2019 Hyundai Kona ElectricProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 54 owner complaints about the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-127 the manufacturer reports only 91% of affected cars repaired.

2019 Hyundai Kona Electric

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 2, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric has problems

54 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system422
Fuel/propulsion system100
Power train51
Engine51
Service brakes42
Forward collision avoidance10
Vehicle speed control11
Wheels10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

4 recalls

2019 Hyundai Kona Electric recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Air bag/restraint control module: software

New

Recall 26V-728 · Nov 2, 2026 · 37,901 vehicles

Risk. Air bags and seat belt pretensioners that do not activate in a crash increases the risk of injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

91%repaired · 2023 Q1

Propulsion system: traction battery

Park outside

Recall 21V-127 · Mar 1, 2021 · 4,696 vehicles · 4,263 repaired

Risk. An electrical short in the Li-ion battery increases the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

97%repaired · 2022 Q4

Control module: software

Recall 20V-748 · Dec 1, 2020 · 8,176 vehicles · 7,892 repaired

Risk. Reduced braking power could lengthen the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

97%repaired · 2022 Q3

Propulsion system: traction battery

Park outside

Recall 20V-630 · Oct 13, 2020 · 6,707 vehicles · 6,480 repaired

Risk. An electrical short in the Li-ion battery increases the risk of a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Hyundai.

Best & worst years

2019 vs. every other Kona Electric year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Kona Electric median. How we score

'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2019 Hyundai Kona Electric safety ratings

2019 Hyundai Kona Electric SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Standard
  • Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Pedestrian alert soundsDP22005 · closed Aug 7, 2023
    Led to recall 22V-063
In owners' words

What Kona Electric owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 11680934 · Aug 15, 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…
Complaint 11636790 · Jan 18, 2025
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…
Complaint 11518983 · Apr 25, 2023

Own a 2019 Kona Electric?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.