2021 Hyundai Kona Electric problems, complaints & recalls

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric, most often about electrical system. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints: 26
Recalls: 2
Crashes: 1
Fires: 1
Injuries: 0
Median mileage: 23,000 mi

Key facts

Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 10 of 26 complaints (38%).
Engine (4) and brakes (2) follow.
Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 23,000 mi.
Owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries.
The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric has 2 recalls on file.
NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
It ranks 2nd of 7 Hyundai Kona Electric model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)	Complaints
Electrical system	8
Unknown or other	7
Engine	4
Service brakes	2
Vehicle speed control	2
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking	1
Forward collision avoidance: warnings	1
Fuel/propulsion system	1

When problems happen (mileage)

Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric complaints that list mileage.

2021 Hyundai Kona Electric recalls (2)

Recall 22V941000Dec 16, 2022853 vehicles
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:THERMAL MANAGEMENT:FLUID/COOLANT
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.
Risk: Coolant contacting the EPCU circuit board may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 239.
Recall 20V748000Dec 1, 20208,176 vehicles
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
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.
Risk: Reduced braking power could lengthen the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

NHTSA defect investigations

DP22005Opened Jan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023led to recall 22V063000
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc…

Recent 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Filed Feb 22, 2026PAElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
On February 3, 2026, while driving in a high-traffic turning lane, my Hyundai Kona Electric vehicle suddenly lost propulsion and would not accelerate. The vehicle shut down without warning and could not be restarted. Traffic was building behind me, creating a safety hazard. I felt unsafe due to surrounding vehicles expecting movement, I contacted the police for assistance. The vehicle had to be towed from the roadway. The vehicle was transferred between 3 dealerships before…
NHTSA complaint #11719765 · source
Filed Aug 29, 2025KYOther / Unknown
Potential Fire and safety risk ... The Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle (EV) has experienced issues with its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) due to problems with the low-conductivity coolant (BSC-1) used in models produced between 2018 and October 2021. This coolant can crystallize, forming debris that clogs the cooling system, leading to false "Refill Inverter Coolant" warnings and potential overheating risks. A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 23-01-049H) outlines a…
NHTSA complaint #11683955 · source
Filed Aug 29, 2025KYOther / Unknown
File with NHTSA now please!!!! What do you have to lose??? If anything If they do an investigation we are safe post warranty. Report a Vehicle Safety Problem, Equipment Issue | NHTSA [XXX] The Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle (EV) has experienced issues with its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) due to problems with the low-conductivity coolant (BSC-1) used in models produced between 2018 and October 2021. This coolant can crystallize, forming debris that clogs the…
NHTSA complaint #11683954 · source
Filed Aug 2, 2025KYOther / Unknown
Manufacturing defect ... Took it in 4 times for "refill inverter coolant" warning . They had a campaign ' tried by couldn't get the light to go away . It was their first time ever performing this on an EV at Kerry hyundai alexandria . Now TD EV in mason Ohio is confirming my inverter failed as a direct result of the poor flushes and poor manufacturing. I am seeking for hyundai to cover all related costs. I haven't had my vehicle for over a month . It's out of warranty…
NHTSA complaint #11677951 · source
Filed Jul 19, 2025KYElectrical System
Hyundia has had my car in for the SAME recall 4 to 5 times . 6 total weeks this time around. The ""refill inverter coolant" light kept coming back on . The last time I got it home it had more issues than when I took it in and wouldn't even catch a charge . (EV) They fried my compassitor trying to fix the inverter coolant recall . I then took had to pay 450 for a diagnostic ' (Kerry hyundai alexandria) They said electric motor is bad and will cost 8000 to 9000. Got a 2nd…
NHTSA complaint #11674690 · source
Filed Jun 26, 2025MAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
The car was unable to charge using level 3 DC fast chargers, necessitating the use of a level 2 charger for an extended length of time in order to be able to return home. A Hyundai dealer replaced the charging inlet lock actuator (invoice attached).
NHTSA complaint #11669567 · source
Filed Jun 25, 2025MABrakes
After powering on the car, the dashboard displayed multiple brake system warnings, including the brake system warning light and a message on the LCD display that read "Check regenerative brakes." A Hyundai dealer replaced the integrated electric brake unit assembly (invoice attached).
NHTSA complaint #11669350 · source
Filed Jun 6, 2025CACrashAirbagsDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
My wife's car t-boned another vehicle, but the air bags didn't deploy. Luckily, she wasn't hurt badly, but the vehicle was deemed a total loss, so you can imagine the force of the collision. The forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking didn't activate either. I reported it to Hyundai. They sent an inspector to examine the vehicle, and I also showed them photos and a copy of the police report, but they claim that my car was hit on the side, and the pre…
NHTSA complaint #11665430 · source

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Other 2021 Hyundai models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology