2019 Hyundai Kona Electric: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 54 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (62% of complaints); the 2020 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2025
“-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.”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2025
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2024
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“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2023
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2023
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2022
“My car is subject to recall #200 (EV Battery replacement). I initially set my max charge level to 80% back in the spring, then was called by my local dealership for the battery replacement in early September. At that time, they checked my car in, but then sent me back out with it pending delivery of replacement batteries. I have reached out to the dealership several times since about the delay and they have responded that they're still waiting for batteries. It's been almost three months since my car was "checked in" for service.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2021
“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.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2021
“This vehicle was at Alexandria Hyundai (Virginia) for about a month for a couple of small issues and for recall work to be performed. Service advisor never informed us that the recall was intended to replace the EV battery pack if necessary upon inspection, and invoice only states "took picture of battery". Recall remains open.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2021
“2019 hyundai kona ev. Consumer writes in regards to design/manufacturer problems. The consumer traded-in the kona ev due to the battery issues. The consumer leased a ioniq but, stated it was a downgrade from the kona. The consumer requested to be released from the lease without penalty or charge.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2021
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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. Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the repair is complete. The recall began November 13, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 196.
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. Hyundai will notify owners, and as an interim action, owners have the option to follow provided instructions to perform a battery update through the vehicle's infotainment system or request a Hyundai dealer to provide the update. Once parts are available, dealers will inspect the Battery System Assembly (BSA), and replace it if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk, and the interim action, with a letter mailed April 9, 2021. Final owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 200.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Kona Electric by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric reliable?
NHTSA has 54 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric. The most complained-about area is electrical system (62% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 17,733 miles or less.
Does the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.