2021 Hyundai Kona Electric: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric: 2 recalls, 26 owner complaints and up to 120 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #20V748000 · 2020 · 8,176 vehicles
What's wrong: The integrated electronic brake (ieb) system May detect an abnormal sensor signal and as a result, May significantly reduce braking performance.
Why it matters: Reduced braking power could lengthen the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the ieb software, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2021.
Electrical Vehicle recall #22V941000 · 2022 · 853 vehicles
What's wrong: The electric power control unit (epcu) May have been improperly sealed and May leak coolant internally.
Why it matters: Coolant contacting the epcu circuit board May cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (10): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), stalls / loses power (4), fire / smoke (2).
- Other / unknown (7): the most common themes are fire / smoke (2), electrical failure (2).
- Engine (4): the most common themes are electrical failure (3).
- Speed control / throttle (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric has 26 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 7 Kona Electric model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 21). Complaints peaked in 2025 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 23,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (27 complaints, 3 recalls), 2022 (21 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric (150 kW AC PMSM) | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 132e | 108e | 120e | Electricity |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric problems?
Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (10), other / unknown (7), engine (4).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric get?
EPA ratings run up to 120 mpg combined, across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.