2019 Hyundai Kona diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Hyundai Kona first registered in 2019 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 150 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 150 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2019 Hyundai Kona diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2019 Hyundai Kona diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres26% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes17% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension2% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics2% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Known faults on the 2019 Hyundai Kona diesel
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Petrol and diesel
Airbag, brake pipe and eCall recalls
Petrol and diesel cars were recalled for airbags (2019), damaged brake pipes (2019) and eCall (2021).
At the viewing: Ask for proof the recalls were done.
Source: Auto Express: used Hyundai Kona (Mk1, 2017 on) review
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2019 Hyundai Kona diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Hyundai Kona?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Hyundai Kona compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 986 | Tyres 22% |
| 2022 | 14,628 | Tyres 24% |
| 2021 | 28,661 | Tyres 25% |
| 2020 | 35,271 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 19,740 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 1,241 | Tyres 29% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Hyundai Kona cars first registered in 2019. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score