VehicleVerdict

2019 Hyundai Kona Electric problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 73 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median Kona Electric year — the 2019 model ranks #1 of 7 Kona Electric years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 57% of all reports (42 of 73), far ahead of fuel system at 10.

73

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other Kona Electric years?

Kona Electric NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted73 complaints2019: 73 complaints2020: 37 complaints2021: 34 complaints2022: 29 complaints2023: 7 complaints2024: 25 complaints2025: 1 complaints
Kona Electric NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Kona Electric years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4258%
Fuel System1014%
Transmission57%
Engine57%
Other45%
Brakes45%
Driver Assistance11%
Speed Control11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V127000Electrical SystemMarch 1, 2021 · 4,696 units

Defect

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.

20V748000BrakesDecember 1, 2020 · 8,176 units

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.

20V630000Electrical SystemOctober 13, 2020 · 6,707 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact's wife owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that upon warming the vehicle in cold weather, an abnormal, wire-burning smell would emit from the vehicle without warning. The manufacturer was initially notified about the failure and was informed that he would receive a callback;…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 1, 2021 · fire

“I left my car with the dealer at the end of August for a repair, and they identified that Recall 200 had to be done. I received a rental car at that time. It is now February and I have still not gotten my car back. I have contacted both the dealer and Hyundai corporate to try to find out what is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 29, 2021

“The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff without any warning, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle drove into a parking lot. The contact desperately pressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle would not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 1, 2023 · crash

“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 filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 24, 2025 · fire

“THERE IS A RECALL ON THE EV BATTERY SYSTEM BOTH ON THE HYUNDAI SITE AND THE NTSB SITE FOR THIS. HYUNDAI CLAIMS THERE IS NO SUCH RECALL. MY BATTERY SYSTEM DOES NOT FUNCTION ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. HYUNDAI SAYS NOT TO PARK THE VEHICLE INSIDE DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF CATASTROPHIC FIRE. NEITHER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 1, 2020

2019 Hyundai Kona Electric — common questions

Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 73 complaints put the 2019 model at #1 of 7 Kona Electric years. It is one of the Kona Electric years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Kona Electric problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (42 complaints), fuel system (10 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).

Does the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Kona Electric years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Kona Electric years to avoid are 2019. The cleanest record among Kona Electric years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.