2023 Hyundai Kona electric problems

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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.

2023 Hyundai Kona electric

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Common 2023 Hyundai Kona electric problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric, several common problems have been reported:

  • AC System Malfunctions: Some owners have reported problems with the AC system, including failing units that become unresponsive to adjustments or stop working altogether. This issue can impact the comfort and usability of the vehicle, especially in varying climates.
  • Long Wait Times for Replacement Parts: Owners have faced extended wait times for replacement batteries, with reports ranging from as little as two weeks to up to four months without an estimated completion date. This delay in receiving necessary parts can lead to frustration and inconvenience for owners.
  • Inconsistent Dealer Service: Feedback on dealer service quality has been mixed, with some owners praising their local dealerships for attentive and informative support, while others have experienced miscommunication and delays in resolving issues. The inconsistency in service quality has impacted overall satisfaction for some owners.
  • Electrical Issues: Many owners have reported electrical problems, including faulty warning lights and battery-related issues. These faults have led to significant downtime for some owners, with repairs taking longer than expected, often due to delays in parts delivery. Electrical issues can affect the overall performance and safety of the vehicle.
  • Tyre Recommendations: There have been recommendations to consider changing the standard-fit tyres for better alternatives to improve handling and reduce differences in performance compared to similar models like the Kia e-Niro. While this is not a critical issue, it can impact the driving experience and overall satisfaction with the vehicle.

These common problems reported by owners of the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric highlight various reliability and performance issues that have affected the ownership experience for some individuals. Addressing these issues promptly and effectively is crucial to ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining the reputation of the vehicle in the electric car market.

2023 Hyundai Kona electric engine

What is the issue with the Hyundai Kona 2023?

Summary: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.

Is a Hyundai Kona issues?

The Kona N was subject to the DCT recall for improper software going into limp mode during certain oil pump conditions. It was not subject to the pcb board failure recall because it does not have the engine stop/start feature. The biggest issue I have had with my 2023 KN is the crapola Pirelli tires it came with.

What is the safety rating of the Kona Electric 2023?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Kona the best-possible rating of “Good” in all crash tests, plus accident-avoidance tech ratings of “Superior” (vehicle-to-vehicle) and “Advanced” (vehicle-to-pedestrian).

How long will a Kona Electric battery last?

between 3-5 years

Hyundai Kona batteries usually last between 3-5 years, but this is variable depending on the type of battery, driving habits, weather conditions, and more.

2023 Hyundai Kona electric car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Hyundai Kona electric problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Electrical system problems
  • Steering problems
  • Lane departure problems
  • Fuel/propulsion system problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2023 Hyundai Kona electric vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2023 Hyundai Kona electric complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2023 Hyundai Kona electric.

2023-10-06

STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-01
  • 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.
2023-07-27

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-07-14
  • VIN: KM8K23AG2PU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: Car has only 3000 miles and already has a bad battery. Code DTC P1AA600
2023-06-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-05-11
  • 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.
2023-03-16

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-03-14
  • 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.

Negative 2023 Hyundai Kona electric car reviews

  1. Jamison Kemmer 2025-02-10

    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.

  2. Alexzander Gleason 2025-02-02

    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!

  3. Brendan Skiles 2025-02-01

    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.

  4. Wyman Hills 2024-10-22

    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.

  5. Fern Haag 2024-08-22

    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.

Positive 2023 Hyundai Kona electric car reviews

  1. Nelson Toy 2025-02-12

    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!

  2. Chandler Shields 2025-02-06

    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!

  3. Giovanny Larson 2024-08-06

    This is a great option for those who are new to electric vehicles. It handles really well and can go over 280 miles on a full charge. Plus, it comes with a full array of driver safety features.

  4. Presley Leuschke 2024-07-14

    I really appreciate the driver's position, view, acceleration, handling, and understandable instrumentation. The range and warranty are also great features. However, I did have some issues with the 12 Volt battery which needed replacement at 13K. Additionally, the back seat and storage could be improved, and I had to replace the OE tires with Michelin. Overall, I think this is a great car with some minor areas for improvement.

  5. Jerry Ziemann 2024-05-23

    The Kona EV is a fantastic entry vehicle to the market, with only reduced mileage and charging in cold weather being minor considerations.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2023 Hyundai Kona electric problems:

Consumer Reports Places Kona in Last Place Overall For Electric ...
Consumer Reports Places Kona in Last Place Overall For Electric ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/KonaEV/comments/z3e28c/consumer_reports_places_kona_in_last_place/

Nov 24, 2022 ... Consumer Reports: · Battery Pack Recall: · 12v Battery drain: · Reduction box failure (wheel of fortune noise): · Various issues people have had and ...

#1 in the worst reliable EV vehicles- KONA! Given I have owned my ...
#1 in the worst reliable EV vehicles- KONA! Given I have owned my ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/KonaEV/comments/123tiuj/1_in_the_worst_reliable_ev_vehicles_kona_given_i/

Mar 27, 2023 ... ... Hyundai Kona as the least ... problems on the Hyundia were large factors in my choice of the Kona EV. ... issues...I have had no other problems.

Kona crowned
Kona crowned "most unreliable EV" | Inside EVS Forum
https://www.insideevsforum.com/community/index.php?threads/kona-crowned-most-unreliable-ev.15560/

Discussion in 'Hyundai Kona Electric' started by electriceddy, Feb 24, 2023. ... I would have thought that type of motor is common to all Hyundai/Kia EVs. So Ionics and EV6s are also unreliable? ... The problem is that Hyundai/KIA as a history of ...

Why The 2023 Hyundai Kona Is Among The Least Reliable Electric ...
Why The 2023 Hyundai Kona Is Among The Least Reliable Electric ...
https://www.slashgear.com/1241043/2023-hyundai-kona-least-reliable-electric-car-buy/

Apr 1, 2023 ... The Hyundai Kona EV is one of the least reliable EVs today, scoring just 1 out of 5 in Consumer Reports' Predicted Reliability Rating. As far as ...

Other years of Hyundai Kona electric

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Kona electric 2019
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Kona electric 2021
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Kona electric 2022
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hyundai kona electric 2023 photo
Kona electric 2023
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2023 Hyundai Kona electric photo