2021 Hyundai Kona Electric

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is a popular subcompact electric SUV known for its good range, nimble handling, and user-friendly technology. It offers an estimated range of 258 miles on a full charge and produces 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque from its electric motor. Owners generally appreciate the Kona Electric’s efficiency, affordability, and practicality for urban driving. However, some common complaints include long charging times on Level 2 chargers, limited cargo space compared to gas-powered rivals, and some concerns about the battery’s long-term health and degradation.

Electric Motor

201 HP Electric Motor

• Battery Degradation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing noticeable battery degradation over time, resulting in a decrease in the vehicle’s overall range. This is a common concern for EVs, but the severity and impact can vary.
  • Solution: Battery management software updates might mitigate some degradation. If degradation is severe and falls within the warranty parameters, battery replacement is possible.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (if under warranty), $15,000+ (out of warranty battery replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Complete failure of the high voltage battery pack. The vehicle will not start or drive.
  • Solution: Replacement of the high voltage battery pack.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (if under warranty), $15,000+ (out of warranty battery replacement)
  • Recalls: 23V-683 (Some 2019-2020 Kona Electrics and other Hyundai models had a recall for a battery pack defect that could cause a fire)

Electrical System

• 12V Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The 12V auxiliary battery can drain prematurely, leading to starting issues. This is sometimes attributed to the vehicle’s systems not properly shutting down or parasitic drain.
  • Solution: Replacement of the 12V battery. Investigation of the parasitic drain source and repair as needed. TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) updates to the vehicle’s software might address shutdown issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Charging System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty charging at public charging stations or at home. This can range from slow charging speeds to complete charging failure. The onboard charger, charging port, or the vehicle’s software could be at fault.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the source of the charging issue (charger, port, or vehicle system). Replacement of the onboard charger or repair of the charging port. Software updates to the vehicle’s charging system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes intermittently.
  • Solution: Software update, replacement of the infotainment unit if a software update does not fix the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update), $500 - $1500+ (infotainment unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The AEB system may engage unexpectedly or fail to engage when needed. This can be due to sensor malfunction or software glitches.
  • Solution: Calibration or replacement of the AEB sensors. Software update to the AEB system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heated Seat Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The heated seats may stop working or become intermittently functional.
  • Solution: Replacement of the heating element or switch. Inspection and repair of the wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Summary

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric, while generally reliable, can experience issues related to battery degradation, electrical system glitches, and potential AEB malfunctions. The most serious concerns revolve around battery health and potential failure, which can be extremely costly to fix out of warranty. Other issues are less severe and may be resolvable with software updates or relatively inexpensive repairs. Potential buyers should inquire about the vehicle’s battery health history, warranty coverage, and any applicable recalls or TSBs before purchasing.