Owners have filed 73 complaints
about the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric with NHTSA between 2020 and 2025.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 92
Against the median year of the Hyundai Kona Electric. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 57
11% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
77% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2019 compares with every other Hyundai Kona Electric
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
430.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
646.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
323.1%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2019 Hyundai Kona Electric SUV AWD
—
—
—
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When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2020peak 10Sep 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
Recalls on the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
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.
20V748000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
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.
20V630000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM):SOFTWARE
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 70,000 milesHicksville, NYCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11688160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11680934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CAFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11680934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11680934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesLong Beach, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11520279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesLong Beach, CACrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11520279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 70,000 milesHicksville, NYCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11688160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11680934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CAFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11680934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11680934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
POWER TRAIN
-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.
NHTSA complaint #11643397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11636790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walpole, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11547485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11547485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbridge, VA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11544847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbridge, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11544847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesLong Beach, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11520279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesLong Beach, CACrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11520279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sandy, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11518983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sandy, UT
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11518983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kailua, HI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11489330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prattville, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11475688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pflugerville, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11465941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Takoma Park, MD
POWER TRAIN
Hyundai has failed to replace the battery after more than a year.
NHTSA complaint #11461436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Takoma Park, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Hyundai has failed to replace the battery after more than a year.
NHTSA complaint #11461436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Easton, CT
WHEELS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11460131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11458393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11458393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Amherst, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11451836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,000 milesSyracuse, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11448096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlton, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11446867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.