2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 19%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric, 19% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,000 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.
“Fill coolant warning came on, we checked the coolant and the coolant level was good. I spoke to a Hyundai service center and the rep said that sometimes this happens with Hyundais and it may go off. Indeed it did but then Fill coolant warning came back and the coolant level was still good. …”
NHTSA complaint #11657178, filed 2025-04“My 2021 Hyundai Kona EV battery need to be replaced. But the dealer would not have estimated time when my Kona EV get new battery. It could take 1 month or 3 months. No clues. I would not make a mistake to buy another car like Hyundai EV.”
NHTSA complaint #11486128, filed 2022-09“After charging the vehicle at home with level 2 charger to 100% it would not go into drive or reverse. It can go to neutral or Park only. The car is at the dealership and they told the battery must be replaced when one is available. It is a safety concern because one can get stranded on the road with vehicle that does not move although is fully charged.”
NHTSA complaint #11431228, filed 2021-08“The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle, an abnormal rumble sound was heard that grew progressively louder. Additionally, while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle was significantly sluggish. The failure recurred while driving at 30 MPH, requiring the driver to pull over to the shoulder of the road. Upon shutting off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal operation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure during a test drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #11771304, filed 2026-10, 60,000 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11541418, filed 2023-08, 38,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11023408Sep 23, 2025Certain IONIQ Electric (AE EV) and Kona Electric (OS EV) vehicles may exhibit a restricted coolant flow condition, which may be accompanied by a warning message (e.g., Coolant…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric
10 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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