2019 Hyundai Kona Electric

Routine

Owners filed 54 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 3 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System39
020
Fuel/Propulsion System4
000
Service Brakes3
100
Unknown or Other2
000
Power Train2
000
Wheels1
000
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal1
101
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Charging › Cable/Cord › Accessory1
000
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery1
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery21V127000Park outside
Filed Mar 1, 20214,696 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric and 2020 Ioniq Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.

Risk. An electrical short in the Li-ion battery increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the interim action is complete. Hyundai will notify owners, and as an interim action, owners have the option to follow provided instructions to perform a battery update through the vehicle's infotainment system or request a Hyundai dealer to provide the update. Once parts are available, dealers will inspect the Battery System Assembly (BSA), and replace it if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk, and the interim action, with a letter mailed April 9, 2021. Final owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 200.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Electric › Control Module › Software20V748000
Filed Dec 1, 20208,176 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Nexo Fuel Cell and 2019-2021 Kona Electric vehicles. The Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system may detect an abnormal sensor signal and as a result, may significantly reduce braking performance.

Risk. Reduced braking power could lengthen the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the IEB software, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 199.

Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery › Management System/Energy Control Module (bms/Becm) › Software20V630000Park outside
Filed Oct 13, 20206,707 vehiclesHyundai Motor America

Defect. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.

Risk. An electrical short in the Li-ion battery increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Battery Management System (BMS) software and inspect the Li-ion battery, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the repair is complete. The recall began November 13, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 196.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator PedalCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 18, 202570,000 milesNY

The contact owned a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle accelerated rapidly through a busy intersection on its own and would not slow or stop, despite the brake pedal being depressed. As a result, the contact briefly lost control of the vehicle as it swerved left to right, only coming to a complete stop after colliding with another vehicle. The air bags did deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a storage facility and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact was transported to an area hospital and treated for a broken sternum and hematoma on both her right and left breasts. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 15, 2025CA

Component Failed: Electric transmission/drive unit failed twice before 150,000 miles. Still in vehicle, available for inspection. Safety Risk: Loss of propulsion while driving creates risk of being rear-ended or stranded in dangerous traffic conditions. Right now the car is not drivable Confirmed By: Problem confirmed by Hyundai dealership/service center on both failures. Inspection: Inspected by authorized Hyundai service center; manufacturer was notified. Warning Symptoms: Before the failure there was a screeching sound coming from the hood. In both failures, these warnings appeared shortly before or during the loss of propulsion.

Power Train
Filed Feb 18, 2025AZ

-the gear drive was diagnosed as needed to be replaced -the GRU may lock up during driving causing the vehicle to stop -dealer confirmed needs replacing -no warnings or lights on vehicle, it was noticed that the vehicle made a louder noise while driving but could be confused with tires or normal air noise while driving.

Electrical System › Propulsion System › Charging › Cable/Cord › Accessory
Filed Jan 18, 2025CT

The Charging unit made by Enel X called a JuiceBox 40 failed to complete a charge. Upon examination of the charger it was determined that the plug from the unit to the 240V receptacle was fused to the outlet and could not be removed. When my electrician opened the box he was able to force the plug out of the outlet. He found that the plug was burned as well as the copper wire that went to the plug from the electrical box.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 30, 2023MA

I started directing the car to the side of the road to park. As I was guiding the car to a stop, with my foot on the brake, I was about 12 ft. from the car in front of me when the car suddenly accelerated. The vehicle accelerated for approximately 10 ft. before the anti-collision system auto-braked the car just prior to impacting the car in front of me.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 15, 2023VA

The vehicle began making a clicking/ticking sound under acceleration and deceleration. The noise progressively worsened until The dealer diagnosed the motor as failing internally and replaced it under warranty. Several people online in forums have experienced the same issue, some cases resulted in the reduction gear catastrophically failing causing the vehicle to suddenly stop accelerating. I worry that this issue may result in more sudden drivetrain failures because of how widespread the problem is. Hyundai does not seem to have a definite solution as the noise comes back for many owners.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed May 3, 202370,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff without any warning, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle drove into a parking lot. The contact desperately pressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle would not stop. The contact jumped out of the vehicle and the vehicle struck a pole, causing minor damages to the bumper of the vehicle. The contact had minor injuries but did not seek medical attention. The contact mentioned being shocked after the events. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the police impound. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and advised to contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 25, 2023UT

I purchased a 2019 Hyundai Kona electric from dealership. They said they had to change the electric battery before selling it to us and now the emergency light went on the dash we brought it back to the dealership and they said the battery the installed is not safe and will take 6 months to get a new one and are not giving us a car to drive.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 14, 2022HI

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V127000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 25, 2022AL

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V127000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 24, 2022TX

As noted above, the recall (200) for this problem was issued in March 2021. I have been trying to get Hyundai to repair the vehicle since I received this information. Late last year I was told by the dealer in my area that a fix was ready and took the car in for repair on December 27, 2021. The dealer had no fix. I have contacted the dealer several times in the past 6 months, and recently filed a complaint with the national Hyundai Corporation. As of now, I am still driving the car with the urgent battery problem, and have not received a date for the necessary repair

Electrical System
Filed Apr 20, 2022MD

Hyundai has failed to replace the battery after more than a year.

Wheels
Filed Apr 8, 2022CT

At time of purchase (new) this car did not come with a spare or jack but included a can of fix a flat and a cheep compressor. While traveling I became stranded with an un repairable flat tire and had to have someone come get me with a jack and abandon the car on the side of the road. I then purchased a spare tire kit directly from the purchase point dealer. On a second incident I discovered that the spare tire (donut) does not fit the rear wheels. It does not clear the brake calipers. Come to find out there is no other rim or tire that will fit this car thus leaving the driver with no options should a flat or bent rim happen. Hyundai's solution to this is to throw a can of fix a flat in the trunk. How can that be legal in this country. For the second time in two years.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 25, 2022CO

There has been a battery recall on our Kona EV since March 2021. We were asked to keep the battery charged only to 80% to prevent problems. Hyundai is aware that we need a battery and we were contacted in late summer to set up an appointment to replace it. Every time we try to set something up they tell us that they don't have the battery or the proper parts. This is unacceptable. We have spoken with the service writer several times without resolution. At this point we do not trust Hyundai and are extremely unhappy with our vehicle purchase given the ongoing safety concern of continuing to drive a car with a batter that has been recalled.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 14, 2022NY

I left my car with the dealer at the end of August for a repair, and they identified that Recall 200 had to be done. I received a rental car at that time. It is now February and I have still not gotten my car back. I have contacted both the dealer and Hyundai corporate to try to find out what is happened but they just tell me there is no "ETA" on the replacement part.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 19, 202221,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that she initially received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V127000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the battery was reduced to 80%. The contact was instructed to park the vehicle away from structures until a final remedy was available. The contact never received information about the final remedy from the dealer. Months later, the contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer for a maintenance repair and the battery was reset to 100%. After a few weeks of driving the vehicle, the EV warning light appeared on the instrument panel and the dealer was notified of the issue. The contact was then instructed to bring the vehicle back to the dealer where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and provided the contact a case manager. The contact had not yet heard from the case manager regarding her vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 10, 2022MA

I was directed by Jennifer Kruger at the NHTSA to complete this form. My 2019 Hundai Kona EV is part of the EV battery recall. On August 27, 2021, my local dealer took my car while waiting for a replacement battery. I do have use of a rental vehicle. I've reached out to Hyundai Customer Service many times in an attempt to find out when my care will be fixed and returned to me. I've not been able to get any answers. My car is 17 months old and they have now had it for over 4 months. That is unacceptable. I filed a Lemon Law request in July after months of 20% battery reduction with no indication of when that would be fixed. My request was denied. One month later they determined that my car was part of the recall. I'm not sure why the manufacturer gets to make that determination - that seems self serving to me. Can you help me find some resolution to this issue? Please let me know if you need any additional information from me.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 7, 2022MA

Took my 2019 Hyundai Electric Kona into dealer on 7/30/21, re: Recall #200. They kept the car for 2 1/2 weeks, finally determining that the entire battery pack should be replaced. Five months later, I am still waiting. The maximum charge is at 80%, I have brought it in for all the other recalls. The dealership keeps telling me that they have some battery packs, but that those are for "other" customers, and that I must wait. Hyundai is building new electric cars, there are clearly battery packs available. As I lease my car, and the 3 year lease is up in Sept. 2022, I am beginning to wonder if the dealership is purposely delaying the battery replacement to force me into returning the car, rather than purchasing it, at the end of the lease. Why hasn't this safety recall been addressed by Hyundai? Please help me.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 3, 2022CT

Hyundai has been unable to complete a recall on the Kona EV's battery for nearly a year, which is not "reasonable" by anyone's definition of the word. During that time, we've been unable to charge our car in our garage (where our charger is installed) and haven't been able to use the car on roadtrips as we have to limit the charging capacity (per the recall instructions). I requested a buyback under my state's lemon laws but they claimed it wasn't applicable (I disagree based on the law and will be filing a complaint with the state as well). I've been waiting months for the battery to arrive at the dealership. There have been no updates from corporate since they denied the buyback request. Local dealerships have complained that corporate keeps changing the rules and how they're supposed to handle the recall, and are of no help. We're going on a year without being able to fully utilize the car and Hyundai refuses to offer any help. They claim there are issues with the battery supply but are marketing brand new cars with batteries.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 29, 2021MN

The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V630000 (Electrical System) and 21V127000 (Electrical System). The dealer had been notified about the recalls; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had also been notified of the recalls. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20 of 54 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2019
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20251100Routine
202415100Routine
20235000Routine
202220000Routine
202126210Routine
202027300Routine
2019 — this page54320Routine

Compare every Kona Electric year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 1, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.