2023 Hyundai Kona Electric

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 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.

NHTSA ID

11641784

Incident

Sep 20, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11548719

Incident

Oct 1, 2023

Car has only 3000 miles and already has a bad battery. Code DTC P1AA600

NHTSA ID

11534905

Incident

Jul 14, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11528315

Incident

May 11, 2023

Mileage

175 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11512204

Incident

Mar 14, 2023

This bulletin provides information related to the navigation and head unit software changes introduced in the 2026 1st Navigation Map and Software Update. The changes may vary depending on vehicle type, model, and navigation system. Refer to the 2026 1st Navigation Map and Software Update Key Improvements and Additional Improvements tables in this TSB for a list of specific changes. The software can be downloaded via Navigation Updater (NAU) and updated by USB.

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.

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.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety advisory regarding dangerous, counterfeit driver‑side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN), that have been identified in U.S. vehicles following prior crashes, theft, or non‑certified airbag replacements. These inflators are not approved for use, may rupture during deployment, and have caused serious injuries and fatalities. Please see attached announcement, provided by NHTSA, for more details.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified the presence of substandard and dangerous driver’s-side airbag inflators manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co., Ltd. (DTN). These inflators were not supplied, approved, or authorized by the vehicle manufacturers and have primarily been found in vehicles that previously experienced a crash and underwent airbag replacement using non-genuine parts. These dangerous inflators have ruptured during deployment, posing a serious risk of injury or death due to metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin. To date, Hyundai is aware of three people who have died while driving a Hyundai vehicle with one of these substandard replacement airbag inflators that deployed in what likely would have been a survivable crash. NHTSA has issued a public advisory urging vehicle owners and service professionals to have vehicles inspected if there is reason to believe that a non-genuine replacement airbag may have been installed. Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, prior airbag deployments, or unknown repair histories may present a higher risk. NHTSA strongly cautions against self-inspection by vehicle owners and recommends inspection by trained technicians.