Small SUV · 2017–2021 cars
Hyundai Kona reliability
The Hyundai Kona fails 11.7% of first MOT tests, 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 75,197 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Hyundai Kona before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 11.7%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 10% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 75,197
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 7,400
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Hyundai Kona ages
Each point is the share of Hyundai Konas of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Hyundai Kona | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 11% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 12.1% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 12.8% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 12.4% | 19.1% |
By year
The best and worst Hyundai Kona years
2017 cars come out best and 2021 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Kona | 5,371 | 12.2% | 4% more fails | 24,764 |
| 2020 Kona | 21,454 | 11.7% | 6% fewer fails | 27,486 |
| 2019 Kona | 23,768 | 11.9% | 6% fewer fails | 28,032 |
| 2018 Kona | 23,150 | 11.4% | 17% fewer fails | 31,095 |
| 2017 Kona | 1,454 | 11.4% | 27% fewer fails | 35,713 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Hyundai Kona
Its weak spot is windscreen, wipers and mirrors: 21% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4.4%1% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.9%21% above avg
- Lights and electrics2.2%27% below avg
- Brakes1.9%11% below avg
- Suspension0.4%62% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.4%37% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure0.2%51% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.1%71% below avg
- Wheels0.1%67% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.63% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.21% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.11% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 4
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.87% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 5
Headlamp aim set too high 0.52% of tests
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
- 6
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.51% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 7
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.27% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
- 8
Tyre pressure monitoring system faulty 0.24% of tests
A faulty tyre pressure monitor cannot warn about low tyre pressure, so check tyres manually and have the fault diagnosed.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Hyundai Kona's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit9.32%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking7.72%
- Brake pads wearing thin4.93%
- Brake disc pitted or scored4.39%
- Child seat limits belt inspection1.81%
- Nail in tyre, monitor1.81%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Hyundai Kona
- 1
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 4
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Hyundai Kona covers about 7,400 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Petrol66.3%
- Electric19.5%
- Hybrid14%
- Diesel0.2%
- Other0%
Most common colours
Grey, White, Blue, Red, Black
Average engine size: 1.1 litres.
Compare
How the Hyundai Kona compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-3 | 13.2% | 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Hyundai Kona | 11.7% | 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Suzuki Jimny | 30.9% | 4% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Citroën C3 Aircross | 14% | 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Jeep Renegade | 22.2% | 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| MG ZS | 18.3% | 25% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Citroën C4 Cactus | 24.9% | 54% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every small suv ranked in the small suv reliability index, or all Hyundai models.
Questions
Hyundai Kona questions, answered
Is the Hyundai Kona reliable?
On MOT results, the Hyundai Kona is about average: it fails 11.7% of first MOT tests, 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 19 of 40 small suv models in our index.
What fails most on a Hyundai Kona MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Hyundai Kona are wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.63% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.21% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.11% of tests). By area, tyres fails 4.4% of its tests.
Which Hyundai Kona year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2017 cars do best (27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2021 cars do worst (4% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Hyundai Kona do a year?
A typical Hyundai Kona covers about 7,400 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Hyundai Kona before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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