2021 Hyundai KONA ELECTRIC: complaints, problems and recalls

I WAS ENTERING MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND SLOWED DOWN AS WE NEARED OUR HOUSE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES SO THAT I CAN OPEN MY GARAGE DOOR, AS I RELEASED THE BRAKES, THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING BY ITSELF REALLY FAST AND I HAD TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR FROM SPEEDING UP ON ITS OWN.

Owner-reported narrative. 1,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 11408597 at NHTSA ↗

On 8/11/21, I tried to start my Hyundai Kona EV, and it displayed the high voltage warning . The car would not start or go into gear and had to be towed to the dealership. We purchased the car in May 2021, and it had about 3000 miles on it at the time. At the dealership, the mechanic diagnosed it as a faulty battery and indicated that the whole LG battery underneath for the electric car would need to be replaced. After doing further research, there is already a recall on the 2018 to 2020 models for the same issue, with the battery catching …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11430674 at NHTSA ↗

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 with vehicle that does not move although is fully charged.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11431228 at NHTSA ↗

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 wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An inspector was able to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified however no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 8,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11438341 at NHTSA ↗

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 and noticed there was a hole in the sunroof (see attached photos). I immediately found a safe place to exit the highway and stopped.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11449155 at NHTSA ↗

Check regenerative brake warning comes on and the emergency brake applies while driving also when I come to a stop. When I started my car the immediately the light came on. When I cut my car off the light clears. It happens when I’m braking. The regenerative brake light warning is becoming more frequent. I took my car back to the Hyundai dealership and they “checked” it out and found no problem with my vehicle. They ran a diagnostics and a update for my car, but 4 days later the warning can on again, after the repair.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11468863 at NHTSA ↗

I was parking my Hyundai Kona electric car going very slow when without warning it took off going over 100 miles per hour. I couldn't control the vehicle. The brakes didn't stop the car. It ran over a wood parking beam, hit two light posts, and went over a concrete structure before finally stopping on its own. I was not hurt. Fortunately, no one else was hurt. I had my seat belt on. The air bags did not deploy. It was witnessed by another person. I had it towed to the Hyundai dealer in Webster. It is at Vision Collision. State Farm is…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11476368 at NHTSA ↗

I have a 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle with approximately 20,000 miles. On August 26, 2022 several warning lights came on indicating that the lithium battery was inoperable but fully charged in danger of catching fire. The dealer immediately towed my vehicle and disconnected the battery. The recall for battery replacement due to fire risk for the 2018-2020 now appears to be affecting the 2021 model year. The dealer is telling me they have no replacement batteries and cannot give me a timeline for replacing mine nor can they assure me t…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11483089 at NHTSA ↗

Reported: 2020-12-01 (December 1, 2020)

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.

Reported: 2022-12-16 (December 16, 2022)

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.