How common are electrical system complaints on the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric?

NHTSA lists 42 electrical system complaints for the 2019 model year, which is 78% of the 54 total complaints filed for that year.

Is there a recall for the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric's electrical system?

Yes, two recalls cover the electrical system: campaign 21V127000 and campaign 20V630000, both addressing a lithium-ion battery that may short-circuit. Neither is a do-not-drive recall, but both direct owners to park outside.

At what mileage do these electrical problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 17,286 miles.

Did the 2019 Kona Electric electrical issue cause any fires or crashes?

NHTSA data shows 2 fires and 0 crashes and 0 injuries tied to electrical system complaints for the 2019 model year.

How does the 2019 Kona Electric compare to other years for electrical complaints?

The 2019 model year has the highest share at 78%, compared to 63% in 2020, 42% in 2021, 71% in 2022, 60% in 2023, 67% in 2024, and 100% in 2025 (based on a single complaint that year).

2019 Hyundai Kona Electric Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 42 electrical system complaints for the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric, 78% of all complaints filed for the year. Two related recalls (21V127000 and 20V630000) address a lithium-ion battery short-circuit risk, and owners reported 2 fires with a median failure mileage of 17,286 miles.

Electrical System complaints: 42; 78% of 54
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 17,286 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report an abnormal, wire-burning smell coming from the vehicle when warming it up in cold weather, with no prior warning.
Some owners describe the electric drive unit failing while driving, cutting propulsion and leaving the vehicle stranded in traffic.
Multiple owners were told to charge only to 80% capacity after the battery software update tied to recall 21V127000, reducing usable range.
Several owners waited for recall parts that were not yet available, leaving the charging limitation and range reduction unresolved for extended periods.
Owners describe being instructed to park the vehicle outside due to a stated catastrophic fire risk from the battery pack.
One owner reported the EV battery failing outright and leaving the car inoperative while away from home.

When 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 2, 2020, latest Aug 15, 2025.

42 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2020 to Aug 2025; peak May 2021 (7).

Electrical System recalls for the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric

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.
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.

Electrical System complaints by Kona Electric model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201942 (78%)
202017 (63%)
202111 (42%)
202215 (71%)
20233 (60%)
202410 (67%)
20251 (100%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical system complaints on the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric?: NHTSA lists 42 electrical system complaints for the 2019 model year, which is 78% of the 54 total complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric's electrical system?: Yes, two recalls cover the electrical system: campaign 21V127000 and campaign 20V630000, both addressing a lithium-ion battery that may short-circuit. Neither is a do-not-drive recall, but both direct owners to park outside.
At what mileage do these electrical problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 17,286 miles.
Did the 2019 Kona Electric electrical issue cause any fires or crashes?: NHTSA data shows 2 fires and 0 crashes and 0 injuries tied to electrical system complaints for the 2019 model year.
How does the 2019 Kona Electric compare to other years for electrical complaints?: The 2019 model year has the highest share at 78%, compared to 63% in 2020, 42% in 2021, 71% in 2022, 60% in 2023, 67% in 2024, and 100% in 2025 (based on a single complaint that year).