VehicleVerdict

2020 Hyundai Kona Electric problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric sits mid-pack among Kona Electric years: 37 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 29, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 46% of all reports (17 of 37), far ahead of driver assistance at 6.

37

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other Kona Electric years?

Kona Electric NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted73 complaints2019: 73 complaints2020: 37 complaints2021: 34 complaints2022: 29 complaints2023: 7 complaints2024: 25 complaints2025: 1 complaints
Kona Electric NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Kona Electric years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1746%
Driver Assistance616%
Brakes514%
Transmission38%
Fuel System25%
Other25%
Tires & Wheels13%
Engine13%

Does the 2020 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 traction batteries are deffective and needs to be replaced due to the battery catching fire under Recall 200 for Hyundia Kona Electric cars. The cars effected were manufactured from Aug 28,2018 to March 2, 2020 which our car falls within this window date. According to Hyundai Consumer…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 24, 2021

“My wife was pulling into a parking place at Home Depot when the car suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb & hit a tree on the sidewalk. It did significant damage to the front bumper of the car but the airbags did not deploy & my wife was not hurt. I am guessing that it will be several thousand…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 17, 2025 · crash

“DRIVING DURING RUSH HOUR ON INTERSTATE IN AN URBAN AREA. CARS IN FRONT SLOWED RAPIDLY, APPLIED BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN, DID SO SUCCESSFULLY. DYNAMIC BRAKE SUPPORT THEN APPARENTLY KICKED IN, AND FORCED THE CAR TO A STOP, DESPITE BRAKE BEING FULLY RELEASED. CAR FROM BEHIND BARELY ABLE TO AVOID CRASHING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 12, 2020

“The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that several unknown recalls related to the battery were performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that after the recall repairs were performed and while starting the vehicle, the battery warning light illuminated. Additionally, the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 16, 2021

“My wife was pulling into a parking place at Home Depot when the car suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb & hit a tree on the sidewalk. It did significant damage to the front bumper of the car but the airbags did not deploy & my wife was not hurt. I am guessing that it will be several thousand…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 17, 2025 · crash

2020 Hyundai Kona Electric — common questions

Is the 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric reliable?

It is close to typical for the Kona Electric: 37 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2020 Kona Electric problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (17 complaints), driver assistance (6 complaints), brakes (5 complaints).

Does the 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 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 2020 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.