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Model year record

2020 Hyundai Kona Electric recalls & problems

The 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric has 3 safety recalls and 27 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (17 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints27filed by owners
Crashes · fires1 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

2 recalls for this model year carry an NHTSA park outside advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Safety recalls

Electrical systemMar 1, 2021

Propulsion system › Traction battery

Recall 21V1270004,696 vehicles

NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric and 2020 Ioniq Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.
Risk
An electrical short in the Li-ion battery increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the interim action is complete. Hyundai will notify owners, and as an interim action, owners have the option to follow provided instructions to perform a battery update through the vehicle's infotainment system or request a Hyundai dealer to provide the update. Once parts are available, dealers will inspect the Battery System Assembly (BSA), and replace it if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk, and the interim action, with a letter mailed April 9, 2021. Final owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 200.
Service brakes, hydraulicDec 1, 2020

Power assist › Electric › Control module › Software

Recall 20V7480008,176 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Reduced braking power could lengthen the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Electrical systemOct 13, 2020

Propulsion system › Traction battery › Management system/energy control module (bms/becm) › Software

Recall 20V6300006,707 vehicles

NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.
Risk
An electrical short in the Li-ion battery increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Battery Management System (BMS) software and inspect the Li-ion battery, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the repair is complete. The recall began November 13, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 196.

Components: Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery › Management system/energy control module (bms/becm) › Software; Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2020 Hyundai Kona Electric SUV FWD

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Range & efficiency

Kona Electric EV

258mi range
Efficiency27.5 kWh/100 mi
MPGe city / hwy / comb132 / 108 / 120
Charge time (240 V)9 h

Automatic (A1) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $600/year to charge

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Electrical system12v/24v/48v battery170004,700 mi
Forward collision avoidanceAutomatic emergency braking; Warnings6100—
Service brakes5000—
Power train3000—
Fuel/propulsion system2000—
Unknown or other2100—
TiresTread/belt1000—
Engine1100—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations