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2021 Hyundai Kona Electric

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 20.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 4 of 26 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports1 fire reports0 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

7 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2025
Unknown Or Other

Potential Fire and safety risk ... The Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle (EV) has experienced issues with its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) due to problems with the low-conductivity coolant (BSC-1) used in models produced between 2018 and October 2021. This coolant can crystallize, forming debris that clogs the cooling sy…

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Potential Fire and safety risk ... The Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle (EV) has experienced issues with its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) due to problems with the low-conductivity coolant (BSC-1) used in models produced between 2018 and October 2021. This coolant can crystallize, forming debris that clogs the cooling system, leading to false "Refill Inverter Coolant" warnings and potential overheating risks. A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 23-01-049H) outlines a recall to flush and replace the coolant with an improved BSC-2 formula to address this issue. However, improper or repeated coolant flushes, if not performed correctly using Hyundai’s specialized equipment and procedures, can leave air bubbles or residual debris in the system, which may impair cooling efficiency and stress critical components like the ICCU, inverter, and electric motor. Repeated coolant flushes, especially when not executed properly, can exacerbate issues by introducing air locks or failing to fully remove crystallized debris, potentially causing damage to the ICCU, inverter, and motor. Air bubbles trapped in the cooling system can reduce heat dissipation, leading to overheating that may degrade the ICCU’s electronics or cause the inverter and motor to operate at unsafe temperatures, risking premature failure. Posts on forums indicate that some vehicles required multiple flushes to clear the warning, with improper flushing sometimes leaving contaminants that continue to trigger sensors or obstruct coolant flow. This underscores the importance of having the procedure done by trained technicians using the correct tools to avoid long-term damage to these sensitive components.

NHTSA ODI #11683955

Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2025
Unknown Or Other

File with NHTSA now please!!!! What do you have to lose??? If anything If they do an investigation we are safe post warranty. Report a Vehicle Safety Problem, Equipment Issue | NHTSA [XXX] The Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle (EV) has experienced issues with its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) due to problems with the…

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File with NHTSA now please!!!! What do you have to lose??? If anything If they do an investigation we are safe post warranty. Report a Vehicle Safety Problem, Equipment Issue | NHTSA [XXX] The Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle (EV) has experienced issues with its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) due to problems with the low-conductivity coolant (BSC-1) used in models produced between 2018 and October 2021. This coolant can crystallize, forming debris that clogs the cooling system, leading to false "Refill Inverter Coolant" warnings and potential overheating risks. A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 23-01-049H) outlines a recall to flush and replace the coolant with an improved BSC-2 formula to address this issue. However, improper or repeated coolant flushes, if not performed correctly using Hyundai’s specialized equipment and procedures, can leave air bubbles or residual debris in the system, which may impair cooling efficiency and stress critical components like the ICCU, inverter, and electric motor. Repeated coolant flushes, especially when not executed properly, can exacerbate issues by introducing air locks or failing to fully remove crystallized debris, potentially causing damage to the ICCU, inverter, and motor. Air bubbles trapped in the cooling system can reduce heat dissipation, leading to overheating that may degrade the ICCU’s electronics or cause the inverter and motor to operate at unsafe temperatures, risking premature failure. Posts on forums indicate that some vehicles required multiple flushes to clear the warning, with improper flushing sometimes leaving contaminants that continue to trigger sensors or obstruct coolant flow. This underscores the importance of having the procedure done by trained technicians using the correct tools to avoid long-term damage to these sensitive components. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11683954

Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2025
Unknown Or Other

Manufacturing defect ... Took it in 4 times for "refill inverter coolant" warning . They had a campaign ' tried by couldn't get the light to go away . It was their first time ever performing this on an EV at Kerry hyundai alexandria . Now TD EV in mason Ohio is confirming my inverter failed as a direct result of the poor flu…

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Manufacturing defect ... Took it in 4 times for "refill inverter coolant" warning . They had a campaign ' tried by couldn't get the light to go away . It was their first time ever performing this on an EV at Kerry hyundai alexandria . Now TD EV in mason Ohio is confirming my inverter failed as a direct result of the poor flushes and poor manufacturing. I am seeking for hyundai to cover all related costs. I haven't had my vehicle for over a month . It's out of warranty 'however this was a known issue they issued a campaign for 'and then couldn't fix the issue after 4 or 5 tries and 2 different hyundia dealers . All work performed will be listed at Kerry hounding in alexandria KY and Jefferson wyler hyundai cincinnati Ohio.

NHTSA ODI #11677951

Mileage unknown · May 3, 2024
Unknown Or Other

My vehicle has said, refill inverter coolant, I took it in a couple of days ago and they said there is an open recall and they would fix it. They called me back after I dropped it off and informed me that they did not have the specific coolant, and no one in the area did. Over the past couple days, my vehicle has had issues turn…

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My vehicle has said, refill inverter coolant, I took it in a couple of days ago and they said there is an open recall and they would fix it. They called me back after I dropped it off and informed me that they did not have the specific coolant, and no one in the area did. Over the past couple days, my vehicle has had issues turning on.

NHTSA ODI #11586833

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2023
Unknown Or Other

July of 2022, vehicle went in due to battery not charging. Vehicle kept at Temecula Hyundai repair until September 2022 for EV battery replacement. Upon return, EV battery still didn't change. September 2022 vehicle went back for repairs. Returned October 2022. Was told battery overheating sensor was faulty and was turned off. …

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July of 2022, vehicle went in due to battery not charging. Vehicle kept at Temecula Hyundai repair until September 2022 for EV battery replacement. Upon return, EV battery still didn't change. September 2022 vehicle went back for repairs. Returned October 2022. Was told battery overheating sensor was faulty and was turned off. As a result the EV battery will not be able to charge beyond 90%. Was told nothing else they could do to repair the car. When I asked if there was an increased risk of battery getting too hot, the response was " their should not be". My concern is that their going to be an overheating issue while the vehicle is changing at my home. Contacted Hyundai about it; they did an investigation and determined there was reason for them to buy back the vehicle. They offered to buy it back at less that what the buy out the finance company states. It is now February 2023. Hyundai still has yet to buy back the vehicle at what is owed on it, and still have no idea how to due the proper repairs. They still cannot assure that the battery won't overheat and there are no sensors to notify if it does.

NHTSA ODI #11504717

Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2022
Unknown Or Other

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.…

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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 paying for the repairs. When I got home after the incident I went online and discovered that acceleration problems with this car and year had been reported by others. This is a serious car defect that could result in the loss of life.

NHTSA ODI #11476368

Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2021
Unknown Or Other

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 indica…

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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 fire in some instances. The car has the same battery a the 2018 to 2020 models. The guidance for those model years has been to park the car outside, in case there is a fire. We live in an HOA condo (and do have the option to park outside our garage). As of today, there is no ETA of a fix for a new battery. If they end up replacing it with another LG battery with the same faulty cell issues, I feel like this is a danger to my and my family's lives. Due to the battery issue, they also quit selling the Kona in Korea in April, a full month before we purchased our car. They sold us a car with a known issue. I want them to buy back this car, due to the safety issues.

NHTSA ODI #11430674

Official recalls

2

22V941000 · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery:thermal Management:fluid/coolant

Dec 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 & remedy

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.

20V748000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:electric:control Module:software

Dec 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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.