YearToAvoid

2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

83/100

#2 most-complained of 7 Kona Electric years

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

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric has 26 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 83, ranking second-worst of 7 model years. It carries an Avoid verdict, with electrical system issues (42% of complaints, including a fire) and two recall campaigns covering the EPCU and braking system.

Complaints
26
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
120
132 city / 108 hwy

Top 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System11 (42%)
  2. Other7 (27%)
  3. Engine6 (23%)
  4. Brakes2 (8%)
  5. Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (8%)
  6. Airbags1 (4%)
  7. Fuel System1 (4%)
  8. HVAC1 (4%)
  9. Transmission & Powertrain1 (4%)
  10. Visibility & Wipers1 (4%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the vehicle catching fire without warning while unplugging the charger, with melted wiring at the connection point.
  • Some describe the car losing all drive power on the highway at speed, forcing a pull-over and restart.
  • Others report the car will not shift into drive or reverse after charging to full, with dealers citing a needed battery replacement.
  • Several owners describe warning lights indicating the battery is inoperable despite showing a full charge, prompting a tow and battery disconnection.
  • One owner reported the sunroof shattering with glass falling into the cabin while driving at highway speed.
  • Another described the regenerative brake warning triggering along with unexpected automatic braking while driving or coming to a stop.
2021 Hyundai Kona Electric complaints: complaints filed per month5Apr 2021Jan 2022Sep 2022Feb 2023Dec 2024Jul 2025
33 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2021 to Feb 2026; peak Jun 2025 (5).

2021 Hyundai Kona Electric recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 22V941000Dec 16, 2022Electrical System853 vehicles

    Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery:thermal management:fluid/coolant

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

  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.

2021 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.

2021 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
2022Caution67210120
2023Best1750120

All Hyundai Kona Electric years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric reliable?
NHTSA data shows 26 complaints for the 2021 Kona Electric and a complaint index of 83, the second-highest among the 7 model years with data. It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Kona Electric years.
Does the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric have recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists two recall campaigns: one for an improperly sealed Electric Power Control Unit that may leak coolant internally, and one for the Integrated Electronic Brake system detecting abnormal sensor signals.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Kona Electric?
Electrical system issues make up 42% of complaints (11 of 26), including one fire, with a median failure mileage of 23,000 miles.
How does the 2021 Kona Electric compare to other years?
Its complaint index of 83 is worse than 2020 (50), 2022 (67), 2023 (17), and 2024 (33), but better than 2019 (100), which has the highest complaint index of the lineup.

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.