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
- 54
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2019
Opened by NHTSA
78% of complaints
Complaints per year
2019: 54 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 54 |
| 2020 | 27 |
| 2021 | 26 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
78% · 42 reportsMost commonly citing accessory and 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
Component Failed: Electric transmission/drive unit failed twice before 150,000 miles. Still in vehicle, available for inspection.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-08-15
Also filed under Engine and service brakes
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, 2021-11-10
Fuel/propulsion system
19% · 10 reportsEngine
9% · 5 reportsPower train
9% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing software.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 2023-05-03
Also filed under Service brakes
Service brakes
7% · 4 reportsSafety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2020-11-13Electrical system20V630000 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.
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2021-01-25Service brakes, hydraulic20V748000 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.
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2021-06-17Electrical system21V127000 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.
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2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
Buy-smart checklist
2019 Hyundai Kona Electric — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 42 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V630000 · Electrical system
- Recall 20V748000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 21V127000 · Electrical system
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 78% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.