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Active NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from structures until repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and see the recall details below.

Hyundai · Compact SUV

2023 Hyundai Kona

Electric Gas

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
6 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26

Safety Signal

78 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record

Recalls1 critical 2

Complaints4 crash · 3 injured reported 75

Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★

EV rangebest configuration, EPA 258 mi

Fuel economybest combined, EPA 32 mpg

Starting MSRP12 trims · manufacturer $22,140

2027 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018

The 2023 Hyundai Kona is sold in the U.S. as an electric and gas compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the Kona Electric, is EPA-rated at 258 miles with 120 MPGe combined efficiency. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of C. Owners have filed 75 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall. Manufacturer pricing runs from $22,140 to $41,550 across 12 trims.

Hyundai Kona — photograph via Wikimedia Commons — Hyundai Kona · Photo: Damian B Oh · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Trims & pricing

Source: manufacturer press kitWhich trim should I buy? → Compare a trim →

Trim	Powertrain	Drive	MSRP	HP	Torque	MPG comb	Seats	Cargo (2nd row)	Wheels
SE	Gas	FWD	$22,140	147 hp	132 lb-ft	32 mpg	5	19.2 cu-ft	16 in
SE	Gas	AWD	$23,640	147 hp	132 lb-ft	30 mpg	5	19.2 cu-ft	16 in
SEL	Gas	FWD	$23,950	147 hp	132 lb-ft	32 mpg	5	19.2 cu-ft	17 in
SEL	Gas	AWD	$25,450	147 hp	132 lb-ft	30 mpg	5	19.2 cu-ft	17 in
N Line	Gas	FWD	$27,850	195 hp	195 lb-ft	32 mpg	5	19.2 cu-ft	18 in
N Line	Gas	AWD	$29,350	195 hp	195 lb-ft	29 mpg	5	19.2 cu-ft	18 in
Limited	Gas	FWD	$28,950	195 hp	195 lb-ft	32 mpg	5	19.2 cu-ft	18 in
Limited	Gas	AWD	$30,450	195 hp	195 lb-ft	29 mpg	5	19.2 cu-ft	18 in
N	Gas	FWD	$34,950	276 hp	289 lb-ft	23 mpg	5	19.2 cu-ft	19 in
Kona Electric SE	Electric	FWD	$33,550	201 hp	291 lb-ft	120 MPGe	5	19.2 cu-ft	17 in
Kona Electric SEL	Electric	FWD	$37,300	201 hp	291 lb-ft	120 MPGe	5	19.2 cu-ft	17 in
Kona Electric Limited	Electric	FWD	$41,550	201 hp	291 lb-ft	120 MPGe	5	19.2 cu-ft	17 in

MSRP excludes destination. Open a trim for the complete spec sheet and standard/optional equipment. Have the car in front of you? Decode its VIN to see which of these trims it is and what it was priced at.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov

Configuration	Powertrain	Drive	Engine / motor	City	Hwy	Comb	Range	kWh/100mi	Charge (240V)	Annual fuel*
Kona Electric	Electric	FWD	TBD	134	106	120 MPGe	258 mi	27.5	9.5 h	$600
Kona FWD	Gas	FWD	2.0L 4-cyl	30	35	32	—	—	—	$2,100
Kona FWD	Gas	FWD	1.6L 4-cyl turbo	29	35	32	—	—	—	$2,100
Kona AWD	Gas	AWD	2.0L 4-cyl	28	33	30	—	—	—	$2,250
Kona AWD	Gas	AWD	1.6L 4-cyl turbo	27	32	29	—	—	—	$2,300
Kona N	Gas	FWD	2.0L 4-cyl turbo	20	27	23	—	—	—	$3,550

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 46000, 45323, 45375, 45325, 45324, 45536.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates

Configuration	Smog rating	Emission standard	Where it can be sold new	SmartWay
Kona Electric	10 / 10	Federal Tier 3 Bin 0 / California ZEV	All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards	SmartWay Elite
Kona AWD, Kona FWD	7 / 10	Federal Tier 3 Bin 30 / California LEV-III SULEV30	All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards	—
Kona AWD, Kona FWD	5 / 10	Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 / California LEV-III ULEV70	All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards	—
Kona N	3 / 10	Federal Tier 3 Bin 125 / California LEV-III ULEV125	All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards	—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

New-vehicle warranty

Source: manufacturer press kits, make-level

Basic 5 yr / 60,000 mi Powertrain 10 yr / 100,000 mi

As stated in Hyundai's press kits for the 2022–2023 model years (4 kits); this model year's own kit states no warranty terms, so the make's are shown. Confirm the term for this car with the dealer.

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Recalls (2)

Source: NHTSA recall database

▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

262-023G

54,647 vehicles 83% reported repaired built Oct 5, 2021 – Apr 25, 2023

Problem Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power. Risk A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 9, 2024. Some interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 262 and 023G.

Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF Owner letter PDF Remedy instructions PDF Chronology PDF

NHTSA campaign 24V528000 reported Jul 11, 2024 Hyundai Motor America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

!critical

Power Train

246

Park outside 52,109 vehicles 93% reported repaired

Problem Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat. Risk An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire. Fix Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 246.

Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF Remedy instructions PDF

NHTSA campaign 23V526000 reported Jul 27, 2023 Hyundai Motor America the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

Whether any of this applies to one specific Kona

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2023 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Hyundai publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →Hyundai’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2023 Hyundai Kona, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database

75complaints filed

4 involved a crash · 0 a fire · 3 injuries · 0 deaths reported

8.7 per 10,000 built · Hyundai reported 85,744 Kona built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2022: 4 · 2023: 26 · 2024: 17 · 2025: 15 · 2026: 13

Most-cited components

Electrical System 31

Unspecified 20

Forward Collision Avoidance 15

Power Train 11

Engine 11

Vehicle Speed Control 7

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

The knock sensor on the engine fails when exposed to any amount of water. The car is designed in a way that lets on too much. It’s something that is VERY common amongst owners of these vehicles. It’s a safety flaw that needs to be fixed because it puts the car in “limp” mode. That makes the car instantly halt acceleration.

Engine Mar 10, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11576498

The horn has been replaced multiple times for failing without ANY warning. The service department at the Hyundai dealer said that this is a known problem for the horns. The horns short out because moisture builds up and damages the wiring, causing them to fail without warning.

Electrical System Feb 10, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11641784

Had left Costco and while driving away down road to intersection, the 2023 Kona SEL abruptly locked the brakes and briefly skidded, as it displayed Emergency Braking Activated message on display.

Forward Collision Avoidance Jan 30, 2024 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11568881

Car tends to jerk and almost jump when first pulling out of almost anywhere. Seems to have happened with other people with the same car. When you turn after pulling out sometimes, the car will jump and the suspension sounds like it’s jumping.

Suspension Nov 28, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11557297

Been waiting six months for Hyundai part to fix a fire hazard. They knowingly installed a defective part during manufacturing of the vehicle. A scared to drive the car knowing it can catch fire at any moment. Hyundai refuses to compensate in any way

Power Train Nov 17, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11555589

The rear door Latch opens while vehicle is moving and I've have taken it to service and they don't know what failure is al about. Its a manufacture failure

Structure Nov 14, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11555097

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Hyundai itself: 18 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 22 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 21 per 100,000 built. Every Kona model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP

Configuration	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
SUV AWD	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★☆	14%
SUV FWD	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★★	★★★★☆	14%
SUV FWD	not rated	★★★★☆	★★★★★	not rated	—
SUV FWD	not rated	not rated	★★★★★	★★★★☆	14%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications

Extended coverage on file 2 filings by the manufacturer with NHTSA naming this model year

10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first · Hyundai warranty extension Z07Some vehicles may have an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize.
15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first · Hyundai warranty extension Z04Certain 2019-2022MY Veloster N (JSN), 2022-2023MY Elantra N (CN7N), and 2022-2023MY Kona N (OSN) vehicles are equipped with high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) assemblies that have fuel control valves…

The term and the vehicles it covers are the manufacturer’s, as NHTSA’s summary of each filing states them; a dealer checks one particular car by its VIN. Every Hyundai warranty extension (62) → · Every warranty extension on file, all makes →

Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 97

Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-10-08

Kindsas classified by NHTSA 52 service bulletins, 22 service campaigns, 12 others

Most often about: Electrical System, Engine, Air Bags, Visibility/Wiper, Power Train.

26-EM-016H TSB Service bulletin
2026-10-08 · Engine
Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles diagnosed with this condition. All internal combustion engines consume some engine oil during normal operation, depending on driving conditions and mileage, and this procedure should only be performed when dee
26-EM-015H TSB Service bulletin
2026-10-07 · Engine
Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles exhibiting this condition. All internal combustion engines consume engine oil as part of normal engine operation. Oil consumption rates may vary based on mileage, operating conditions, driving habits, and mainte
9C5 OL Service campaign
2026-09-09 · Fuel/Propulsion System
Hyundai has determined that certain Kona Electric and Ioniq Electric vehicles are eligible for a BMS software update. This update to the BMS software improves the system’s diagnostic capability.
26-AT-004H TSB Service bulletin
2026-06-05 · Power Train
This bulletin provides information related to a Transmission Control Unit (TCU) software update for some vehicles equipped with an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (8WDCT). The software update revises the touch point learning variation, improving drivability and judder symptoms. Certain 8WDCTs (indicated by a new part number) received an updated clutch spring. The correct TCU software update m
26-GI-002H TSB Service bulletin
2026-05-27 · Electrical System
This bulletin provides information related to the navigation and head unit software changes introduced in the 2026 1st Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system. Refer to the 2026 1st Navigation Map and Software Update Key Improvements and Additional Improvements tables in this TSB for a list of specific changes. The software c
Z07 OL Warranty extension
2026-05-16 · Unknown Or Other
Certain 2021-2023 model year Kona, 2021-2023 model year Kona Electric, and 2022-2023 model year Kona N vehicles may experience an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize. At Hyundai, we are committed to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value. In an effort to meet this commitment, the warranty coverage for the horn assembly replacement
26-EE-003H TSB Service bulletin
2026-04-18 · Electrical System
Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary, replace the starter magnetic switch (solenoid) assembly.
11032523 Other
2026-04-10 · Air Bags
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

Code	What it means	Most often filed under	Where it appears
P1AA6 P1AA6 on Hyundai →	Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.	Power Train	4 bulletins
P1AA7 P1AA7 on Hyundai →	Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.	Power Train	4 bulletins
P1AAF P1AAF on Hyundai →	Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.	Power Train	4 bulletins
P0088 P0088 on Hyundai →	Fuel rail pressure is above what the system commanded.	Fuel/Propulsion System · Fuel pump →	2 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

New York inspections 0.55%

failed emissions

3,291 initial inspections of 3,233 vehicles.

Measure	The 2023 Kona	Every 2023 vehicle	Behind it
Failed the emissions check	0.55%	1.6%	3,080
Failed the safety inspection	1.9%	1.1%	3,291
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit	0.15%	0.16%	3,291
Miles driven a year	9,398	10,038	odometer at inspection
Average odometer	30,611	32,673	odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2023 vehicle” is every 2023 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Kona by model year

all years, side by side →

Year Safety Recalls Complaints

2027 A 0 0 31 mpg 2026 C 3 10 31 mpg 2025 A 1 29 261 mi 2024 C 4 68 261 mi 2023 this page C 2 75 Park outside 2022 B 2 130 258 mi 2021 C 3 147 258 mi 2020 F 5 189 Park outside 2019 F 4 250 Park outside 2018 A 0 75 30 mpg

Common questions about the 2023 Kona

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

How much does the 2023 Hyundai Kona cost?

Manufacturer pricing runs from $22,140 for the SE FWD to $41,550 for the Kona Electric Limited FWD, across 12 trims. Those are MSRPs from the manufacturer's own press material; they exclude destination, options, taxes and whatever the dealer adds. Every trim and price is listed above.

Does the 2023 Hyundai Kona have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 2 recall campaigns for the 2023 Hyundai Kona, 1 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 23V526000, covering Power Train. 1 of them was filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. There is an active park outside advisory — act on it before driving. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2023 Hyundai Kona?

NHTSA gave the 2023 Hyundai Kona 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 5-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it C (78/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Hyundai Kona?

Across the 6 EPA-rated configurations of the 2023 Hyundai Kona, the best EPA combined figure is 32 mpg (MPGe on the electrified versions) and the longest EPA range is 258 miles on a charge. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What do owners complain about on the 2023 Hyundai Kona?

Owners have filed 75 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Hyundai Kona, most often about electrical system, unspecified, forward collision avoidance. Of those, 4 involved a crash, 3 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2023 Hyundai Kona?

The EPA smog rating for the 2023 Hyundai Kona runs 3 to 10 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III SULEV30, California LEV-III ULEV125, California LEV-III ULEV70, California ZEV, Federal Tier 3 Bin 0, Federal Tier 3 Bin 125, Federal Tier 3 Bin 30, Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2023 Hyundai Kona?

The manufacturer has filed 97 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2023 Hyundai Kona, most often covering electrical system, engine, air bags. The most recent is dated 2026-10-08. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2023 Hyundai Kona do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2023 Hyundai Kona failed the emissions check on 0.55% of first inspections — lower than the 1.6% for every 2023 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.9% (every 2023 vehicle: 1.1%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

Which 2023 Hyundai Kona trim is the best value?

$19,410 separates the cheapest of the 12 trims from the most expensive, so the answer depends on which of the differences you would actually use. Every trim has its own page here with the manufacturer's full specification and equipment list, plus a short summary of exactly what it adds over the base trim — worth reading before a dealer frames the walk-up for you. The trim-by-trim ladder shows what every step up costs and what it makes standard.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

Data	Held	Source	What it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations	6 configurations	EPA certification records	Every configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates	6 configurations	EPA emission certificates	Smog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls	2	NHTSA recall campaigns	A complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints	75	NHTSA complaint database	Also complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings	4 tested	NHTSA NCAP	Only the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins	97	NHTSA manufacturer communications	Everything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations	none	NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation	No defect investigation has been opened.
Driver-assist crash reports	none	NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01	No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA	none	NHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patterns	We had no VIN pattern to decode for this model year, or the manufacturer filed nothing usable.
Trims, pricing & equipment	12 trims	Manufacturer press kit	Transcribed from the manufacturer's own press material, every value carrying the document it came from.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly. Trim-level specifications and pricing are transcribed from the manufacturer's official press kit; every value carries its source in the data file.

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