2022 Hyundai Kona Electric

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

While driving my 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric at a low speed, pulling into a parking space, the electronic braking system suffered an immediate, catastrophic failure. Upon pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle completely failed to provide power brake assistance or slow down, resulting in a low-speed collision. The airbags did not deploy. Immediately following the crash, a diagnostic scan of the vehicle’s chassis network revealed active diagnostic trouble code C160404 (ECU Hardware Error / Internal Self-Test Failure), confirming a hard electronic fault within the Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) module. This vehicle platform has a documented history of dangerous IEB signal and software anomalies under past federal actions like NHTSA Campaign 20V748000, where regulators explicitly stated that these failures significantly reduce braking performance, extend stopping distances, and cause crashes. My vehicle suffered this exact failure mechanism, posing an immediate threat to life and property. I am requesting a formal federal investigation into this specific electronic brake computer failure to prevent further consumer injuries or collisions.

NHTSA ID

11766004

Incident

Sep 21, 2026

I found a lot of debris of metals contaminated in the gear reduction oil when I changed my gear reduction oil. I had a Vortex oil lug nut, which it sucks all of the metal debris in. I have pictures of that as a proof. I think this is a design flaw that Hyundai should recall, but they didn’t. Now it caused a clicking noise whenever I accelerate or step on the accelerator pedal. Additionally, their are some glitches with their software where it disconnected the wireless Apple car play and the back up camera didn’t show up sometimes whenever I put into reverse.

NHTSA ID

11682034

Incident

Aug 20, 2025

1. Component or System Failed or Malfunctioned: The primary component that has consistently failed or malfunctioned is the air conditioning (AC) system. The AC unit does not adequately cool the vehicle's cabin, especially in hot weather. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request; it has been previously inspected by authorized Hyundai dealerships. 2. How Safety was Put at Risk: The malfunctioning AC unit poses a significant health and safety risk, particularly due to the presence of a [XXX] infant who frequently rides in the vehicle. Driving in a hot car without effective cooling can lead to heat-related distress for a young child. There is also a concern that this persistent issue may indicate a broader manufacturing defect, potentially warranting a safety recall. 3. Problem Reproduced or Confirmed by Dealer/Service Center: Yes, the problem has been repeatedly reproduced and confirmed by an authorized Hyundai dealership. Paramus Hyundai has examined this specific AC issue on four separate occasions during the last summer, and a fifth visit is now scheduled/imminent. Despite these multiple service attempts, the issue remains unresolved. 4. Inspection by Manufacturer, Police, Insurance, or Others: The vehicle and its AC component have been inspected multiple times by an authorized Hyundai dealer (Paramus Hyundai). The manufacturer, Hyundai Motor America, is aware of this ongoing issue, as evidenced by two formal customer service cases: an older case (Case Number: [XXX]) handled by Customer Service Specialist Raghad, and a more recent, open case (Case Number: [XXX]) handled by Customer Service Specialist Simran. The repeated advice given for the new case is the same as previous attempts, indicating a lack of definitive resolution despite manufacturer involvement through their customer service channels. 5. Warning Lamps, Messages, or Other Symptoms: No specific warning lamps or messages have appeared on the vehicle's dashboard related to the INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

NHTSA ID

11667952

Incident

Apr 1, 2024

Message: "check/refill coolant light has intermittently come on for past two days. I checked coolant and it is lower than "max" but higher than "min". Also, why is this website saying 0 unaddressed recalls on my car? There are recalls that were not done on my car. Message: "0 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN"

NHTSA ID

11660366

Incident

May 10, 2025

HORN STOPS WORKING.  IT STOPPED WORKING ABOUT A YEAR INTO OWNING THE CAR, THEN AGAIN A FEW WEEKS LATER. THE HORN SEEMS TO STOP WORKING AFTER WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID IS REFILLED; NOT SURE IF IT'S RELATED THOUGH.  I HAVE BEEN IN SITUATIONS WHERE I NEEDED TO USE THE HORN BUT WAS UNABLE TO BECAUSE IT WAS CONSTANTLY NOT WORKING.

NHTSA ID

11631411

Incident

Dec 18, 2024

During the winter the vehicle does not produce heat. There is a knocking sound from under the dash and only cold air comes out of all the vents. When it was 20 degrees out I measure 35 degree air out the vents over the couse of an hour drive. The car has been to the dealer multiple times for this issues. They have acknowledged the problem and have tried replaing different parts but the problem still occurs. It's very cold in the car when it's below freezing outside and it's difficult to clear the windows of fog, frost, and snow with no heat. The HVAC system will make the knocking sound when turing on the car and sometimes when driving also. Trying to adjust the temperature will sometimes trigger the noise. I feel the knocking sound and lack of hear are related.

NHTSA ID

11630822

Incident

Dec 15, 2024

There were several recall/service notices on my vehicle. I brought car to dealer in May and they were unable to address them all b/c I was informed a dealer specific piece of equipment necessary for the recall had broken and they could not address that issue. Why is it saying on NHTSA website zero unaddressed recalls for my car? Here are some of the notices: Service Campaign 9A4: Kona EV DTC Inspection, BMS Update, and BSA Replacement – Dealer Best Practice August 29, 2023 I believe there was an additional issue of concern. I originally scheduled for early 2024 & then there was an additional recall/concern and I could not be accommodated until May 2024; however, as mentioned, they were unable to address all the issues at that time. Please let me know.

NHTSA ID

11605205

Incident

Jul 29, 2024

The push door to the charging port locks and I am unble to open it. It will sometimes unlock if I push the unlock button several times. This is worrisome since I need access to the charging port to charge my batter. Not sure if there is a design flaw with the latch to the door.

NHTSA ID

11533692

Incident

Jul 6, 2023

Hyundai has determined that certain Kona Electric and Ioniq Electric vehicles are eligible for a BMS software update. This update to the BMS software improves the system’s diagnostic capability.

Certain Kona Electric (OS EV) and Ioniq Electric (AE EV) vehicles are eligible for a Battery Management System (BMS) software update. This update to the BMS software improves the system's diagnostic capability. Follow Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 26-01-065H to complete the BMS software update.

Certain Kona Electric (OS EV) and Ioniq Electric (AE EV) vehicles are eligible for a Battery Management System (BMS) software update. This update to the BMS software improves the system’s diagnostic capability. Follow this bulletin to complete the BMS software update.

Certain Kona Electric (OS EV) and Ioniq Electric (AE EV) vehicles are eligible for a Battery Management System (BMS) software update. This update to the BMS software improves the system’s diagnostic capability.

Certain 2021-2023 model year Kona, 2021-2023 model year Kona Electric, and 2022-2023 model year Kona N vehicles may experience an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize. At Hyundai, we are committed to providing vehicles of outstanding quality and value. In an effort to meet this commitment, the warranty coverage for the horn assembly replacement has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners.

Some vehicles may have an inoperable horn that may be caused by foreign substances causing internal parts to oxidize. Hyundai is extending the warranty coverage for the horn replacement under this condition to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use (whichever occurs first) and is valid for original and subsequent owners. If a horn needs to be replaced, follow the instructions within this TSB to install the latest design. Please note that any vehicles under 10 years/120,000 miles are covered by this TSB, even if vehicle is within original warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles.