Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Save products icon

Other Membership Benefits:

Savings icon Exclusive Deals for Members Best time to buy icon Best Time to Buy Products Recall tracker icon Recall & Safety Alerts TV screen optimizer icon TV Screen Optimizer and more
    GREEN CHOICE

    Hyundai Kona Electric

    EPA Range: 258 miles

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Kona Electric to have about average reliability when compared to other new cars. This prediction is based on data from other Hyundai electric models and the Hyundai brand score.

    The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    "It had a dead cell, so none of the electronics in the care worked, so we couldn't start it or go anywhere. Hyundai towed the car in at their expense, replaced the battery, and we got our car back."

    Anonymous, OR (2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Ultimate Electric)

    "First happened March 16. 12 volt battery did not have a charge and would not start the car. Had to get a AAA jump. Took it to the dealer. They said the battery was good and put it on their charger for 45 minutes. Told me to drive it more so the 12 volt battery could charge when the motor was driving the car. Car worked fine until April 10. Came out in the morning. Car would not start. Measured battery at 4.5 volts. Put it on my own old charger and charged it to 12.5 volts. Next day all good. Drove the car 40 miles. At night battery was 12.75 volts. Next morning battery was dead at 4.8 volts. Car would not start. Used my old charger to get it started and drove it to the dealer. They've had it for a week now and have told me that they think something is drawing power when it shouldn't but they don't know what. Also they wondered if I'm using an app of some sort with my phone to connect to the car. I am not. I plan to go to the dealer tomorrow morning to get an in-person report and try to get a loaner until the problem is fixed."

    Anonymous, NY (2021 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL Electric)

    "Failure of 12V battery caused car to suddenly slow down to dangerous speed, requiring towing to dealership"

    Anonymous, CA (2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Electric)

    "Two mornings the 12 volt battery was dead. I had to recharge the 12 volt battery before the car would start. The dealer told me there is no guage to indicate the condition of the 12 volt battery. Or if the 12 volt battery is being charged."

    Anonymous A., WA (2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited Electric)

    "One day 12 v battery was dead and car did not start. Car was jump sarted by CAA but did not hold. battery had to be replaced. Not covered by warranty."

    Anonymous, QC (2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Ultimate Electric)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Rotors

    "Had to get the rotors resurfaced due to rust that accumulated as a result of using the maximum level of regenerative braking."

    Anonymous, ON (2021 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL Electric)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other noises & leaks problem

    "Road noise in the vehicle, in my opinion, is excessive and main reason I would not buy again."

    Anonymous, MA (2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited Electric)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    "The installed GPS has never worked well; thus, I rely on Apple Car Play."

    Anonymous, RI (2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Ultimate Electric)

    EV Battery

    Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    EV Charging

    Won't charge at home; won't work with some public chargers; won't fully charge; charge connection; charge port door.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    2021 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00
    01
    02
    03
    04
    05
    06
    07
    08
    09
    10
    11
    12
    13
    14
    15
    16
    17
    18
    19*
    20
    21
    22
    23
    24*
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA

    NA
    NA
    NA
    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electric Motor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    EV Battery
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    EV Charging
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    Dec 16, 2022
    Coolant contacting the EPCU circuit board may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V941000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 853
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
    Dec 01, 2020
    Reduced braking power could lengthen the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V748000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 8176
    Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Change Vehicle