Recall 26V069 affects 4,555 2026 Hyundai Kona vehicles for front steering knuckles that crack and break. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
Hyundai is recalling 4,555 2026 Kona vehicles because a manufacturing error can crack and break the front steering knuckles, leading to loss of steering control. That loss of control increases crash risk, and Hyundai dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front steering knuckle on the 2026 Hyundai Kona is the metal steering and suspension joint at the front wheel. It connects the wheel hub, suspension, and steering linkage, so steering input from the driver turns the wheel while the suspension carries road loads.
On vehicles included in NHTSA campaign 26V069, a manufacturing error left contamination in the mold cavity after routine maintenance. That contamination reduced the structural strength of the knuckle. Under normal driving loads, the knuckle can crack and break. If it breaks, the wheel no longer responds correctly to steering input, which can result in a loss of vehicle steering control.
There is no warning sign before failure. Hyundai's remedy uses steering knuckle parts from production lots that were not exposed to the mold contamination.
Who's affected?
VINs became searchable on February 7, 2026.
| 2026 Hyundai Kona | steering linkage |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 4,555 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2026 Hyundai Kona is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If steering control is lost, the driver can lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the steering-knuckle inspection soon and ask the dealer whether the vehicle should be moved before the appointment. Repair is free at any franchised Hyundai dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2026 Hyundai Kona is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the free front steering-knuckle inspection and replacement that fixes cracking knuckles tied to steering-control loss.
- Bring the recall notice if Hyundai mailed one. If not, reference recall number 26V069 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection is complete, and avoid extra trips if the steering feels abnormal.
- Call Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460 if you need help locating a dealer or confirming the recall.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Hyundai technician inspects the front steering knuckles and replaces any knuckle that shows the recall defect. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered. If you already paid out of pocket for a related steering knuckle repair before the recall notice, Hyundai's general reimbursement plan on file covers documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork and receipts to the service desk when you arrive.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 5, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 7, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 5, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 6, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| April 6, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V069?
Recall 26V069 covers 4,555 2026 Hyundai Kona vehicles with front steering knuckles that can crack and break because of a manufacturing error. A broken steering knuckle can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk. Hyundai dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckles for free.
What should I do if my 2026 Hyundai Kona is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Kona is included in recall 26V069. If it is, contact a franchised Hyundai dealer to schedule the steering knuckle inspection. The dealer will replace the front steering knuckles if needed, and the recall repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to fix safety defects at no cost to owners. Hyundai dealers will inspect the front steering knuckles and replace them if needed, free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my 2026 Hyundai Kona before the recall repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The risk is that a front steering knuckle can crack and break, causing loss of steering control. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Hyundai dealer inspection and repair promptly.
When did Hyundai notify owners about recall 26V069?
Hyundai mailed owner notification letters on March 5, 2026. If you bought the Kona after that date or never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 26V069 when you contact a franchised Hyundai dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V069000 |
|---|---|
| Hyundai customer service | 1-855-371-9460 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V069 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V069000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →