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
- 26
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2021
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2021: 26 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 54 |
| 2020 | 27 |
| 2021 | 26 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 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.
Electrical system
10 of 26 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing accessory and 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric. The contact stated that while his wife disconnected the charger, the vehicle caught fire without warning. There were no reported injuries. The installation plug was melted.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-10-27
Engine
4 of 26 total reports mention: engine.
Vehicle speed control
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, 2021-04-18
Service brakes
2 of 26 total reports mention: service brakes.
Visibility
2 of 26 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly and defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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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2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
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2023-03-22Electrical system22V941000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Hyundai Kona Electric — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V748000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 22V941000 · Electrical system
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 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.