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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2020 Hyundai Kona Electric Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
11%of 27 total for the year
Median mileage
10,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric, 11% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11722050, filed 2026-03

“We just had our 2020 Kona updated from the dealer with major software and recall updates. Since that point the car has been draining from the 12volt battery on it's own and killing the charging circuit for the battery. It has caused us to have to jump start the car and not be able to keep the 12 volt charged which runs all of the environmentals and car systems. Unless you have a jump pack with you, you have to jump it after every stop. I have tested the battery and it is fine but the system needs a high end initial draw and is not getting it. …”

NHTSA complaint #11580665, filed 2024-04

“The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that several unknown recalls related to the battery were performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that after the recall repairs were performed and while starting the vehicle, the battery warning light illuminated. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift into gear as needed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the battery failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11433804, filed 2021-09, 10,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024213%
202215%
202114%
2020311%
201959%

Other parts of the 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric

Electrical system
17 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology