Your Kona runs great, until one day, it doesn’t. Maybe it hesitates when you accelerate. Maybe your engine burns through oil faster than it should. Maybe your transmission shifts rougher than it did last month.
They’re red flags. And they’re not just happening to you. At Fremont Foreign Auto, we’ve seen these Hyundai Kona issues firsthand. If you drive one in Milpitas, it’s time to get ahead of these problems before they get expensive.
Engine Failure Starts With A Tick, Ends With A Towing Bill
A ticking noise from your engine isn’t harmless. It’s a warning. The 2019 Hyundai Kona, in particular, has a problem with defective piston oil rings. These rings let oil slip past, leading to excessive consumption, low oil pressure, and eventually, complete engine failure.
Drivers report sudden power loss, rough idling, and even total shutdowns while driving. If you notice your oil levels dropping faster than usual, don’t wait. Low oil leads to overheating. Overheating leads to engine seizure. And engine seizure leads to one thing—a massive repair bill.
The Fix:
At Fremont Foreign Auto, we check for oil leaks, test compression levels, and inspect piston rings for early signs of failure. If we catch the issue soon enough, replacing faulty components can prevent total engine replacement.
Transmission Slips That Get Worse Over Time
A smooth transmission should shift without hesitation. Some Kona owners—especially those with 2021 models—experience the opposite. Their Kona jerks into gear, hesitates when accelerating, or even slips out of gear entirely.
The cause? Internal clutch pack wear and faulty transmission solenoids. The longer you ignore it, the worse it gets. Eventually, the car may refuse to shift at all.
The Fix:
Transmission problems never fix themselves. At Fremont Foreign Auto, we diagnose shifting issues by checking fluid condition, solenoid function, and clutch wear. Whether your Kona needs a simple recalibration or a major repair, we make sure every shift is smooth.
Electrical Failures That Kill Safety Features
Your Kona’s safety features are only useful if they work. Some drivers report the blind-spot monitoring system shutting off mid-drive. Others say their automatic emergency braking system fails without warning. When these systems glitch, you lose critical layers of protection.
The cause ranges from faulty sensors to software malfunctions. One driver in Milpitas experienced a complete electrical failure, leaving their dashboard unresponsive.
The Fix:
At Fremont Foreign Auto, we don’t just replace parts—we solve problems. We use advanced diagnostic tools to scan for system failures, update software, and replace bad sensors. If your Kona’s tech is acting up, we’ll get it back to factory condition.
Fuel System Leaks That Drain Your Wallet
A gas smell inside your Kona isn’t normal. Some 2019 models have reported fuel pump issues, leading to leaks, rough acceleration, and potential fire hazards. Some drivers only notice the problem when they struggle to start their car in the morning. Others find themselves at the pump more often without an explanation.
A failing fuel pump means your engine isn’t getting the fuel pressure it needs. Left unchecked, it can lead to misfires, poor performance, and increased risk of stalling.
The Fix:
At Fremont Foreign Auto, we check for fuel leaks, test pressure regulators, and replace faulty pumps before they become a hazard. If your Kona smells like gas, it’s time to bring it in.
Battery Problems That Leave You Stranded
Kona Electric owners face an entirely different risk—battery failure. Some models suffer from defective battery cells, leading to rapid charge loss, overheating, or even fire hazards.
Drivers report waking up to a Kona that lost 20% of its charge overnight. Others experience sudden shutdowns mid-drive.
The Fix:
We specialize in electric vehicle diagnostics. Our team inspects battery cells, updates firmware, and ensures your Kona Electric’s power system is safe and efficient. If your battery isn’t holding a charge, don’t wait until it leaves you stranded.
Fix Small Issues Before They Become Expensive Repairs
Your Kona isn’t immune to problems, but catching them early can save you thousands. If your engine is burning oil, your transmission is slipping, or your safety features aren’t working, don’t wait until it turns into a major repair.
At Fremont Foreign Auto, we help Kona owners in Fremont, Milpitas, and surrounding areas keep their vehicles in top shape. If something feels off, call (510) 793-6067 before a small issue turns into a big one.
