KNOWN FAULTS · Hyundai

Hyundai Kona (I) Kona Electric common problems.

2017–2023 · Electric

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

1.6 T-GDI chain, electronic brake on hybrids and EVs, and campaigns on the KonaKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: Hyundai Kona I (petrol, hybrid, diesel and electric)
Period mentioned: 2017–2023
Symptoms: A stretched chain on early 1.6 T-GDIs (noise on cold start); direct-injection carbon; a dirty EGR on the diesel; dual-clutch judder; on the EV, cells that discharge quickly; on hybrids and EVs, faults in the integrated electronic brake (IEB).
Possible cause described: The 1.6 T-GDI chain is replaced under warranty; the EV discharge improves with an update. The IEB affects cars built from January 2018 to March 2020. Recalls (KBA): a short circuit with fire risk on the 2018 model year and eCall (1/9–14/12/2020).
Check for the garage: Check the campaigns and updates by VIN; listen to the chain when cold; test the gearbox in traffic.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Built from 2018 to 2020.

Battery fire risk on the Kona Electric: battery replacementHigh-voltage battery

Engine / equipment: Hyundai Kona Electric built 2018–2020 (also about 5,700 Ioniq Electrics)
Period mentioned: 2018–2020
Symptoms: No prior warning: fire risk from the high-voltage battery, also when parked or charging.
Possible cause described: A Korean investigation pointed to defects in the LG Energy Solution cells (LG disputes it). After a first battery-management update that limited charging, in 2021 Hyundai decided to replace the entire battery on about 82,000 vehicles worldwide (75,680 Konas).
Check for the garage: Check by VIN that the battery has already been replaced under the campaign; if not, follow Hyundai’s instructions until it is replaced.
Cost cited in the source: Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.