2021 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.
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Common 2021 Hyundai Kona electric problems
The Hyundai Kona Electric 2021 has been praised for its bold design, spacious interior, and impressive electric range.
One of the most common issues reported by Hyundai Kona Electric 2021 owners is related to the transmission. Some owners have reported issues with the gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, and leaks.
Another issue reported by some Hyundai Kona Electric 2021 owners is related to the electrical system and sensors. Some owners have reported issues with electrical/sensor problems, including problems with the battery and braking system
. These issues can cause problems with the vehicle's battery, including the EV battery, and can affect the vehicle's braking system, causing problems with braking and stopping the vehicle
While the Hyundai Kona Electric 2021 is known for its impressive electric range, some owners have reported issues with the battery. These issues can cause problems with the vehicle's battery, including the EV battery, and can affect the vehicle's performance and range
To address these issues, it is recommended that Hyundai Kona Electric 2021 owners take their vehicles to a certified Hyundai dealership for inspection and repair. Hyundai offers one of the best warranties in the business, at five years with unlimited mileage, which can help cover the cost of repairs.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona a reliable car?
How Reliable Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona? The 2021 Hyundai Kona has a predicted reliability score of 82 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Are there any issues with the 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.
What is the engine failure of the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
Engine. Recall no. Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
Is there a recall on Kona EV 2021?
Description of Recall: 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.
2021 Hyundai Kona electric complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Hyundai Kona electric.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2021 Hyundai Kona electric recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2021 Hyundai Kona electric.
- 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.
- 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.
Negative 2021 Hyundai Kona electric car reviews
Positive 2021 Hyundai Kona electric car reviews
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I think my Kona EV Ultimate is a great car! It reminds me of a BMW, but without the terrible reliability issues. The leather seating is much nicer than the Tesla Model 3, and the interior is about the same size. At first, I thought it was too small, but then I realized that this car is actually average to large for the rest of the world. It definitely favors the driver and front passenger, and while the back isn't that big, most people drive with two or fewer passengers in this size of car. Driving it is very smooth for its size. It won't be like an Avalon because of its smaller wheelbase, but the multi-link suspension does take the bumps well. The tech is great, except for the lack of Lane Follow Assist on my car, but I can live with it. The infotainment gives many ways to accomplish the same task, so the choice is yours whether to use buttons, voice command, or steering wheel controls to make a call or change the audio programming. I chose the larger screen, but the other one is fine too. One thing to note is that the 2020 model has adaptive cruise control only on the Ultimate trim, while in 2019 it was found on lower trims. I couldn't find a single used 2019 on the market, so I went with a 2020. I highly recommend trying it out before getting a Model 3. You might like it better if you don't like racing and buying tires every 25-30K miles!
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My wife has a new car that she uses for a 165-mile round trip commute. At the end of the day, she usually has around 35 miles of range left over. It takes about 8 hours to charge on a home Level 2 charger and uses 55 kWh from my solar panels. The Ultimate version is very comfortable and has extra features that are perfect for the commute. However, it lacks back seat space and cargo room for grandkids and trips to Costco. Despite this, it's still fun to drive and we love the pulse red color. We have noticed that the engine and background noise can be a bit annoying at times, but we're still trying to determine what's normal and what's not, especially since we're used to a Honda Accord. Overall, we're happy with the car and its performance.
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I never thought I would own an SUV, being more of a car guy who leans towards the sporty end of things. However, when I started shopping for affordable EVs, I instantly knew that this was the car for me. It's peppy and way more fun to drive than the Bolt or the Leaf. The interior is nicely done and extremely comfortable, and it packs a good amount of space into a pretty small external size, which is important in my hometown of San Francisco where parking can be a challenge. What sets the Kona Electric apart from its competitors is that the base SEL model comes with all sorts of safety tech, which is a huge plus once you get used to the car telling you whenever it thinks you're about to get in trouble. Although the present stay-home order due to COVID-19 has limited my driving, the range seems to be very good. The range meter consistently tells me I should get 270 to 275 with a full charge, notably more than the EPA-certified official 258. If there is a drawback to the Kona Electric, it's limited availability. It's not available in every state, and even here in California supplies are tight, meaning, at least as of this writing, you're unlikely to pay less than full sticker. But you know what? It's worth it. The Kona Electric is fast, smooth, dead silent, comfortable, practical, and I totally love it!
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I have been driving this car for almost 2 years now and I have loved every minute of it! The only thing that I would like to see improved is the charging speed. Although 75kW is not bad, it could be better. However, this is not a deal breaker for me. The efficiency of this car is incredible and it gives me a stellar range. In the city, I can get around 300 miles on a single charge! Even on road trips, when I cap my charges to 80%, I still get about 200 miles on a charge while hitting top speeds. This is amazing for one of Hyundai's first forays into the EV world and for the price, I am not complaining. Some cars are more expensive and only get around 225-250 real-world miles in the city, and that's not even on road trips! So, don't underestimate this little EV! Also, some people say that having the charge port in the front is bad, but I prefer it so much more over having it on the side in the rear like a gas car! I had a BMW i3 before this and having the charge port on the side rear was such a pain! I was constantly reversing and pointing in awkward angles... it was just bad. With it being up front, I just pull straight into the parking space and I'm all set. I don't think about it often and I highly recommend a front-end charge port! Other than that, I cannot think of anything else to say. It's an amazing car and the base model has a lot of standard features that make it worth it! So, don't pass it up!
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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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Hyundai Kona electric problems:
Consumer Reports Places Kona in Last Place Overall For Electric ...
Nov 24, 2022 ... Except for the 12V battery that is problematic in all electric Hyundai, most problems have been resolved starting with the 2021 model year.
2021 Hyundai Kona may have same battery issues as 2019-2020 ...
The charging was inconsistent. The car has 3200 miles on it, and it will not start. We had it towed to the dealership, and the whole EV battery ...
Used 2021 Hyundai Kona EV a good choice? : r/KonaEV
May 13, 2023 ... Kona EVs are great cars and are definitely reliable. Every car will have its week points, and you should never plan for any car to be perfectly ...
2021 Hyundai Kona Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Apr 4, 2023 ... Common problems on the 2021 Hyundai Kona include engine oil issues, A/C system failures, along with broken headlights. Overall, these problems ...
Does the 2021 Kona fix all the issues? | Inside EVS Forum
That rallye car really has nothing in common with the Kona EV unfortunately. It's a custom build with ICE body panels.
Other years of Hyundai Kona electric
Are you having problems with your 2021 Hyundai Kona electric?
Freddie Terry 2025-04-17
The car stopped functioning after only 5000 miles and required towing. Despite repeated attempts to communicate with Hyundai over the course of several months, they have refused to take responsibility for the issue. Furthermore, they have continued to charge me for the non-functioning vehicle and have failed to provide any clear timeline for resolution. This lack of accountability is unacceptable and I expect Hyundai to take immediate action to rectify the situation.
Wilbert Streich 2025-01-03
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.
Tony Harber 2024-11-08
I recently bought a 2022 Kona, but unfortunately, the electric system warning light came on just two months later. After a diagnostic by the service department, it was discovered that there was a malfunction with the electric battery. My Kona has been at the service department for four months now, waiting for a new battery, but there is no ETA yet. However, Hyundai HQs has agreed to buy back the Kona without any consideration of follow-on impacts. I have already spent over $2,000 on a charging system at home, and I will need to purchase another vehicle to replace the buy-back. It would be great if Hyundai could facilitate exchanges to alleviate the stress for customers who have purchased these Kona lemons.
Willis Hermann 2024-10-29
After a car wash, it is recommended to keep the anti-collision feature on for at least 10 minutes. If you experience any issues, we encourage you to bring your vehicle to our trusted team at Patriotic Hyundai. In the rare case that the issue cannot be resolved on the first visit, we may need to schedule a follow-up appointment with one of our highly qualified technicians. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. During your second visit, we made sure to schedule your appointment with a technician who was available and ready to assist you. We are sorry for any miscommunication that may have occurred. If you continue to experience issues, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We value your business and hope to have the opportunity to serve you again in the future.
Marcelino Larkin 2024-08-10
We leased a 2021 Kona Electric in May 2021. Unfortunately, we have had to bring the car back to the service department three times due to a battery malfunction. While we understand that EV technology can be complex, we have found that the service department could benefit from additional training and knowledge of the EV product line. When we have asked about the issue, we have been informed that the computer needed to be reset. However, we believe that there may be an underlying issue given the number of times we have had to bring the car in for malfunctions. Additionally, we have noticed that the car handles poorly on tight turns and can be unsteady if you accelerate too fast. Despite these issues, we appreciate that the Kona Electric is a more affordable option compared to Tesla. We do wish that repairs could be done remotely, as is the case with Tesla, but we understand that this is not always possible. Overall, we hope that Hyundai can continue to improve their EV technology and service department to provide a better experience for their customers.