2021 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
34
Owner Complaints
2
Recalls
5
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2021 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC
The 2021 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC has received a total of 34 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:THERMAL MANAGEMENT:FLUID/COOLANT, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE. 5 technical service bulletins have been issued by Hyundai Motor America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (8 complaints), Unknown Or Other (7 complaints), and Engine (4 complaints).
Recalls for the 2021 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC
NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 2021 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC, potentially affecting up to 9,029 vehicles.
Recall 22V941000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:THERMAL MANAGEMENT:FLUID/COOLANT
| 853 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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....
View full details →Recall 20V748000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
| 8,176 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2021 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC
34 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System12v24v48v Battery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical Systempropulsion Systemchargingmoduleaccessory | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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 being diagonsed. On February 16, 2026, the issue was diagnosed as a motor position sensor failure affecting the propulsion system. The vehicle has remained inoperable since February 3, 2026, and there is no repair ETA due to parts availability. The vehicle remains at the servicing dealership and is available for inspection upon request. There were no prior warning lamps, dashboard messages, or noticeable symptoms before the sudden loss of propulsion. This incident involved a sudden failure of the vehicle’s propulsion system while operating in active traffic and presented a significant safety concern.
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 being diagonsed. On February 16, 2026, the issue was diagnosed as a motor position sensor failure affecting the propulsion system. The vehicle has remained inoperable since February 3, 2026, and there is no repair ETA due to parts availability. The vehicle remains at the servicing dealership and is available for inspection upon request. There were no prior warning lamps, dashboard messages, or noticeable symptoms before the sudden loss of propulsion. This incident involved a sudden failure of the vehicle’s propulsion system while operating in active traffic and presented a significant safety concern.
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 cooling system, leading to false "Refill Inverter Coolant" warnings and potential overheating risks. A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 23-01-049H) outlines a recall to flush and replace the coolant with an improved BSC-2 formula to address this issue. However, improper or repeated coolant flushes, if not performed correctly using Hyundai’s specialized equipment and procedures, can leave air bubbles or residual debris in the system, which may impair cooling efficiency and stress critical components like the ICCU, inverter, and electric motor. Repeated coolant flushes, especially when not executed properly, can exacerbate issues by introducing air locks or failing to fully remove crystallized debris, potentially causing damage to the ICCU, inverter, and motor. Air bubbles trapped in the cooling system can reduce heat dissipation, leading to overheating that may degrade the ICCU’s electronics or cause the inverter and motor to operate at unsafe temperatures, risking premature failure. Posts on forums indicate that some vehicles required multiple flushes to clear the warning, with improper flushing sometimes leaving contaminants that continue to trigger sensors or obstruct coolant flow. This underscores the importance of having the procedure done by trained technicians using the correct tools to avoid long-term damage to these sensitive components. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 recall to flush and replace the coolant with an improved BSC-2 formula to address this issue. However, improper or repeated coolant flushes, if not performed correctly using Hyundai’s specialized equipment and procedures, can leave air bubbles or residual debris in the system, which may impair cooling efficiency and stress critical components like the ICCU, inverter, and electric motor. Repeated coolant flushes, especially when not executed properly, can exacerbate issues by introducing air locks or failing to fully remove crystallized debris, potentially causing damage to the ICCU, inverter, and motor. Air bubbles trapped in the cooling system can reduce heat dissipation, leading to overheating that may degrade the ICCU’s electronics or cause the inverter and motor to operate at unsafe temperatures, risking premature failure. Posts on forums indicate that some vehicles required multiple flushes to clear the warning, with improper flushing sometimes leaving contaminants that continue to trigger sensors or obstruct coolant flow. This underscores the importance of having the procedure done by trained technicians using the correct tools to avoid long-term damage to these sensitive components.
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 'however this was a known issue they issued a campaign for 'and then couldn't fix the issue after 4 or 5 tries and 2 different hyundia dealers . All work performed will be listed at Kerry hounding in alexandria KY and Jefferson wyler hyundai cincinnati Ohio.
Safety Rating for the 2021 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2021 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2021 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC
Hyundai Motor America has issued 5 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2021 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
23-01-073H-1 — POWER TRAIN
Certain 19-23MY Kona Electric (OS EV) vehicles may experience a condition of EV warning light ON with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1AA6 to P1AAF found stored. The Battery Management System (BMS) software update will be performed to enhance battery diagnostics logic. The service procedure contained in TSB 23-01-073H-1 (or latest...
22-EV-001H-1 — POWER TRAIN
This bulletin outlines the necessary inspection and repair procedures for certain 2019-2021MY Kona EV (OS EV) vehicles, exhibiting abnormal rumbling noise from the electric traction motor.
21-01-019H — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This bulletin provides information related to the VCULDC(Vehicle Control Unit & Low DCDC Converter) software update for KONA Electric(OS EV) vehicles. This update is also part of the high voltage battery monitoring logic improvement by optimizing software of each system.
21-01-019H — EQUIPMENT
This bulletin provides information related to the VCULDC(Vehicle Control Unit & Low DCDC Converter) software update for KONA Electric(OS EV) vehicles. This update is also part of the high voltage battery monitoring logic improvement by optimizing software of each system.
21-EE-001H — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This Service Information bulletin provides the instructions on how to adjust the maximum EV battery charging threshold in the radio head unit.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2021 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC
- 2019 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC — 73 complaints
- 2020 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC — 34 complaints
- 2021 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC (current)
- 2022 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC — 29 complaints
- 2023 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC — 7 complaints
- 2024 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC — 25 complaints
- 2025 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC — 1 complaint
Other HYUNDAI Models
- HYUNDAI SONATA — 21,725 total complaints
- HYUNDAI ELANTRA — 11,768 total complaints
- HYUNDAI SANTA FE — 9,835 total complaints
- HYUNDAI TUCSON — 7,920 total complaints
- HYUNDAI ACCENT — 2,733 total complaints
- HYUNDAI PALISADE — 2,456 total complaints
- HYUNDAI VELOSTER — 1,738 total complaints
- HYUNDAI GENESIS — 1,702 total complaints