NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
18 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jun 4, 2026
Electrical SystemEngine
Vehicle (2019 Kona) is subject to Recall 203 (piston ring/bore defect). On XXX Puente Hills Hyundai refused the mandatory physcial inspection, instead attempting to charge $1,100 for 'leak repairs.' An independent inspection by Valvoline on XXX confirmed the engine is dry with no leaks, proving the dealer's claim was fraudulent…
Read full complaint
Vehicle (2019 Kona) is subject to Recall 203 (piston ring/bore defect). On XXX Puente Hills Hyundai refused the mandatory physcial inspection, instead attempting to charge $1,100 for 'leak repairs.' An independent inspection by Valvoline on XXX confirmed the engine is dry with no leaks, proving the dealer's claim was fraudulent. Following a recent ECU update, the vehicle triggered a P0420 code—a known symptom of the internal engine damage covered by Recall 203. My Hyundai Corporate Case (#XXX) is currently stalled as the dealer refuses to provide technician notes or perform the safety inspection. I am operating an unsafe vehicle with documented internal mechanical failure. Requesting immediate intervention for a physical cylinder inspection. Please refer to the attached document (SUMMARY OF EVENTS) for the full chronology, supporting evidence, and email correspondence related to the dealership's refusal to perform Recall 203. See attached PDF (Evidence_Email_Correspondence) for documentation of the dealership's refusal to provide technician notes and their unprofessional communication regarding this safety recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11742104
Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2026
Electrical SystemService BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
While stopped our 2019 Kona EV at a traffic light with my foot on the brake, the car spontaneously accelerated and crashed into the car also sitting at the light about eight feet in front of us. If there wasn't a car in front of us, we would have gone through a busy intersection at very high speed. The front end of the car was…
Read full complaint
While stopped our 2019 Kona EV at a traffic light with my foot on the brake, the car spontaneously accelerated and crashed into the car also sitting at the light about eight feet in front of us. If there wasn't a car in front of us, we would have gone through a busy intersection at very high speed. The front end of the car was destroyed and both airbags deployed. The car was towed to a collision center and is considered: "Totaled" . We tried to get it inspected for the computer system to confirm what happened, but there was no interest by any party. There was no pre-warning or issues with the vehicle before this happened. The incident happened about ten miles from our house, and we had been driving it for about 15 minutes. The temperature outside was extremely cold at about 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
NHTSA ODI #11718156
Mileage unknown · May 31, 2025
Electrical SystemEngine
I purchased my car [XXX]. I started experiencing hesitation with the car about a year and half. December 1, 2023 brought the car in because the check engine light had been on but was off by time I brought it in to the shop. They said there was a crack in the oil pan gasket. Resealed the oil pan. Brought car back in January 26, 2…
Read full complaint
I purchased my car [XXX]. I started experiencing hesitation with the car about a year and half. December 1, 2023 brought the car in because the check engine light had been on but was off by time I brought it in to the shop. They said there was a crack in the oil pan gasket. Resealed the oil pan. Brought car back in January 26, 2024 check engine light on. I asked if they could replace the throttle body because I took the car to a mechanic that I knew and he suggested they try replacing. Their notes stated idle air control filter and RPM higher than expected. Brought car in June 21, 2024 and asked if they could please look the car over before my 3 year warranty was up which the woman said would expire July 1, 2024. I stated the car was not taking off correctly when at a light there was hesitation the same problem as before and they always said there was not an issue when they test drove the vehicle. [XXX} I'm traveling up [XXX] at 72mph when my check engine light comes on, the car starts shaking and the speedometer dropped to 69 i got nervous and turned the hazards lights on. Had the car towed. February 10th find out the engine went now I'm at 105,000 miles and no warranty. I had called Matthew's Hyundai when I was at 95,000 miles and asked to speak with a manager to no avail I get a financial manager who tells me come on Caroline it's time to trade the car in. I had called to see if my car was still under a 100,000 mile warranty but never called back. He had a sales woman call me back that day and I decided not to return there. I had the car towed to another dealership where they said the engine was no good. On top of all this my oil would be unusually low. I dealt with Hyundai customer care my claim was denied due to high mileage. I had also found out recently that the 2019 Hyundai Kona had a recall on the engine. When I looked it up my car was experiencing what they described in the recall. I ended up accepting a used engine for $9,000 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5
NHTSA ODI #11664128
Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2025
Electrical System
1. Driver’s side door locked up and it is impossible to unlock from the inside of the car manually or electrically. The door cannot be manually opened up from the outside OR the inside of the car. 2. My safety has been put at risk because of not being able to exit the car in case of an emergency. 3. Not yet. I have an appointmen…
Read full complaint
1. Driver’s side door locked up and it is impossible to unlock from the inside of the car manually or electrically. The door cannot be manually opened up from the outside OR the inside of the car. 2. My safety has been put at risk because of not being able to exit the car in case of an emergency. 3. Not yet. I have an appointment on 1/15/25 to get it looked at. 4. The car part has not been officially inspected by anyone yet. 5. No warning lamps appeared prior to this part failing.
NHTSA ODI #11635742
Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2024
Electrical SystemPower Train
As I was driving home, my Kona started slowing down until it totally stopped. I tried the the gas pedal again but it didn’t move, electrical was on, no warning lights. I turned my Kona off, turned it back on again and drove the rest of way home. I was lucky I was on an empty road no other cars behind me as I drive everyday to an…
Read full complaint
As I was driving home, my Kona started slowing down until it totally stopped. I tried the the gas pedal again but it didn’t move, electrical was on, no warning lights. I turned my Kona off, turned it back on again and drove the rest of way home. I was lucky I was on an empty road no other cars behind me as I drive everyday to and from work. I called Hyundai dealer next morning about the problem ,he did asked if I had heard a knocking sound. I said yes ,the week or so I heard a knocking sound twice but not for long, seemed to have disappeared. I didn’t want to drive the car to the dealer afraid it would stop on the highway so I had it towed. Service person said he would check if it is under warranty but there is no recall on my Kona.
NHTSA ODI #11623250
Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine
Transmission need to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI #11610868
Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2024
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidanceUnknown Or OtherCrash
Driving on the highway [XXX] ) during rain. Traffic moving stop and go slow. Before I knew what had happened, my car hit the back bumper of a Chevy Suburban. My car gave no auto warning, the windshield wipers barely worked, and I believe the electric systems had stopped. Radio and air-conditioning. [XXX] My car bumper and gr…
Read full complaint
Driving on the highway [XXX] ) during rain. Traffic moving stop and go slow. Before I knew what had happened, my car hit the back bumper of a Chevy Suburban. My car gave no auto warning, the windshield wipers barely worked, and I believe the electric systems had stopped. Radio and air-conditioning. [XXX] My car bumper and grill were messed up. And I received pain in my right shoulder. The Suburban had a trailer hook-up jammed inside my front bumper grill; my vehicle received all the damage. The other driver's vehicle had no harm. My vehicle damage to the car was over a thousand dollars. And I was left with a shoulder injury. Car insurance paid for the damage to my 2019 Hyundai Kona SUV's all-wheel drive, with me paying a portion. After work was completed, all the electrical systems, including air conditioning, lights, wipers, and radio, didn't work. Fuse work was checked and found, but no power was getting into the system to operate functions that required electricity. The car started up, but the side lights but not the front lights, air conditioning, and the issue of tight steering now. The car tech stated they only installed a new bumper, and the grill did not work on the areas that are now not working. Tech said the lights and wipers were working but are not working now. Driving the vehicle will be limited based on these issues. The fuses appear good, but no power is getting into the box that powers the various items that are not working. I believe this car is a Lemon, and the dealership was aware of these issues and never told me the car had recalls. According to the internet, the tech who replaced my bumper stated that these issues are what the 2019 Hyundai Kona vehicle. Today (7-22-24), I drove my car from the auto shop with a new bumper and with hesitation and fear because the wipers and lights were not working, the air conditioning was out, and it is about to rain. The tech stated they were working earlier but are not working now. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA
NHTSA ODI #11603909
Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2024
Electrical System
The rear passenger side door and trunk were unable to be opened resulting in a problem getting my children out of the back seat. The locks would not open with the fob or manually. If I were to get into an accident, I/emergency personnel would have not been able to get my children that are in a car seat out quickly as they would …
Read full complaint
The rear passenger side door and trunk were unable to be opened resulting in a problem getting my children out of the back seat. The locks would not open with the fob or manually. If I were to get into an accident, I/emergency personnel would have not been able to get my children that are in a car seat out quickly as they would have to either go through the front seat or cut the door off. The car dealership did replace components on 04/27/24 and it has been working as it should as of this time of reporting.
NHTSA ODI #11585810
Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine
car kept stalling and electrical system was off ..
NHTSA ODI #11577069
Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting
11 days after purchasing the vehicle it began shutting completely off in the middle of me driving it, losing all power for no reason I could see and would not turn on for a considerable amount of time. I brought the vehicle back to the dealership on 6 separate occasions, one of the times my car stayed at Jenkins Hyundai for 12 w…
Read full complaint
11 days after purchasing the vehicle it began shutting completely off in the middle of me driving it, losing all power for no reason I could see and would not turn on for a considerable amount of time. I brought the vehicle back to the dealership on 6 separate occasions, one of the times my car stayed at Jenkins Hyundai for 12 weeks while they tried to find the issue. Finally, it was towed to a Hyundai dealership in Valdosta, GA who kept it for 2 weeks and found two electrical shorts under the front bumper. After this repair it stopped losing power randomly but I still experienced electrical surges, flickering, and consistently blown lightbulbs. It was brought back to my dealership I bought from after this but they claimed nothing was wrong, so I gave up trying. I don't feel like my issues were ever taken seriously and I am now stuck with this vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11574568
NHTSA investigations
2DP22005 · 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.
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.