2021 Hyundai Kona Electric recalls and problems

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric has 3 safety recalls and 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Hyundai dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
27
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Hyundai Kona Electric recalls

Recall 26V-728: Air Bags

Reported Nov 2, 2026 · 37,901 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Kona Electric vehicles. A software error in the air bag control unit (ACU) may improperly deactivate the air bag system and seat belt pretensioners.

Risk: Air bags and seat belt pretensioners that do not activate in a crash increases the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will update the ACU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 1, 2027. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 311. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 6, 2026.

Recall 22V-941: Electrical System

Reported Dec 16, 2022 · 853 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

Problem: 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.

Risk: Coolant contacting the EPCU circuit board may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-748: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Dec 1, 2020 · 8,176 vehicles affected · Hyundai Motor America

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.

2021 Hyundai Kona Electric problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System10
Unknown or Other7
Engine5
Vehicle Speed Control2
Visibility2
Service Brakes2
Forward Collision Avoidance2
Exterior Lighting1
Back Over Prevention1
Air Bags1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Power Train1

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Propulsion System › Charging › Module › Accessory — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 38,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · at 60,000 miles · reported Oct 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, an abnormal rumble sound was heard that grew progressively louder. Additionally, while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle was significantly sluggish. The failure recurred while driving at 30 MPH, requiring the driver to pull over to the shoulder of the road. Upon shutting off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal operation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure during a test drive. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, who…
Electrical System · reported Feb 22, 2026
On February 3, 2026, while driving in a high-traffic turning lane, my Hyundai Kona Electric vehicle suddenly lost propulsion and would not accelerate. The vehicle shut down without warning and could not be restarted. Traffic was building behind me, creating a safety hazard. I felt unsafe due to surrounding vehicles expecting movement, I contacted the police for assistance. The vehicle had to be towed from the roadway. The vehicle was transferred between 3 dealerships before being diagonsed. On February 16, 2026, the issue was diagnosed as a motor position sensor failure affecting the…
Unknown or Other · reported Aug 29, 2025
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…
Unknown or Other · reported Aug 29, 2025
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…
Unknown or Other · reported Aug 2, 2025
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…

Other Hyundai Kona Electric years

Compare all Hyundai Kona Electric years · All Hyundai models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric: 26V-728 (air bags), 22V-941 (electrical system), 20V-748 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (10 reports), followed by unknown or other (7). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 38,000 miles.

Are Hyundai recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Hyundai dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.