Electrical 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.
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 252 owner complaints for the 2019 Hyundai Kona. Most complaints involve engine (143) and electrical system (60). The EPA rates it 27–120 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Kona Electric vehicles. A software error in the air bag control unit (ACU) may improperly deactivate the air bag system and seat belt pretensioners.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I have a 2019 Kona that has an issue with excessive oil consumption. I know that Hyundai issued a recall for this problem in 2019 Konas, but they claim my car isn’t included in that recall, and they refuse to help me. It feels like a scam on Hyundai’s part. my plate is: [XXX]”
“Vehicle (2019 Kona) is subject to Recall 203 (piston ring/bore defect). On XXX Puente Hills Hyundai refused the mandatory physcial inspection, instead attempting to charge $1,100 for 'leak repairs.' An independent inspection by Valvoline on XXX confirmed the engine is dry with no leaks, proving the dealer's claim was fraudulent. Following a recent ECU update, the vehicle triggered a P0420 code—a known symptom of the internal engine damage covered by Recall 203. My Hyundai Corporate Case (#XXX) is currently stalled as the dealer refuses to provide technician notes or perform the safety inspection. I am operating an unsafe vehicle with documented internal mechanical failure. Requesting immediate intervention for a physical cylinder inspection. Please refer to the attached document (SUMMARY OF EVENTS) for the full chronology, supporting evidence, and email correspondence related to the dealership's refusal to perform Recall 203. See attached PDF (Evidence_Email_Correspondence) for documentation of the dealership's refusal to provide technician notes and their unprofessional communication regarding this safety recall.”
“My 2019 Hyundai Kona (VIN: [XXX]) experiences violent shaking and complete engine stalling in active traffic when braking, creating an immediate safety hazard on public roads. This directly mirrors the failure mechanics of Safety Recall 203 ([XXX]). Upon inspection, physical evidence of massive silver aluminum metal flakes was discovered clogging the VVT solenoid mesh screens, originating from internal cylinder/piston ring degradation. However, the dealership Universal Hyundai in [XXX] (RO# XXX) issued a fraudulent diagnostic report stating 'no metal found' to evade recall liability. Hyundai Motor America subsequently closed corporate case XXXwithout an internal engine or borescope inspection. I have retrieved the vehicle under financial protest and possess full photographic evidence of the aluminum contamination.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kona Electric Auto (A1) · Front-Wheel Drive | 132 | 108 | 120 | $650 | — |
| Kona FWD Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 32 | 30 | $2,100 | 303 |
| Kona FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 33 | 30 | $2,100 | 300 |
| Kona AWD Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 29 | 27 | $2,300 | 324 |
| Kona AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,300 | 325 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 252 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (143), electrical system (60), power train (24). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2019 Hyundai Kona at 27–120 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Hyundai Kona 5 out of 5 stars overall.