- The problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Kona Electric vehicles. A software error in the air bag control unit (ACU) may improperly deactivate the air bag system and seat belt pretensioners.
- The risk
- Air bags and seat belt pretensioners that do not activate in a crash increases the risk of injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will update the ACU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 1, 2027. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 311. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 6, 2026.
Vehicle safety record
2023 Hyundai Kona Electric Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (3) and the fuel system (1). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in November 2026 for the software. For comparison, the 2022 has 22 and the 2024 has 15.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Kona Electric year, for its age
#227 most complained-about 2023 vehicle
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric problems
Share of all 5 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2023 Hyundai Kona Electric recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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5 complaints about the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
The horn has been replaced multiple times for failing without ANY warning. The service department at the Hyundai dealer said that this is a known problem for the horns. The horns short out because moisture builds up and damages the wiring, causing them to fail without warning. At this time, Hyundai does not have a "fix" nor does it have any horns available to replace my failed horn. Hyundai has not offered a loaner vehicle. This vehicle is currently leased from Hyundai and I am current on my lease payments. This...
Read the full complaint
vehicle is due for inspection in May 2025 and it will not pass without a horn. I have had several near-miss situations in which I had to brake hard to avoid pedestrians - a horn would have alerted the pedestrians to my presence. Because this is an electric vehicle it runs very quietly and pedestrians need to be alerted with a horn.
While driving at 60 miles per hour on an interstate, the car's steering system took control of the car and made a quick "S" maneuver. It took all of my strength to maintain control of my car. This incident lasted for just a second or two but it was potentially very dangerous to me (the driver of the car) and to nearby cars (and their drivers). The vehicle is available for inspection. I just reported the incident to to Hyundai and haven't heard back from them. There seemed to be some kind of red warning message on the computer screen, but I couldn't read it because I was so busy fighting the steering wheel for control of the car.
Car has only 3000 miles and already has a bad battery. Code DTC P1AA600
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Check Electric Vehicle System" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the heater sensor was replaced; however, the failure recurred a third time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175.
In damp weather the brake rotors corrode overnight. This causes the brakes to lock up when the brake pedal is touched gently. The car then stops quickly and unexpectedly. This could result in the car being rear ended in traffic. This problem has occurred 7 times since I bought the car.
Hyundai Kona Electric: every year compared
All Kona Electric years2023 Hyundai Kona Electric vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric | 5 | 1 | A | |
| 2023 Hyundai Palisade | 412 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 389 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 2023 Hyundai Santa FE | 217 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 2023 Hyundai Elantra | 104 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 80 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 2023 Hyundai Kona | 67 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 | 56 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hev | 55 | 1 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric
Does the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric: software (November 2026). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (3), fuel system (1), steering (1).
How many complaints has the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric had?
5 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 16, 2023 and the latest on February 10, 2025. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 83 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Hyundai Kona Electric year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Hyundai Kona Electric years have the most complaints?
2020 (189), 2019 (54), 2022 (22). See every Hyundai Kona Electric year compared.
What should I do if my 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data