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2021 Hyundai Kona Electric problems & recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric and owners have filed 142 complaints. The most-reported area is engine (81 complaints). 4 complaints describe a fire and 3 complaints describe a crash.

Other model years:202520242023202220202019
Recalls
0
Complaints
142
Crash reports
3
Fire reports
4
Injuries
3

Recalls (0)

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2021 Kona Electric.

Owner complaints (142)

What owners reported to NHTSA, by component. One complaint can name several components.

  • Engine81
  • Unknown or other25
  • Electrical system21
  • Power train15
  • Vehicle speed control6
  • Fuel/propulsion system5
  • Forward collision avoidance5
  • Service brakes5
  • Visibility3
  • Lane departure3
  • Engine and engine cooling2
  • Wheels2

Complaints over time

Apr 2021: 5 complaintsMay 2021: 1 complaintJun 2021: 4 complaintsJul 2021: 4 complaintsAug 2021: 6 complaintsSep 2021: 4 complaintsOct 2021: 2 complaintsNov 2021: 0 complaintsDec 2021: 1 complaintJan 2022: 3 complaintsFeb 2022: 3 complaintsMar 2022: 0 complaintsApr 2022: 1 complaintMay 2022: 2 complaintsJun 2022: 3 complaintsJul 2022: 1 complaintAug 2022: 1 complaintSep 2022: 3 complaintsOct 2022: 3 complaintsNov 2022: 0 complaintsDec 2022: 4 complaintsJan 2023: 2 complaintsFeb 2023: 4 complaintsMar 2023: 1 complaintApr 2023: 1 complaintMay 2023: 1 complaintJun 2023: 1 complaintJul 2023: 0 complaintsAug 2023: 5 complaintsSep 2023: 1 complaintOct 2023: 0 complaintsNov 2023: 0 complaintsDec 2023: 1 complaintJan 2024: 2 complaintsFeb 2024: 2 complaintsMar 2024: 1 complaintApr 2024: 0 complaintsMay 2024: 2 complaintsJun 2024: 0 complaintsJul 2024: 2 complaintsAug 2024: 1 complaintSep 2024: 2 complaintsOct 2024: 4 complaintsNov 2024: 0 complaintsDec 2024: 3 complaintsJan 2025: 2 complaintsFeb 2025: 1 complaintMar 2025: 3 complaintsApr 2025: 2 complaintsMay 2025: 1 complaintJun 2025: 4 complaintsJul 2025: 3 complaintsAug 2025: 8 complaintsSep 2025: 2 complaintsOct 2025: 1 complaintNov 2025: 1 complaintDec 2025: 1 complaintJan 2026: 3 complaintsFeb 2026: 4 complaintsMar 2026: 5 complaintsApr 2026: 5 complaintsMay 2026: 1 complaintJun 2026: 3 complaintsJul 2026: 2 complaintsAug 2026: 2 complaintsSep 2026: 1 complaint20222023202420252026
Complaints filed per month. Peak: 8 in Aug 2025. Hover a bar for its count.
Complaints filed per month
MonthComplaints
Apr 20215
May 20211
Jun 20214
Jul 20214
Aug 20216
Sep 20214
Oct 20212
Nov 20210
Dec 20211
Jan 20223
Feb 20223
Mar 20220
Apr 20221
May 20222
Jun 20223
Jul 20221
Aug 20221
Sep 20223
Oct 20223
Nov 20220
Dec 20224
Jan 20232
Feb 20234
Mar 20231
Apr 20231
May 20231
Jun 20231
Jul 20230
Aug 20235
Sep 20231
Oct 20230
Nov 20230
Dec 20231
Jan 20242
Feb 20242
Mar 20241
Apr 20240
May 20242
Jun 20240
Jul 20242
Aug 20241
Sep 20242
Oct 20244
Nov 20240
Dec 20243
Jan 20252
Feb 20251
Mar 20253
Apr 20252
May 20251
Jun 20254
Jul 20253
Aug 20258
Sep 20252
Oct 20251
Nov 20251
Dec 20251
Jan 20263
Feb 20264
Mar 20265
Apr 20265
May 20261
Jun 20263
Jul 20262
Aug 20262
Sep 20261

Recent owner reports

Sep 11, 2026Engine

"The vehicle suffered sudden internal engine failure while in operation due to catastrophic oil starvation, presenting a severe risk of engine stalling and loss of propulsion on the road. Active diagnostic codes are P0014, P0017, and P0303. An independent mechanic confirmed the engine was found 3 quarts low on oil with absolutely no external leaks or pooling under the vehicle, indicating massive internal oil consumption. This vehicle has been meticulously maintained with 11 consecutive oil changes logged between 15,202 miles and 115,926 miles. This oil loss starved the hydraulic timing compone…

Aug 21, 2026Engine

At approximately 100,500 miles, the 2.0L Nu engine experienced a sudden, catastrophic internal failure while operating, causing a loss of power and stalling. Failed Component & Availability: The engine block assembly failed internally due to severe low compression (95 psi) across multiple cylinders and intake valve leakage. The original failed engine component was replaced and retained by the servicing dealership's service department during the long-block replacement. Safety Risk: The sudden loss of engine power and stalling occurred while navigating active traffic, creating an immediate cra…

Aug 18, 2026Engine

2021 Hyundai Kona, VIN [XXX], 45,575 miles. Engine unexpectedly stalled while driving on 45 mph road and stopped at a light. Oil-pressure warning appeared when the engine stalled. Upon checking afterward, the oil level was below the measurable dipstick range with only droplets visible. Approximately 3.5 quarts were added. Vehicle restarted and was driven home. While idling at home, pressing the accelerator caused the engine to stall again. Vehicle had received an oil change at 39,073 miles and oil had also been checked and topped off approximately six months earlier. Cause has not yet been dia…

Jul 22, 2026Electrical system

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the horn button was depressed but was inoperable. The dealer was contacted and notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the horn needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Jul 9, 2026Engine

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH while making a turn, the vehicle stalled. Several warning lights illuminated but turned off after the vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The contact stated that several independent mechanics were notified of the failure; however, an appointment was denied due to the absence of illuminated warning lights. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failu…

Jun 30, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

Low speed hesitancy and shuddering. Car has lost power when driving at 55 mph. Car does not want to move at very slow speeds as in a parking garage. It hesitates and starts to roll backwards.

Jun 27, 2026Power train, Engine

I am writing to express my frustration and concern regarding my 2021 Hyundai Kona, which currently has only 88,754 miles. My vehicle has been experiencing excessive oil consumption along with an ongoing check engine light. The diagnostic trouble codes are P0017 and P0011. In an effort to resolve the issue, I have had both the intake and exhaust VVT components replaced and the oil changed. When the problem persisted, my mechanic advised that Hyundai OEM parts were required. I then spent approximately $700 replacing the components with OEM parts, yet the check engine light remains on and the sa…

Jun 15, 2026Visibility

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that there was a strong odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while cleaning and detailing the vehicle to remove the odor, the contact discovered that a leak had damaged the floorboard and the carpet. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed with a windshield wiper fluid leak coming from the fluid line routed through the floorboard. The fluid line was disconnected; however, the issue was not fully repaired, and the rear windshield wiper remained inoperable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approxima…

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall and complaint records, updated Oct 1, 2026. Complaints are owner reports and are not verified by NHTSA. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.