2021 Hyundai Kona Electric
Only 26 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
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
Only 26 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
8 of 26 total reports mention: electrical system.
4 of 26 total reports mention: engine.
2 of 26 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
I WAS ENTERING MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND SLOWED DOWN AS WE NEARED OUR HOUSE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES SO THAT I CAN OPEN MY GARAGE DOOR, AS I RELEASED THE BRAKES, THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING BY ITSELF REALLY FAST AND I HAD TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES TO STOP...
NHTSA ODI report, 20210418
2 of 26 total reports mention: service brakes.
1 of 26 total reports mentions: visibility.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Pedestrian alert sounds
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Kona EV vehicles. The Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU) may have been improperly sealed and may leak coolant internally.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the EPCU, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2023. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available.
Campaign 22V941000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Hyundai Kona Electric — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V748000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 22V941000 (electrical system) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2021 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 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric have?
2 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.