Model year guide

2021 Hyundai KONA EV

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Hyundai KONA EV is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 26 on record.

2021 Hyundai KONA EV — representative photo
Representative photo

2021 Hyundai KONA EV at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints145

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2021 Hyundai KONA EV recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2021 Hyundai KONA EV.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2021 Hyundai KONA EV common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

Pedestrian alert sounds Closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that…

NHTSA #DP22005 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2023 · closed Aug 2023

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 88

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 88.

Some vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin outlines the combustion chamber cleaning procedure for vehicles diagnosed with this condition. All internal combustion engines consum…

Bulletin 26-EM-016H TSB · Engine · Oct 2026

Certain vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines may exhibit higher-than-expected engine oil consumption. This bulletin provides the inspection and repair procedures for vehicles exhibiting this condition. All internal combustion engines consume engi…

Bulletin 26-EM-015H TSB · Engine · Oct 2026

Hyundai has become aware that certain Kona vehicles equipped with 1.6T-GDI engines may not meet engine-out NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) and Particulate Matter (PM) emission standards.

Bulletin 9D1 OL · Engine · Sep 2026

Hyundai has determined that certain Kona Electric and Ioniq Electric vehicles are eligible for a BMS software update. This update to the BMS software improves the system’s diagnostic capability.

Bulletin 9C5 OL · Electrical System, Fuel/propulsion System · Sep 2026

Certain Kona (OS) vehicles equipped with the 1.6T-GDI engine may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions that may not meet engine-out NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) and Particulate Matter (PM) emission standards.

Bulletin 26-01-027H DN · Engine · Aug 2026

Certain Kona (OS) vehicles equipped with the 1.6T-GDI engine may exhibit elevated engine-out emissions that may not meet engine-out NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) and Particulate Matter (PM) emission standards. This bulletin provides the instructions to update the emis…

Bulletin 26-01-027H TSB · Engine · Aug 2026

Certain Kona Electric (OS EV) and Ioniq Electric (AE EV) vehicles are eligible for a Battery Management System (BMS) software update. This update to the BMS software improves the system's diagnostic capability. Follow Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 26-01-065…

Bulletin 26-01-065H DCS · Electrical System, Fuel/propulsion System · Aug 2026

Certain Kona Electric (OS EV) and Ioniq Electric (AE EV) vehicles are eligible for a Battery Management System (BMS) software update. This update to the BMS software improves the system’s diagnostic capability. Follow this bulletin to complete the BMS software…

Bulletin 26-01-065H TSB · Electrical System, Fuel/propulsion System · Aug 2026

Certain Kona Electric (OS EV) and Ioniq Electric (AE EV) vehicles are eligible for a Battery Management System (BMS) software update. This update to the BMS software improves the system’s diagnostic capability.

Bulletin 26-01-065H DN · Electrical System, Fuel/propulsion System · Aug 2026

Certain 2021-2023 model year Kona, 2021-2023 model year Kona Electric, and 2022-2023 model year Kona N vehicles may experience an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize. At Hyundai, we are committed to provid…

Bulletin Z07 OL · May 2026

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the KONA EV FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2021 Hyundai KONA EV. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Other

Issue : Hyundai Auto Canada is conducting an extended warranty campaign for certain vehicles as water could enter the horn assembly and cause the horn's electrical contacts to corrode. As a result, the horn may not work properly or at all. Safety risk: A horn that doesn't work properly could prevent a driver from warning others of a danger and create an unsafe situation. Correc…

Transport Canada #2025636 · Nov 2025

Electrical

Issue: On certain electric vehicles, the electric power control unit (EPCU) may not be sealed correctly. As a result, coolant could leak inside the EPCU and onto the circuit board. If this happens, the vehicle could suddenly lose power to the wheels. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of power to the wheels may increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Action: Hyundai will notify owners…

Transport Canada #2022728 · Dec 2022

Brakes

Issue: On certain vehicles, an abnormal sensor signal to the Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system could cause a sudden reduction in braking performance. If this happens, a brake warning light will turn on in the instrument cluster. Safety Risk: Reduced brake performance can cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Hyundai will…

Transport Canada #2020593 · Dec 2020

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

2021 Hyundai KONA EV vehicles on record

Other Hyundai KONA EV model years

2021 Hyundai KONA EV — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Hyundai KONA EV have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2021 Hyundai KONA EV. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Hyundai KONA EV?

Across all 145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, power train.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.