YearToAvoid

2019 Hyundai Kona Electric Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric has the highest complaint index (100) of all 7 model years and ranks worst overall, driven by 42 electrical system complaints (78% share) and two battery fires. It carries 3 recalls, including two for Li-ion battery short-circuit risk.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
100/100
#1 of 7 Kona Electric years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
54
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
3
2 Park Outside
Crashes
2
reported in complaints
Fires
2
Injuries
1
Top issue
Electrical System
Best nearby year
2023
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
120
132 city / 108 hwy
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Top 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System42 (78%)
  2. Fuel System10 (19%)
  3. Engine6 (11%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain5 (9%)
  5. Brakes4 (7%)
  6. Other4 (7%)
  7. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (2%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (2%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report a wire-burning smell coming from the vehicle without warning, especially when warming it up in cold weather.
  • Some describe the high-voltage battery losing function or not meeting specifications, with dealers unable or unwilling to fix it despite an open recall.
  • Multiple owners mention receiving recall notice 20V630000 for the battery management system software update but remained unsure the fix resolved the short-circuit risk.
  • One owner reported the electric drive unit failing twice, cutting off propulsion while driving.
  • A brake complaint describes the steering becoming stiff at low speed with the brakes failing to stop the vehicle before a collision.
  • Another owner reported unintended rapid acceleration through an intersection with the brake pedal unable to stop the car.
2019 Hyundai Kona Electric complaints: complaints filed per month8Jan 2020Apr 2021Aug 2021Feb 2022Jul 2022Sep 2023Sep 2025
54 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2020 to Sep 2025; peak May 2021 (8).

2019 Hyundai Kona Electric recalls

3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 21V127000Mar 1, 2021Electrical System4,696 vehiclesPark Outside

    Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  2. NHTSA 20V748000Dec 1, 2020Brakes8,176 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:electric:control module:software

    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.

    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.

  3. NHTSA 20V630000Oct 13, 2020Electrical System6,707 vehiclesPark Outside

    Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery:management system/energy control module (bms/becm):software

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

2019 Hyundai Kona Electric fuel economy and fuel cost

City
132 MPG
Highway
108 MPG
Combined
120 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$650
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Electricity
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2019 compared with other Kona Electric years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002019202020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2019Avoid100543120
2020Caution50273120
2021Avoid83262120

All Hyundai Kona Electric years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric reliable?
Compared to other Kona Electric model years, 2019 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst of the 7 years with data, making it the year to watch most closely.
What problems does the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric have?
NHTSA data shows 42 electrical system complaints (78% of all complaints for the year), including two fires, plus fuel system and engine issues. Median mileage at failure for electrical complaints was 17,286.
Does the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric have a battery recall?
Yes. Two of its three recalls (20V630000 and 21V127000) cover the lithium-ion battery, which may short-circuit; Hyundai advised owners to park outside pending repairs.
How does 2019 compare to other Kona Electric years?
The 2019 model's complaint index of 100 is far higher than 2020 (33), 2021 (67), and 2023 (17, the best year), though 2022 also carries an Avoid verdict at 83.
What is the top problem area for the 2019 Kona Electric?
The Electrical System is the top problem area, accounting for 42 of 54 total complaints (78%) and both reported fires.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.