2021 Hyundai Kona Electric

The defect

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.

The risk

Coolant contacting the EPCU circuit board may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

The 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.

Hyundai Motor America · up to 853 vehicles across all model years covered

The defect

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.

The risk

Reduced braking power could lengthen the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The 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.

Hyundai Motor America · up to 8,176 vehicles across all model years covered

Closed defect petition · opened January 27, 2023 · closed August 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V063000

the electrical system

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 have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

crash

My wife's car t-boned another vehicle, but the air bags didn't deploy. Luckily, she wasn't hurt badly, but the vehicle was deemed a total loss, so you can imagine the force of the collision. The forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking didn't activate either. I reported it to Hyundai. They sent an inspector to examine the vehicle, and I also showed them photos and a copy of the police report, but they claim that my car was hit on the side, and the pre collision system doesn't detect imminent side impact. That's completely outrageous. I don't know what their inspector wrote in their report, but the photos and police report are irrefutable proof that my wife had a frontal …

NHTSA complaint 11665430, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

towed · 38,000 miles

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric. The contact stated that the battery had discharged. The contact stated that the 12-volt battery and “Bring in for Service, and key not detected messages were displayed. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled on two occasions. The vehicle flickered, and the vanity lights dimmed and flickered. The contact called the local dealer, where the vehicle was rebooted. The contact stated that five attempts were needed to unlock the parking brake. The tow truck mechanic informed the driver that the 12-volt battery was not registering. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to …

NHTSA complaint 11541418, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

On February 3, 2026, while driving in a high-traffic turning lane, my Hyundai Kona Electric vehicle suddenly lost propulsion and would not accelerate. The vehicle shut down without warning and could not be restarted. Traffic was building behind me, creating a safety hazard. I felt unsafe due to surrounding vehicles expecting movement, I contacted the police for assistance. The vehicle had to be towed from the roadway. The vehicle was transferred between 3 dealerships before being diagonsed. On February 16, 2026, the issue was diagnosed as a motor position sensor failure affecting the propulsion system. The vehicle has remained inoperable since February 3, 2026, and there is no repair ETA …

NHTSA complaint 11719765, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

File with NHTSA now please!!!! What do you have to lose??? If anything If they do an investigation we are safe post warranty. Report a Vehicle Safety Problem, Equipment Issue | NHTSA [XXX] The Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle (EV) has experienced issues with its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) due to problems with the low-conductivity coolant (BSC-1) used in models produced between 2018 and October 2021. This coolant can crystallize, forming debris that clogs the cooling system, leading to false "Refill Inverter Coolant" warnings and potential overheating risks. A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 23-01-049H) outlines a recall to flush and replace the coolant with an improved BSC-2 …

NHTSA complaint 11683954, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Potential Fire and safety risk ... The Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle (EV) has experienced issues with its Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) due to problems with the low-conductivity coolant (BSC-1) used in models produced between 2018 and October 2021. This coolant can crystallize, forming debris that clogs the cooling system, leading to false "Refill Inverter Coolant" warnings and potential overheating risks. A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 23-01-049H) outlines a recall to flush and replace the coolant with an improved BSC-2 formula to address this issue. However, improper or repeated coolant flushes, if not performed correctly using Hyundai’s specialized equipment and procedures, …

NHTSA complaint 11683955, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Manufacturing defect ... Took it in 4 times for "refill inverter coolant" warning . They had a campaign ' tried by couldn't get the light to go away . It was their first time ever performing this on an EV at Kerry hyundai alexandria . Now TD EV in mason Ohio is confirming my inverter failed as a direct result of the poor flushes and poor manufacturing. I am seeking for hyundai to cover all related costs. I haven't had my vehicle for over a month . It's out of warranty 'however this was a known issue they issued a campaign for 'and then couldn't fix the issue after 4 or 5 tries and 2 different hyundia dealers . All work performed will be listed at Kerry hounding in alexandria KY and …

NHTSA complaint 11677951, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Hyundia has had my car in for the SAME recall 4 to 5 times . 6 total weeks this time around. The ""refill inverter coolant" light kept coming back on . The last time I got it home it had more issues than when I took it in and wouldn't even catch a charge . (EV) They fried my compassitor trying to fix the inverter coolant recall . I then took had to pay 450 for a diagnostic ' (Kerry hyundai alexandria) They said electric motor is bad and will cost 8000 to 9000. Got a 2nd diagnostic (Jeff wyler hyundai cincinnati) Completely different result- Zero mention of motor ' said Ac compasitor failed. (Had no issues prior to them working on the original recall ) The light for the recall is still on by …

NHTSA complaint 11674690, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

The car was unable to charge using level 3 DC fast chargers, necessitating the use of a level 2 charger for an extended length of time in order to be able to return home. A Hyundai dealer replaced the charging inlet lock actuator (invoice attached).

NHTSA complaint 11669567. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.