Hyundai Kona electric problems
The Hyundai Kona (Korean: 현대 코나) is a subcompact crossover SUV produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai. The first-generation Kona debuted in June 2017 and the production version was revealed later that year. It is positioned between the Venue or Bayon and the Tucson in Hyundai crossover SUV line-up. The battery electric version called the Kona Electric (or Kona EV) was first launched in South Korea during the first half of 2018 and rolled out gradually worldwide afterwards.
Naming
The Kona is named after the western district of the island of Hawaiʻi. The company stated the name "reflects the lifestyle of modern customers", in line with its "progressive design" that it adopts. The Kona naming also continues Hyundai's tradition of naming crossover SUV models after famous travel destinations, including the Creta, Santa Fe, Tucson and Veracruz.
The vehicle is marketed in Portugal as the Hyundai Kauai, as Kona is too similar to cona, a slang word for the female genitalia in European Portuguese. It's also sold in Iceland where the word kona means woman in Icelandic. Like Kona, Kauai is a place in Hawaii. It is also Hawaiian for lady.
In China, the vehicle was sold as the Hyundai Encino.
Social links
Hyundai Kona electric model years
Common Hyundai Kona electric problems
The Hyundai Kona Electric has been identified as one of the least reliable electric vehicles available in the market today, receiving a low score of 1 out of 5 in Consumer Reports' Predicted Reliability Rating. This rating is based on the complaints and issues reported by the owners of this car.
One of the most common problems with the Hyundai Kona Electric is related to the battery and motors. Many owners of this car have reported that the battery and motors fail, requiring complete replacement in many cases.
Another problem reported by the owners of the Hyundai Kona Electric is related to the airbag system. A software issue with some Kona Electric models made between 9 May and 19 December 2018 could prevent one or more of the airbags from deploying in a collision. This issue can be resolved by uploading an update at a Hyundai dealership, but it is still a significant concern for the safety of the vehicle.
In addition to these issues, some owners of the Hyundai Kona Electric have reported electrical problems, including faulty warning lights and battery-related problems. These issues can lead to significant time off-road, with repairs taking longer than expected, often due to delays in parts delivery.
The inconsistency in service quality seems to be a notable concern for the Hyundai Kona Electric, affecting overall satisfaction. While many appreciate the attributes of the Kona Electric, the reliability issues and varying dealer service quality have impacted the ownership experience for some owners.
Hyundai as a brand has performed well in reliability surveys, placing seventh out of 32 manufacturers featured with a score of 94.3%.
In summary, the Hyundai Kona Electric has been identified as one of the least reliable electric vehicles available in the market today, with common problems related to the battery and motors, airbag system, and electrical issues. While Hyundai as a brand has performed well in reliability surveys, the Kona Electric has received lower scores, indicating a need for improvement in the reliability and service quality of this vehicle.
What is the problem with the Hyundai Kona EV?
Many of them reported electrical issues, including faulty warning lights and battery-related problems. Readers reported multiple instances where these faults led to significant time off-road, with repairs taking longer than expected, often attributed to delays in parts delivery.
Are there any problems with Hyundai Kona?
According to the recall campaign reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the defective Konas carry a risk of stalling and, in some cases, spontaneous fires. The 2021 recall follows several prior recalls addressing other issues in certain Kona model vehicles.
How long will a Hyundai Kona Electric last?
between 3 to 5 years
Your Hyundai Kona battery will typically last between 3 to 5 years, but that can vary heavily depending on type of battery, weather conditions battery size, and driving habits. Even still, just because your battery isn't completely dead, doesn't mean it's operating at optimal levels.
Are Hyundai electric vehicles reliable?
According to Consumer Reports, the EVs that have at least average reliability scores include the Audi Q4 e-Tron and Q8 e-Tron, BMW iX and i4, Genesis GV60, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Kia EV6, Nissan Ariya and Leaf, and Toyota bZ4X. EVs that scored below average include the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Rivian's R1S and R1T.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Hyundai Kona electric years
We have researched Hyundai problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Hyundai Kona electric cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Hyundai Kona electric model years:
- Hyundai Kona electric 2022
- Hyundai Kona electric 2023
- Hyundai Kona electric 2019
- Hyundai Kona electric 2021
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Hyundai Kona electric model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Hyundai Kona electric years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Hyundai Kona electric car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Hyundai Kona electric , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Hyundai Kona electric vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Kona electric model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 20 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Hyundai Kona electric . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Hyundai Kona electric vehicles.
List of Hyundai Kona electric complaints
Hyundai Kona electric 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-29
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-29
- VIN: KM8K33AG6NU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: There were several recall/service notices on my vehicle. I brought car to dealer in May and they were unable to address them all b/c I was informed a dealer specific piece of equipment necessary for the recall had broken and they could not address that issue. Why is it saying on NHTSA website zero unaddressed recalls for my car? Here are some of the notices: Service Campaign 9A4: Kona EV DTC Inspection, BMS Update, and BSA Replacement – Dealer Best Practice August 29, 2023 I believe there was an additional issue of concern. I originally scheduled for early 2024 & then there was an additional recall/concern and I could not be accommodated until May 2024; however, as mentioned, they were unable to address all the issues at that time. Please let me know.
Hyundai Kona electric 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-10-06
- VIN: KM8K23AG6PU
- Components: STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: While driving at 60 miles per hour on an interstate, the car's steering system took control of the car and made a quick "S" maneuver. It took all of my strength to maintain control of my car. This incident lasted for just a second or two but it was potentially very dangerous to me (the driver of the car) and to nearby cars (and their drivers). The vehicle is available for inspection. I just reported the incident to to Hyundai and haven't heard back from them. There seemed to be some kind of red warning message on the computer screen, but I couldn't read it because I was so busy fighting the steering wheel for control of the car.
Hyundai Kona electric 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-14
- Date Complaint: 2023-07-27
- VIN: KM8K23AG2PU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Car has only 3000 miles and already has a bad battery. Code DTC P1AA600
Hyundai Kona electric 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-06
- Date Complaint: 2023-07-21
- VIN: KM8K53AG6NU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The push door to the charging port locks and I am unble to open it. It will sometimes unlock if I push the unlock button several times. This is worrisome since I need access to the charging port to charge my batter. Not sure if there is a design flaw with the latch to the door.
Hyundai Kona electric 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-08
- Date Complaint: 2023-07-10
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KM8K33AG6NU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: While driving slowly less than 5 MPH into parking stall the vehicle accelerated excessively while trying to brake the vehicle it continued to accelerate and jumped the curb while I was still pumping the brakes to try to get it to stop and the car finally stopped after hitting the front of the establishment building. No collision warning went off at this time as well. I checked the mats to see if they were against the accelerator pedal and they were not.
Hyundai Kona electric 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-11
- Date Complaint: 2023-06-22
- VIN: KM8K33AG5PU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Check Electric Vehicle System" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the heater sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred a third time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175.
Hyundai Kona electric 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-09
- Date Complaint: 2023-05-20
- VIN: KM8K33AG4NU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Started my 2022 Kona EV as usual in my driveway in Southern California in May 2023. Vehicle started then flashed "Check Vehicle System (EV) failure code appeared. Car would not stay started. Had it towed to Dealer they kept if for 2 week and called me to say the vehicle was fixed and I could come pick it up. Repair Order said that the "EV Safety Plug failed upon testing" That was a Friday afternoon. Drove the vehicle home and it seemed to be fixed. The next day (Saturday) went out in the am to run errands and got the same code again and again it wouldn't run. Again had it towed to Dealer (with poor Hyundai Roadside Service). It remains there as I suspect the Dealer tried an easy fix instead of a major one. Will update with status. Already a California Lemon Law buyback situation. I'm not even going to try to work it out because the new car is not operating as advertised. Car is unreliable.
Hyundai Kona electric 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-14
- Date Complaint: 2023-03-16
- VIN: KM8K23AG9PU
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: In damp weather the brake rotors corrode overnight. This causes the brakes to lock up when the brake pedal is touched gently. The car then stops quickly and unexpectedly. This could result in the car being rear ended in traffic. This problem has occurred 7 times since I bought the car.
Hyundai Kona electric 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2023-02-07
- VIN: KM8K33AG8NU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The electrical system is not fulling shutting down after the vehicle is turned off and the 12 volt battery drains. This also caused the Instrument Panel to fail and made the car not safe to drive as we had no speedometer or odometer. The battery drain happened over and over again. The car is a lemon. This car has been at the dealer since December 30th, with no fix in sight.
Hyundai Kona electric 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-14
- Date Complaint: 2023-01-12
- VIN: KM8K23AG0NU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: My hybrid or power battery failure, my EV Hyundai Kona from October 14, 2022 up to now in maintenance at the dealer “Keyes Mission Hills Hyundai.” They withdrew every month the lease amount, from my side I pay monthly lease and insurance for car and gap. Every time contact them just swiftly disregarding the whole call and promises in, even they didn’t call back with solution or updates as promised in the call. I wanna get a solution for all these. Stop draining my money, I’m still using my old car and paying for gas every week.
Hyundai Kona electric 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-09
- Date Complaint: 2022-12-22
- VIN: KM8K53AG6NU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: There was a parasitic or phantom drain on my 12v battery (after 7 months 6K miles) - DEAD. A dealer service tech determined it to be the Harman Kardon radio (KONA EV Limited). Drained 3 batteries before it was found to be the culprit. Radio on backorder with no sign of ever showing up. Car has been at the dealer long enough to trigger the lemon law in CA. Considering the buyback as I have made two lease payments without the car in my possession6 weeks.
Hyundai Kona electric 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-06
- Date Complaint: 2022-12-06
- VIN: KM8K33AG7NU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: This is a continuation of Complaint #11495997. Mon 12/05/22 AM - I could unlock the car, but it wouldn’t start. I jumped the 12v battery and drove car for about 30 minutes. Tue 12/06/22 AM - Car Completely Dead. I called Hyundai Roadside Assistance who sent a AAA technician who jumped 12V battery. I drove car for about 45 minutes to charge battery. I left a message with San Leandro Hyundai - Service & Parts Center about bringing car in and getting a loaner car, and am waiting for a callback today.
Hyundai Kona electric 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2022-11-14
- Date Complaint: 2022-12-05
- VIN: KM8K53AG5NU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The following was posted on 12/5/22 on Kona Owners Forum: "USA location. Have a '22 Kona (EV; but, that apparently that not relevant to problem). Horn stopped working at about 7500 miles. Immediately made appt with dealer. On day of service there was another 2022 Kona (gas powered) in shop for same thing. Since I only have one car and wife with Alzheimer's, dealer checked obvious things and released me, saying the other owner could leave their Kona for detailed diagnosis. Dealer reported back to me that they believed they had found problem with other Kona, ordered part and would let me know if problem would be solved for the other Kona. If problem solved they would replace my part, of course under warranty. Today I was informed part didn't fix other Kona. So, I am without horn and dealer back to square one. Dealer said there is no recall and no tech bulletin addressing this problem. I can see from forum history that many have experienced a failed horn. HAS ANYONE EXPERIENCED A SOLUTION? If so, please share solution. Dealer welcomes any info I can provide. I think I will also report this to US Dept of Transportation, since 'no horn' is a safety hazard and may in fact be illegal.
Hyundai Kona electric 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-04
- Date Complaint: 2022-12-05
- VIN: KM8K33AG7NU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Vehicle Complaint: Electrical System / Vehicle: 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL Black VIN: KM8K33AG7NU156867 / Wed 07/13/22 - Car purchased from CarBlip (https://www.carblip.com/). CarBlip got it from Harbor Hyundai in Long Beach, CA and trucked it to me in Oakland, CA. / Wed 10/26/22 AM - Car Completely Dead. I called AAA; they sent a technician who jumped 12V battery. I drove car to San Leandro Hyundai - Service & Parts Center and left the car there. They checked battery and said I must have left something on that drained the battery and car is fine now. I picked up the car. / Fri 11/04/22 AM - Car Completely Dead. I called AAA; they sent a technician who jumped 12V battery. I drove car for about 45 minutes to charge battery. Then I drove car normally for rest of day and next day. / Mon 11/07/22 AM - Car Completely Dead. I called AAA; they sent a technician who jumped 12V battery. I drove car for about 45 minutes to charge battery. Then I drove car normally for rest of day. / Tue 11/08/22 AM - Car Completely Dead. I called AAA; they sent a technician who jumped 12V battery. I drove car to San Leandro Hyundai - Service & Parts Center. They put a brand new 12v battery in the car. / 11/08/22-11/19/22 - I drove car normally. / 11/20/22-11/25/22 - Car sat in our driveway in Oakland, CA while we were out of town for Thanksgiving week. / Sat 11/26/22 AM - Car Completely Dead. / Thu 12/01/22 PM - My husband jumped 12V battery and drove car for about 45 minutes. / Fri 12/02/22 AM - I drove the car to San Leandro Hyundai - Service & Parts Center and left the car there. They said the received a “Technical Notification” from Hyundai and reprogrammed the car: “BMS EV LOGIC IMPROVEMENT UPGRADE” and said the car should be fine now. I picked up the car. / Sat 12/03/22 - I drove car normally. / Sun 12/04/22 AM - Car Completely Dead. I called Hyundai Roadside Assistance who sent a AAA technician who jumped 12V battery. I drove car for about 45 minutes to charge battery.
Hyundai Kona electric 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-05
- Date Complaint: 2022-08-15
- VIN: KM8K23AG9NU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The 12V battery keeps draining on this 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric. This problem happened when I owned the car for 7 months, I believe the battery management system from Hyundai caused the ruin and drainage to the 12V battery. It has happened 10 or more time ever since the battery keeps draining and Hyundai refused to take any responsibility in their faulty 12V battery.
Latest 5 recalls Hyundai Kona electric
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the Hyundai Kona electric.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Hyundai Kona electric 2021
- Report Received Date: 2022-12-16
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:THERMAL MANAGEMENT:FLUID/COOLANT
- Summary: 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. Hyundai's number for this recall is 239.
- Model: Hyundai Kona electric 2019
- Report Received Date: 2021-03-01
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An electrical short in the Li-ion battery increases the risk of a fire.
- 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.
- Model: Hyundai Kona electric 2019
- Report Received Date: 2020-12-01
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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.
- Model: Hyundai Kona electric 2021
- Report Received Date: 2020-12-01
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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.
- Model: Hyundai Kona electric 2019
- Report Received Date: 2020-10-13
- Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor America
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM):SOFTWARE
- Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.
- Consequence: An electrical short in the Li-ion battery increases the risk of a fire.
- 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.
Latest negative Hyundai Kona electric car reviews
Latest positive Hyundai Kona electric car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2022
Hey there! I'm glad to hear that your car is doing well now that the battery issue has been resolved. It turns out that it was actually a computer issue and not the battery after all.
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Vehicle year: 2023
I received my Kona EV in July 2020 and as of late February 2024, I have not found a single thing to complain about. It is an absolute delight to drive. I purchased a level 2 home charger to go with it and an overnight charge from 40% to 100% costs a little under $6.00, which works out to approximately two cents per kilometre to drive. I like to tell people that it's so cheap to run that I can't afford to stay home! Where I live, virtually all of our power is hydro-generated, so we get the added bonus of creating a zero carbon footprint, at least for fuel. The range has been very good too. We've travelled 375 km and still had a reserve of nearly 90 km left in the tank. Although it is not cheap to buy, the government rebates took most of the sting out of that. Would I recommend the Kona EV? Absolutely!
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Vehicle year: 2023
I recently traded in my 2020 Hyundai Ioniq Electric for a 2023 Kona EV. The new version of the Kona is being released later this year, and with a recent Hyundai price cut, it was relatively inexpensive to lease. The Kona is a vast improvement over the Ioniq, which I had gotten three years ago because it was the least expensive EV that offered decent range. While the Ioniq was extremely efficient, reliable, and well-screwed together, it lacked in comfort and luxury. The Kona, on the other hand, is far better appointed than the Ioniq. The upholstery and cabin trim are less monochromatic and far more attractive, and the sound system is significantly richer. The main screen and backup camera have much better resolution, and the driver position is extremely comfortable. The Kona also has much peppier acceleration and rides much better than the Ioniq, particularly over bumpy surfaces. Additionally, the Kona's hatch lid does not scrape against the top of my garage door when fully opened, unlike the Ioniq. The Kona has a range of 300 miles on a full charge, which is nearly 20% higher than the 258-mile range Hyundai claims. This makes the Kona an even better value proposition than Tesla's Model 3, as it costs about $12,000 less and is less likely to have reliability issues.I hope you will have a very enjoyable next 36 months!
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Vehicle year: 2021
According to the EPA and Edmunds reviews, the car is said to get 258 miles between charges. However, in my experience, I have never gotten less than 298 miles and most of the time I get over 300 miles. The car is very responsive and zippy, and the best part is that it is not a Tesla! :-) The Kona EV is a fantastic introduction to the world of electric vehicles. Hyundai and the EPA state that the range is 258 miles, but I have personally gotten as many as 300 miles. For daily errands, the car is perfect as the average American drives about 30 miles a day. I rarely charge more than once a week, and with a charger at home, life is easy. As a 75-year-old, I highly recommend this car to other seniors. It is comfortable, quiet, and has numerous standard safety features. This car is my way of thanking the planet for all the beauty it has provided me throughout my life.
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Vehicle year: 2022
I received my Kona EV in July 2020 and as of late February 2024, I have not found a single thing to complain about. It is an absolute delight to drive. I purchased a level 2 home charger to go with it and an overnight charge from 40% to 100% costs a little under $6.00, which works out to approximately two cents per kilometre to drive. I like to tell people that it's so cheap to run that I can't afford to stay home! Where I live, virtually all of our power is hydro-generated, so we get the added bonus of creating a zero carbon footprint, at least for fuel. The range has been very good too. We've travelled 375 km and still had a reserve of nearly 90 km left in the tank. Although it is not cheap to buy, the government rebates took most of the sting out of that. Would I recommend the Kona EV? Absolutely!
Are you having problems with your Hyundai Kona electric?
Jamison Kemmer 2025-02-10
Vehicle year: 2023
TL;DR: I wish I had known that the range of the Kona Electric was not as advertised before buying it. While the Kona is a great car, the electric version falls short. It's important to note that the estimated range of 258 miles is not accurate, and you can expect to get between 3/4 and 9/10 of that range on DAY ONE. In my experience, I get 75% of the estimated range in the fall (40-60°F), 60% in the winter (30-35°F), and 90% on a 75°F day. It's also important to keep in mind that the range will decrease over the life of the battery. I have conducted tests to ensure that I am not running the heater at full blast and still losing miles from the estimated range. I have noticed that the car's estimate changes when I adjust the heater setting. I believe that the car should adjust the estimated range based on how it is being used, especially if I have been driving at 70mph for the last hour. Additionally, the car should account for the decrease in range with decreasing temperature. When the battery gets down to around 8%, the car stops giving a mileage estimate altogether. Despite these range issues, I still have a few other complaints.-For one, the Lane assist has two modes: passive and active. In passive mode, it will only beep at you when you're crossing the line, while in active mode, it will nudge the wheel if you drift even farther. However, there are some annoyances such as the car alerting you not to merge when you're in a two-lane-turn situation, i.e. there's someone next to you turning the same direction. Unfortunately, it can't differentiate between that and merging lanes on the highway. Also, if you have an empty lane between you and another car, and you signal and then move to that lane, once you're in that lane but haven't turned off your blinker, it's a 50/50 chance whether the Kona will think you're about to side-swipe the other car. On the bright side, it drives smoothly and the wheel is responsive. You'll always feel in control of the car (except, as mentioned above, if I have the lane assist turned on). Would this car have been worth $44,000 (including all the junk the dealership forces you to buy) without the $10,000 total I got from state and federal subsidies? Hell no. However, for $34,000, it's a decent choice. But, I wouldn't have bought a Hyundai if I knew about the range issues. Personally, I doubt if any Hyundai brand electric car has good battery management.
Alexzander Gleason 2025-02-02
Vehicle year: 2023
Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're sorry to hear that you've had some trouble with your car. We appreciate your feedback and will make sure to pass it along to our team. If there's anything we can do to assist you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you for choosing our brand!
Brendan Skiles 2025-02-01
Vehicle year: 2023
The heater/defroster in my Hyundai EV became inoperative after only 18 months and 5,000 miles, despite the installation of a new heater unit. Unfortunately, the local Hyundai dealership was unable to fix the problem due to a lack of technical expertise. It is disappointing that such a basic component as the heater unit is so inaccessible for repairs. However, I remain confident in the overall reliability of the vehicle, despite this early setback. My experience with Hondas over the past 30 years has been excellent, and I have never had any issues with their HVAC systems. I am hopeful that this issue will be resolved soon, and I can continue to enjoy my Kona EV without any further problems.
Weldon Klocko 2025-01-17
Vehicle year: 2022
I recently purchased a brand new 2022 Kona Electric in May 2022. I was excited to have a new job that would require a lot of driving and thought it would be smart to go fully electric, while also wanting an SUV for my family. I absolutely loved the vehicle - it had smooth handling, great touch, and a fantastic range. However, after only 2 months and less than 1500 miles, I received a notification telling me to 'CHECK ELECTRIC VEHICLE SYSTEM.' I brought it into a dealership, but unfortunately, they did not seem to have any idea how to handle the issue. It took them almost two weeks to finally decide that the vehicle needed a brand new battery. Unfortunately, the batteries are on a national backorder, and they don't know when I'll be able to get a new one. As a result, I am currently stuck paying for gas and driving a vehicle that doesn't suit my family's needs, with no estimate on when I might be able to get my new car back. And when I do get it back, who knows how long it will run for this time before requiring service again. Despite my love for the vehicle while driving it, I unfortunately cannot recommend it to anyone until Hyundai solves its battery issues.
Wilbert Streich 2025-01-03
Vehicle year: 2021
The car (Kona electric) initially caught my attention, but unfortunately, it experienced a serious brake failure with less than 3000 miles on the car. Additionally, an electric system glitch occurred at 8000 miles, which resulted in the car being towed to San Leandro Hundai Kia repair shop. Despite the lack of communication from the repair shop for two weeks, I remained confident in my ability to resolve the issue. The app on my phone alerted me any time anyone opened a door or moved it, which was helpful to know they didn't do anything! After threatening to sue, I was able to retrieve my car. Although I was told they changed the battery, I remain doubtful. Please note that the model for this review was not listed.