Problems · by component

2020 Hyundai Kona electrical system problems

28 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Hyundai Kona cite electrical system, 15% of all 189 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
28
15% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“While driving approximately 70 mph on I-10 in Louisiana late at night, my 2020 Hyundai Kona EV displayed a “Check EV System” warning while I was on the highway. There were no safe areas or emergency shoulders available to pull over, so I continued driving toward the nearest exit. Approximately 15 minutes after the warning appeared, as I attempted to exit the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power and rapidly slowed. The vehicle came to a complete stop and could not accelerate, move forward, or reverse. This created a serious safety risk because the vehicle lost propulsion while traveling at highway speed. The vehicle had approximately 62,000 miles at the time of the incident. The vehicle was towed to Giles Hyundai where the dealership diagnosed an internal temperature sensor and resolver failure. Because these components are integrated into the drive system, the dealership replaced the entire traction motor assembly. The repair cost was approximately $9,000. The sudden loss of propulsion at highway speed created a dangerous situation for both the driver and surrounding traffic.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 4, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11722050
“many times a year, without warning, vehicle dash lights turn off and light up like a christmas tree, followed by fca warning sound and lights going off, and a loud mechanical thud. Lose engine throttle going highway speeds. This can occur at nearly any speed without warning. Car must be powered off and back on to get normalcy. This puts me, everyone in the car and everyone on the highway at risk. Dealership was not able to reproduce or pull error codes.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 3, 2026Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11715307
“the headlights in this model Kona keep burning out after 9 months or so. I have replaced them multiple times in the last 5 years on both left and right sides. I use glove to put in the bulbs and are very careful not to let my hands touch the bulb. I have never had this happen with any other car I have owned. I suspect an electrical system issue, or perhaps wiring, but that is speculation. I have not had this inspected by the dealership. The latest date of failure is listed below.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 17, 2025Electrical systemODI 11699982
“Back up camera had not worked since purchase. It is now August been dealing with the dealership and Hyundai National with a case number and zero help to rectify this issue. It is not my fault the sales man who sold me this car left two days later. anyone I speak to at the dealership, is not there again the next week. even hyundai usa are consistently unable to even get a manger to call me back. This is unacceptable. at this point any warranty is expired, this car was sold with a faulty camera.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 5, 2025Electrical systemODI 11678493
“6/17/2024 12 volt battery was dead; EV was fully charged 6/16/2024 using Level 2 charger in my home garage. AAA charged the battery; I drove to Crossroads Hyundai Loveland, CO and asked to have the converter to the main battery checked; this was not done. Crossroads checked the battery via CADEX with "good battery charge" as result. No other diagnostic work was performed. 8/26/2024 12 volt battery again depleted; AAA charged twice 11:06 am (recharge and retest ) and 3:51pm (Bad & replace). I drove again to Crossroads Hyundai which claimed battery test showed good battery. Technician found a draw dropped after pulling fuses F6 multi media and F16 memory. Techline at Hyundai was contacted and tech was instructed to install junction box for fuses (91950-K4061 Junction Box assembly I/PNL 91). The car was undriveable on the Crossroads lot until part received and replaced 9/20/2024. 9/24/2024 when I arrived to pick up the car, the service advisor told me the door was left ajar after car wash, causing draw on battery; the battery was damaged by continued discharge due to strain from parts replaced. Hyundai agreed to replace the battery at no charge to customer. There…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 10, 2025Electrical systemODI 11641724
“Vehicle has problems shifting between 1st and 2nd gear. Stutters and has issues accelerating. Has almost caused me to be hit while turning left against traffic. Was serviced at Hyundai dealership today and they cannot replicate the issue or find anything wrong and reprogrammed the clutch touch point engagement. It happened again on the way home.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 3, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11640412

Showing 6 of 28 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

Electrical system: traction battery

Park outsideRemedy pending

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.

Electrical systemReported Mar 1, 2021NHTSA 21V127000

Electrical system: management system

Park outsideFree remedy

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.

Electrical systemReported Oct 13, 2020NHTSA 20V630000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2020 Kona problem areas