VehicleVerdict

2021 Hyundai Kona Electric problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric sits mid-pack among Kona Electric years: 34 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 29, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 10 reports (29% of the total).

34

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Kona Electric years?

Kona Electric NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted73 complaints2019: 73 complaints2020: 37 complaints2021: 34 complaints2022: 29 complaints2023: 7 complaints2024: 25 complaints2025: 1 complaints
Kona Electric NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Kona Electric years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1029%
Other721%
Engine412%
Driver Assistance39%
Visibility & Wipers26%
Speed Control26%
Brakes26%
Fuel System13%
Airbags13%
Lighting13%
Transmission13%

Does the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric have recalls?

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

22V941000Electrical SystemDecember 16, 2022 · 853 units

Defect

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric. The contact stated that while his wife disconnected the charger, the vehicle caught fire without warning. There were no reported injuries. The installation plug was melted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed the connection…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 26, 2021 · fire

“My vehicle has said, refill inverter coolant, I took it in a couple of days ago and they said there is an open recall and they would fix it. They called me back after I dropped it off and informed me that they did not have the specific coolant, and no one in the area did. Over the past couple days,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 3, 2024

“After charging the vehicle at home with level 2 charger to 100% it would not go into drive or reverse. It can go to neutral or Park only. The car is at the dealership and they told the battery must be replaced when one is available. It is a safety concern because one can get stranded on the road…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 15, 2021

“My wife's car t-boned another vehicle, but the air bags didn't deploy. Luckily, she wasn't hurt badly, but the vehicle was deemed a total loss, so you can imagine the force of the collision. The forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking didn't activate either. I reported it to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · September 1, 2024 · crash

“Sunroof exploded. On 19 January 2022 around 15:45 (Pacific Time) while driving approximately 65mph in my 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric on Hwy 60 (Moreno Valley, California), west-bound I experienced a loud explosion sound in my Kona and glass raining down on me and the inside of the car. I looked up…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 19, 2022

2021 Hyundai Kona Electric — common questions

Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric reliable?

It is close to typical for the Kona Electric: 34 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2021 Kona Electric problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (10 complaints), other (7 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 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 2021 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.