2019 Hyundai Kona Electric
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 54 |
| 2020 | 27 |
| 2021 | 26 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
74% of complaints: electrical system — 40 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Component Failed: Electric transmission/drive unit failed twice before 150,000 miles. Still in vehicle, available for inspection.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250815
The contact's wife owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that upon warming the vehicle in cold weather, an abnormal, wire-burning smell would emit from the vehicle without warning.
NHTSA ODI report, 20211110
19% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 10 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: engine — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Component Failed: Electric transmission/drive unit failed twice before 150,000 miles. Still in vehicle, available for inspection.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250815
7% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
Component Failed: Electric transmission/drive unit failed twice before 150,000 miles. Still in vehicle, available for inspection.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250815
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230503
7% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.
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.
Campaign 20V630000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Nexo Fuel Cell and 2019-2021 Kona Electric vehicles.
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.
Campaign 20V748000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the interim action is complete.
Campaign 21V127000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2019 Hyundai Kona Electric — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (40 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V630000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V748000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V127000 (electrical system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 74% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.