSA's consequence text: a damaged engine may stall, and oil may leak onto hot exhaust parts.
Campaign 993 software: extends the alarm and requires the key fob to unlock before the car will start. Hyundai's bulletin says that on the 2018-2022 Kona you must always use the fob buttons to lock and unlock, because the door key won't disarm the system.
Multistate settlement: the official site lists Kona 2018-2022. Benefits include a free zinc ignition cylinder protector and theft claims of up to $4,500 (total loss), $2,250 (partial) or $375 (attempt) for qualifying thefts from April 29, 2025 until the protector is installed or March 31, 2027, while funds last. The software must have been installed, or booked, at the time of the theft.

Engine recall

21V-301 · ENGINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.

Recall text quoted from NHTSA. Whether a recall is still open on a specific car can only be checked by VIN at NHTSA or the manufacturer.

What owners report to NHTSA

647 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018-2022 Kona. 408 of them name an engine component.

Model year	All complaints	Engine complaints	Engine + fire	Typical mileage mentioned (engine)
2018	75	44 (59%)	7	63,000 (n=11)
2019	193	139 (72%)	3	52,000 (n=24)
2020	160	111 (69%)	1	10,500 (n=25)
2021	119	81 (68%)	2	17,600 (n=21)
2022	100	33 (33%)	0	too few (n=7)

Source: NHTSA complaints API, pulled 2026-10-09. "Engine complaints" are complaints where the owner picked an ENGINE component (one complaint can list several components). Mileage is the median of mileages owners typed into their complaint text, shown only when at least 10 complaints mention one. Complaints are unverified owner reports, and counts reflect how many owners filed, not how many cars failed.

For 2019-2021, about 70% of Kona complaints name the engine, among the highest shares in any of our guides. The mileage owners mention is low because these are young cars, so it says more about early failures than typical life.

Warning signs to take seriously

Needing to add oil between changes, or blue smoke at startup.
Rattling or ticking at idle that wasn't there before.
A warning from the piston-ring noise software (after 21V-301 it can flag the condition): get to a dealer.
Ignition cylinder damage, or a car that won't start because the fob wasn't used to unlock after the anti-theft update.

What to do, step by step

Run your VIN at NHTSA and Hyundai for 21V-301.
If the engine is using oil, write down how much and how often. Bring that log to the dealer.
Turn-key Kona: run hyundaiusa.com/anti-theft, then get the free zinc protector through the multistate program.
After the software update, lock and unlock with the fob only.

Dealer insider note

Two questions apply to a gas Kona, and the guide above covers both. Certain 2019-2021 Konas with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine are in recall 21V-301 for piston oil rings. And turn-key Konas without an immobilizer are on Hyundai's anti-theft software list. The Kona is not on either engine settlement list.

If you add oil between changes or see an oil warning, say so and ask the advisor to check recall 21V-301 against your VIN. Ask for the repair order to show the recall number, and ask for the written result of any engine test.

For anti-theft, first check how the car starts. Push-button or an immobilizer light in the cluster means the car already has one. A turn-key Kona without the light should get the software. Ask that it be done, and ask for the repair order showing it.

The fob rule confuses people. After the software update, lock and unlock the car with the fob. Using the door key can leave the car unwilling to start with the key. Try the fob before you call for help.

Used buyers should ask for: recall history, proof the anti-theft software was installed, and maintenance records.

Until the VIN check is done, do not sign a release, a waiver or a customer-pay repair order. Get any estimate in writing, and ask whether fees are waived if the car is covered.

If the shop stalls or says no, call the manufacturer's customer-care line (number is in your owner's manual). Give the VIN and repair order, ask for a case number, and keep every receipt.

Questions

Is the Kona in the Theta II or Engine II settlement?

Neither class list we checked includes the Kona. Certain 2019-2021 2.0L Konas have recall 21V-301 instead.

Why won't my Kona start after the anti-theft update?

Hyundai's bulletin says the 2018-2022 Kona must be locked and unlocked with the key fob buttons to arm and disarm the system. Unlocking with the door key doesn't disarm it.

Does the Kona Electric need the anti-theft software?

This guide covers the gas Kona only. Check any Hyundai VIN at hyundaiusa.com/anti-theft.