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2022 Hyundai Kona N

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By Research the Car 3 min read

The 2022 Hyundai Kona N is a performance-oriented subcompact SUV, known for its engaging driving dynamics and distinctive styling. This high-performance variant of the Kona is powered exclusively by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. It comes exclusively with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Common praises include the Kona N’s responsive handling, potent engine, and aggressive looks. Criticisms often target the firm ride quality and limited rear passenger space.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

  • Excessive Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than expected oil consumption, requiring them to add oil between scheduled oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warning lights and the need to add quarts of oil frequently.
    • Solution: Monitoring oil levels more frequently, performing oil consumption tests at the dealer to assess the severity, and potentially replacing piston rings or other engine components in severe cases.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$5000+ (depending on the extent of the repair)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing turbocharger failures or malfunctions. Symptoms can include a loss of power, unusual noises from the engine bay, and error codes related to the turbocharger system.
    • Solution: Diagnosis by a qualified technician to identify the specific cause of the issue, followed by repair or replacement of the faulty turbocharger components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)

  • Rough or Jerky Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: The dual-clutch transmission can exhibit rough or jerky shifting, particularly at low speeds or during stop-and-go traffic. This can manifest as hesitation, lurching, or clunking sounds during gear changes.
    • Solution: Software updates to the transmission control module (TCM) to improve shift smoothness, or in some cases, replacement of the clutch packs or other transmission components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (for software updates) / $2000 - $6000+ (for component replacements)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Stiff Ride Quality
    • Description/Symptoms: The Kona N’s suspension is tuned for performance, resulting in a firmer ride than the standard Kona. This can be uncomfortable for some drivers, especially on rough or uneven road surfaces.
    • Solution: There is no easy solution. Consider aftermarket adjustable dampers for a softer ride, or a different vehicle with softer suspension.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Consider purchasing the car with the ride stiffness in mind)
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Infotainment System Glitches
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported glitches or malfunctions with the infotainment system, including screen freezes, unresponsive touch controls, and connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
    • Solution: Software updates to the infotainment system, resetting the system, or in some cases, replacement of the head unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (for software updates) / $500 - $2000+ (for head unit replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Warning Lights (False Positives)
    • Description/Symptoms: Erroneous warning lights appearing on the dashboard, even when no actual problem exists with the associated system.
    • Solution: Diagnosis using an OBD-II scanner to check for error codes, clearing any false codes, or addressing any underlying issues that may be triggering the warning lights.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $75 - $150 (Diagnosis) / $0 - $100+ (clearing codes or minor fixes)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rear Spoiler Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported cracks developing in the rear spoiler, particularly around the mounting points. This is often attributed to stress or vibration.
    • Solution: Replacement of the cracked spoiler.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Creaking/Rattling
    • Description/Symptoms: Noise coming from seats.
    • Solution: Seat adjustment, lubricating moving parts, or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2022 Hyundai Kona N, while praised for its performance, exhibits some common issues. The engine may suffer from excessive oil consumption and turbocharger issues. The transmission might have rough shifting tendencies. Electrical issues relating to infotainment system glitches can also affect this vehicle. Some exterior parts of the vehicle like the rear spoiler can have issues as well. The severity of these problems varies, with some issues being minor annoyances while others require more extensive and costly repairs. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential pitfalls and factor them into their purchasing decision.

Hyundai, Kona N
Hyundai Kona N 2022
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