Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2021 Hyundai KONA Electric, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Electrical system10
- Unknown or other7
- Engine5
- Service brakes2
- Visibility2
- Vehicle speed control2
- Forward collision avoidance1
- Exterior lighting1
- Back over prevention1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Recalls
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Hyundai told its dealers about the 2021 Hyundai KONA Electric: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11006111 | Some vehicles equipped with the AVN 5th Gen Wide system may exhibit a condition where the radio app crashes frequently when entering radio mode and/or displays a message that reads Uneven Road Ahead, Drive carefully on the cluster along with a warning sound. Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to update the AVN software to resolve this condition. |
| 10251285 | This bulletin contains information about the proper removal of the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all models. If the protective cover is not removed correctly, there is a possibility of the rubber insert and rail spring becoming partially separated on the inner side of the wiper blade, which could lead to poor wiping performance and/or possible scratching of the windshield glass. Follow the procedure in this bulletin to properly remove the windshield wiper blade protective cover on all new wiper blades. |
| 10249699 | Some vehicles equipped with the AVN 5th Gen Wide system may exhibit a condition where the radio app crashes frequently when entering radio mode and/or displays a message that reads Uneven Road Ahead, Drive carefully on the cluster along with a warning sound. Follow the procedure outlined in this bulletin to update the AVN software to resolve this condition. |
| 10247189 | This bulletin provides important checkpoint guidelines when performing engine oil and filter change services. |
| 10244989 | Certain 19-23MY Kona Electric (OS EV) vehicles may experience a condition of EV warning light ON with DTC P1AA6 to P1AAF found stored. The Battery Management System (BMS) software update will be performed to enhance battery diagnostics logic. Flowchart summary of the service procedure is provided on page 2 summarized as follows: Vehicles that do not have EV Warning Light On will only need the BMS software update. Certain vehicles incurring EV Warning Light On and DTC P1AA6 found stored with Freeze Frame Data Information Code 1=128 will only require the BMS Update. Certain other DTC P1AA |
| 10244988 | Certain 19-23MY Kona Electric (OS EV) vehicles may experience a condition of EV warning light ON with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1AA6 to P1AAF found stored. The Battery Management System (BMS) software update will be performed to enhance battery diagnostics logic. The service procedure contained in TSB 23-01-073H-1 (or latest version) is summarized as follows: Vehicles that do not have EV Warning Light ON will only need the BMS software update. Certain vehicles incurring EV Warning Light ON and DTC P1AA6 found stored with Freeze Frame Data Information Code 1=128 will only require the B |
| 10241897 | Certain 19-23MY Kona Electric (OS EV) vehicles may experience a condition of EV warning light ON with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1AA6 to P1AAF found stored. The Battery Management System (BMS) software update will be performed to enhance battery diagnostics logic. The service procedure contained in TSB 23-01-073H (or latest version) is summarized as follows: Vehicles that do not have EV Warning Light ON will only need the BMS software update. Certain vehicles incurring EV Warning Light ON and DTC P1AA6 found stored with Freeze Frame Data Information Code 1=128 will only require the BMS |
| 10241895 | Certain 19-23MY Kona Electric (OS EV) vehicles may experience a condition of EV warning light ON with DTC P1AA6 to P1AAF found stored. The Battery Management System (BMS) software update will be performed to update the enhanced battery diagnostics logic. Flowchart summary of the service procedure is provided on page 2 summarized as follows: Vehicles that do not have EV Warning Light On will only need the BMS software update. Certain vehicles incurring EV Warning Light On and DTC P1AA6 found stored with Freeze Frame Data Information Code 1=128 will only require the BMS Update. Certain ot |
| 10238352 | This bulletin provides instructions to correct a condition with BSC-1 blue coolant flow restriction by debris causing abnormal high EWP (electric water pump) speed in certain 2020-21MY Ioniq Electric (AE EV) and 2019-22 Kona Electric (OS EV) models. Vehicle symptoms may include "Coolant supplement or Refill Inverter Coolant" warning light On. No related DTC are found stored. Normal inverter coolant reservoir tank level is confirmed. Special tools are required for this campaign to flush and clean debris from different cooling system circuits. The coolant will be replaced by updated BSC-2 low co |
| 10235566 | Hyundai applies a Paint Protection Film (PPF) on new vehicles before delivery to dealerships. It provides a barrier between the paint and contaminants, such as rail dust, acid rain, and industrial fallout. In rare cases, the paint can become clouded under the PPF. These spots are the result of moisture trapped between the PPF and the paint. |
| 10230904 | This bulletin provides information regarding condensation related to the accumulated moisture in the headlamp, rear combination lamp, daytime running lamp (DRL), or fog lamp. This TSB illustrates the various causes of condensation inside the lamp assembly. Lamp assembly replacement is NOT necessary in most cases. This condition can be eliminated by turning on the lamps with the engine running for several minutes or during normal driving operation. |
| 10225461 | This bulletin outlines the necessary inspection and repair procedures for certain 2019-2021MY Kona EV (OS EV) vehicles, exhibiting abnormal rumbling noise from the electric traction motor. |
| 10217258 | Effective June 2, 2008, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 110 (FMVSS 110) established a threshold for correcting load carrying capacity information indicated on tire placards when vehicle weight has been increased before retail sale. This limit is the lesser of 1.5% of GVWR or 100 pounds. If the total added weight exceeds the lesser of the limit, a label must be added to the driver-side B-pillar within 25mm (1 inch) of the original tire placard. |
| 10215599 | Certain vehicles may develop a bearing noise within the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) column worm shaft assembly. If bearing noise is heard, follow the procedure in this bulletin to replace the worm shaft bearing. |
| 10211680 | Certain vehicles may develop a bearing noise within the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) column worm shaft assembly. If bearing noise is heard, follow the procedure in this bulletin to replace the worm shaft bearing. |
| 10211678 | Certain vehicles may develop a bearing noise within the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) column worm shaft assembly. If bearing noise is heard, follow the procedure in this bulletin to replace the worm shaft bearing. |
| 10203272 | Certain vehicles may develop a bearing noise within the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) column worm shaft assembly. If bearing noise is heard, follow the procedure in this bulletin to replace the worm shaft bearing |
| 10190044 | This bulletin provides the service procedure for engine connecting rod bearing clearance testing. Perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to fulfill the Bearing Clearance Test inspection requirements to determine next required steps. |
| 10190038 | This bulletin provides best practice recommendations when performing brake service procedures. |
| 10190032 | This bulletin provides information related to the VCULDC(Vehicle Control Unit & Low DCDC Converter) software update for KONA Electric(OS EV) vehicles. This update is also part of the high voltage battery monitoring logic improvement by optimizing software of each system. |
| 10190031 | This Service Information bulletin provides the instructions on how to adjust the maximum EV battery charging threshold in the radio head unit. |
| 10189806 | This Service Information bulletin provides the instructions on how to adjust the maximum EV battery charging threshold in the radio head unit. |
| 10188243 | This bulletin provides information related to inspection of KONA Electric (OS EV) vehicles and to perform a BMS (Battery Management System) software update to latest revised level. |
| 10185443 | When using Wireless CarPlay, the system may intermittently auto disconnect. When Wireless CarPlay is disconnected, a pop up message Phone Not Responding. Please reconnect it and try again will appear on the radio screen. |
| 10183963 | This bulletin describes the procedure to inspect and identify fluid which may appear around the brake caliper area. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation