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Hyundai Kona Mk1 (OS) (2017-2022) reliability

At a glance

Hyundai Kona Mk1 (OS) built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Hyundai Kona Mk1 (OS) models built around 2018 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Hyundai Kona Mk1 (OS) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

13% of MOT tests on Hyundai Kona Mk1 (OS) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Hyundai Kona Mk1 (OS) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Hyundai Kona Mk1 (OS)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2017-2022SUVELECTRICITY / HYBRID ELECTRIC / DIESEL / PETROL

Based on 62,660 tests of Kona models registered 2017-2022.

About 1 in 10 petrol Kona cars registered in 2022 (10.4%) failed their first MOT.

Based on 308 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).

1.6% of Kona Mk1 (OS) MOTs failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 4,806 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 Kona Mk1 (OS) MOTs (5.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 4,806 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (OS) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
19,58412.0%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
17,83612.5%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
11,26012.7%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
9,00411.8%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
4,80612.7%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
17010.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 7 years old.

How the Kona Mk1 (OS) compares

At each age below, see how the Kona Mk1 (OS) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 98,626 tests across 10 Hyundai models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateHyundai average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
19,58412.0%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
17,83612.5%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
11,26012.7%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
9,00411.8%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
4,80612.7%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
17010.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Kona Mk1 (OS).

  1. 1

    Mitsubishi Eclipse

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.4%

    No clear edge over the Hyundai Kona Mk1 (OS) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,969 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    2.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 7.6%, against 12.7% for the Hyundai Kona Mk1 (OS), both built around 2018.

    1,815 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    2.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 9.5%, against 12.7% for the Hyundai Kona Mk1 (OS), both built around 2018.

    4,706 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Porsche Macan

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    8.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2%
    Dangerous
    2.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.6%

    Lower fail rate: 8.7%, against 12.7% for the Hyundai Kona Mk1 (OS), both built around 2018.

    4,936 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Recall context

16 recalls in all

11 of the 16 Kona Mk1 (OS) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 10 more

Top concerns

  • The airbag control unit may detect a crash signal and command deployment or non deployment of the airbag
  • Subject vehicles may experience a loss of coolant within the electronic power control unit.
  • Potential electrical short in the lithium-ion battery

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Kona Mk1 (OS) cars built around 2018

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 440 cars.

Structural systems

Emissions
4%
Suspension
1%

Wear items

Tyres
12%
Brakes
11%
Lighting
3%
How Kona Mk1 (OS) cars have aged

How Kona Mk1 (OS) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.

0%10%345678Age at MOTBuilt around 2021, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 11.7% (12,413 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2021, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (11,445 tests, 2025 data)2021Built around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 9.2% (8,171 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (7,583 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.9% (7,134 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 8.6% (7,012 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.2% (6,505 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.1% (6,159 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.6% (5,824 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 8.7% (5,353 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 9.4% (4,985 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.0% (4,728 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.7% (4,556 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (4,486 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 7.4% (282 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 9.5% (252 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (229 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 10.3% (185 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 10.6% (170 tests, 2025 data)2017
First registered around 2021First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018
How each part holds up as Mk1 (OS) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 (OS) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car5 years6 years7 years
Suspension2%1%1%
Brakes8%5%11%
Emissions2%2%4%
Tyres9%12%12%
Lighting1%2%3%

Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 138 to 486 cars at each age.

Mk1 (OS) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Hyundai Konas of this age

This list covers every Hyundai Kona built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (OS) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    16.2%
    Advisory: 1,179Fail: 71 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    14.4%
    Advisory: 738Fail: 167 (18% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    14.2%
    Advisory: 986Fail: 85 (8% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    9.9%
    Advisory: 663Fail: 6 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords

    2.8%
    Advisory: 103Fail: 63 (38% of the times it was found)

Based on 4,806 tests

Looking at a Hyundai Kona Mk1 (OS) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Hyundai Kona Mk1 (OS) (2017-2022) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 4,806 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 62,660 MOT tests on Hyundai Konas first registered between 2017-2022. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.