2020 Hyundai Kona Electric Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric has a complaint index of 50, ranking 4th worst out of 7 model years, with a Caution verdict. It has 27 complaints and 3 recalls, mostly tied to the Electrical System (battery short-circuit risk) and Brakes.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #4 of 7 Kona Electric years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 27
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- 2 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 120
- 132 city / 108 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System17 (63%)
- Brakes5 (19%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (19%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (11%)
- Fuel System2 (7%)
- Other2 (7%)
- Engine1 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (4%)
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 the Li-ion battery pack carrying a short-circuit risk covered under a recall, with some vehicles waiting for parts to complete the fix.
- Some drivers say the automatic emergency braking or dynamic brake support activated unexpectedly at highway speed, forcing a sudden stop with no obstacle present.
- One owner reported the forward collision avoidance system engaging on its own during normal driving, causing hard braking that nearly caused a collision.
- A driver described the brake pedal losing stopping force at very low speed followed by a sudden acceleration kick before the brakes reengaged.
- An owner said Hyundai delayed disclosing the safe charging limit percentage promised as an interim fix under the battery recall.
2020 Hyundai Kona Electric recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- 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 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.
- 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.
2020 Hyundai Kona Electric fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 132 MPG
- Highway
- 108 MPG
- Combined
- 120 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $600
- 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.
2020 compared with other Kona Electric years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2020 model a complaint index of 50 and a Caution verdict, ranking 4th worst among the 7 Kona Electric model years covered. Electrical System complaints, mostly tied to the battery recall, make up 63% of reported issues.
- What problems does the 2020 Kona Electric have?
- The top problem area is the Electrical System with 17 complaints (63% share), largely related to a battery short-circuit recall. Brakes and Collision Avoidance & Cameras each account for 5 complaints (19% share).
- Does the 2020 Kona Electric have a battery recall?
- Yes. NHTSA lists recall 20V630000 and 21V127000, both covering the lithium-ion battery's short-circuit risk, with owners advised to park outside until repairs were complete.
- How does the 2020 Kona Electric compare to other years?
- Its complaint index of 50 is better than 2019 (100, Avoid) and 2021 (83, Avoid) but worse than 2022 (67, Caution), 2024 (33, Good), and 2023 (17, Best).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Kona Electric?
- EPA rates it at 120 MPG combined (132 city / 108 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $600.