2023 Hyundai Kona Electrical Problems

Dear Hyundai Motor America Consumer Affairs, My name is [XXX], and I am submitting this correspondence as a formal safety and customer-service complaint concerning my 2023 Hyundai Kona SEL, the recurring failure of its horn, and the treatment I received at Capitol Hyundai in San Jose, California. I am requesting that Hyundai Motor America immediately open a corporate case, investigate the dealership’s handling of this matter, preserve all relevant records, and provide me with a written resolution. This complaint involves an unresolved vehicle safety concern. My vehicle’s horn has failed repeatedly. I previously presented the vehicle to Hyundai for this same horn issue in 2024. One of those visits was properly documented. I subsequently returned regarding the horn again, and the horn was made operational; however, to the best of my knowledge, that subsequent visit and/or work was not properly documented in my service history. The horn has now failed again. A functioning horn is an important vehicle safety device. Without it, I cannot reliably warn another driver, cyclist, pedestrian, or other road user when immediate warning may be necessary to avoid a collision. On August 11, 2026, I brought my vehicle to Capitol Hyundai, 1050 Capitol Expressway Auto Mall, San Jose, CA 95136, seeking assistance with this recurring problem. What occurred is particularly concerning because Capitol Hyundai’s own Repair Order documents the situation. The Repair Order states: “CUSTOMER STATES HORN IS NOT WORKING PLEASE CHECK AND ADVISE” and also states: “DEALERSHIP IS REFUSING TO SERVICE CLIENT DUE TO CUSTOMER ISSUE.” I am attaching a copy of this Repair Order. Therefore, there should be no dispute that Capitol Hyundai had actual written notice on [XXX] that I reported an inoperative horn and that the dealership documented its refusal to service me. Instead of resolving the safety concern, I left without the horn being repaired. I was also told that the dealership would INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

NHTSA ID

11756321

Incident

Aug 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the horn was working intermittently. The horn occasionally operated but had become permanently inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

NHTSA ID

11726817

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

Mileage

106,000 mi

Dear Hyundai Motor America Consumer Affairs, I am formally escalating a safety defect involving my 2023 Hyundai Kona, VIN [XXX] , purchased [XXX]. Since the purchase, the vehicle’s horn has repeatedly failed. I have brought the car in for service multiple times, and the issue is thoroughly documented in service records and email correspondence. Despite these efforts, the defect has not been permanently resolved. A non-functioning horn is a serious safety issue. This defect is not isolated; identical horn failures in Hyundai Kona vehicles are widely documented across public Internet forums, consumer complaint sites, and owner reports, further underscoring the seriousness of this issue. Given the repeated repair attempts and ongoing safety risk, I am requesting immediate corporate-level review and a clear, permanent resolution. This matter requires prompt attention. [XXX] , service manager, informed me today that my horn was changed/serviced 4 times already. As of today, 2-10-2-26 he is ordering me another horn. Please respond in writing with next steps. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11716965

Incident

Feb 10, 2026

Rear latch unlocks while vehicle is running or not running up to 30 times at once. Rear latch unlocks without key being in vehicle. This has been reported to Hyundai Motor America since August 2025. The front collision warning goes off at random times, left side departure goes off at random times.

NHTSA ID

11715395

Incident

Jul 4, 2025

Horn keeps failing

NHTSA ID

11684733

Incident

Jul 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while pressing the horn pad, the horn failed to produce a sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the horn was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the horn had been replaced four times and was scheduled for a fifth horn replacement. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.

NHTSA ID

11683578

Incident

Oct 10, 2024

Mileage

12,000 mi

The horn is not working in my vehicle. I found this out today when I almost had someone collide with my vehicle while I was on the highway, not once, but twice. I was unable to use my horn to alert the other driver. I called Hyundai and they said it is not covered under warranty and this is a known issue with my vehicle. I have only had the vehicle for 3-4 months and this should not be happening. I cannot safely drive without a horn and if something happens to me or my vehicle and Hyundai knows its an ongoing issue with this year, make, and model, I am not sure what I can do. Please make this right.

NHTSA ID

11677647

Incident

Jul 31, 2025

Dear Customer Care, I am the owner of a 2023 Hyundai Kona AWD purchased brand new from Vision Hyundai West Henrietta, NY. I paid for the vehicle in full with a cashier's check totaling over $31,000. At just 64,000 miles, the vehicle has become undrivable-experiencing loud noises, jerking, and no acceleration. I was driving and car would not move. These symptoms are clearly drivetrain-related and should be covered under Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty . When I contacted the dealership, I was incorrectly told my roadside coverage had expired at 36,000 miles, Hyundai Warranty Escalation Letters which contradicts Hyundai's stated policy of 5 years/unlimited mileage. Additionally, I requested a loaner vehicle due to the urgency and distance (I'm 80 miles away), but no one followed up, leaving me stranded and without any transportation options. I am requesting Hyundai's assistance:

NHTSA ID

11674917

Incident

Jul 18, 2025

The horn stopped working. The first time, replacing a fuse fixed it, the second time I had to go to the dealership to get the horn replaced under warranty. There were no warning lamps.

NHTSA ID

11644722

Incident

Feb 24, 2025

Horn does not work.

NHTSA ID

11612439

Incident

Sep 3, 2024

While driving, my car completely turned off and the dashboard say “engine turn off”. This happened on two separate occasions. Also on separate occasions while i was driving the beep to indicate that i was too close to another car went off when i was not near another car, during that time it also emergency breaked on its own.

NHTSA ID

11595972

Incident

Jun 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, the system check lights were illuminated normally; however, all the system symbols had a red "exclamation mark" next to the symbols. Additionally, the contact stated that the horn and many safety features were no longer operable. The contact stated that the Lane Departure warning, Blind Spot warning, and the radio were inoperable. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the main computer was not interfacing with the safety systems. The contact was advised by the dealer that there was no remedy for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

NHTSA ID

11594335

Incident

Jun 5, 2024

Mileage

3,000 mi

MY HORN STOPPED WORKING LAST JULY AT 7467 MILES, AND STOPPED WORKING AGAIN INJUNE AT 10,000 MILES

NHTSA ID

11594046

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that while pressing the horn to avoid an accident, it was discovered that the horn was inoperable. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 12,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11567767

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

Mileage

12,000 mi

Rodent damage found during 1-year maintenance. This is an increasing problem that is under-reported. Damage was found before any wires were effected, however, the wiring was exposed and would have caused a malfunction had this not been detected by technician. 1. Automakers across the board are using cheaper, soy-based elements to wrap wiring and customers are having to deal with the result of subpar parts. 2. With automakers increasing the time allowed between oil changes, customers are given a false sense of functionality in the vehicles they drive. 3. Automakers that advertise "free maintenance" should not be allowed to limit maintenance to once per year or every 5,000-8,000 miles, as more prudent inspection would prevent customers from unknowingly having their cars devoured by rodents.

NHTSA ID

11562355

Incident

Nov 11, 2023

Horn stopped Working out of nowhere.

NHTSA ID

11561806

Incident

Dec 25, 2023

Horn is not working. When the horn is pressed from the driver's seat, no noise is made. Checked fuse in engine fuse box compartment. 15A fuse is ok (not blown, etc). Checked with spare 15A and that did not work either. Reported problem to dealership and they plan to investigate and repair. Google search indicated this is not the first Hyundai Kona to have this issue. This should be more looked into by regulatory boards.

NHTSA ID

11557134

Incident

Nov 27, 2023

The rear door Latch opens while vehicle is moving and I've have taken it to service and they don't know what failure is al about.Its a manufacture failure.

NHTSA ID

11555097

Incident

Sep 7, 2023

The vehicles horn randomly decides not to work. The horn has been replaced once, but the same wiring was kept the same. The vehicle is going back after a few months due to horn malfunction again.

NHTSA ID

11544994

Incident

Sep 15, 2023

Horn no longer works when pressed at 11,396 miles. Manufacturer will not offer loaner vehicle. Vehicle is not safe to drive without horn. Manufacturer does not seem to care that it's broken and will not expedite the repair process. I will have to drive this vehicle for approximately a month with no horn. My safety is put at risk as I cannot warn other drivers of impending danger and cannot warn other drivers they are about to hit me. The manufacturer has not yet inspected the vehicle. The inspection will take place on August 21st. There were no warning indications before I attempted to use the horn and it didn't work. It's possible that the horn has been broken for a while.

NHTSA ID

11535900

Incident

Jul 30, 2023

Car stopped accelerating on the highway and held me at 40mph. This happened twice. Then before being able to get it in for service while driving the car made a loud bang and came to a rolling stop again on the highway and the transmission control system alarm went off and the car would not move. Had to get towed off the highway and in a rental now. This was a brand new 2023 hyundai kona sel limited.

NHTSA ID

11531199

Incident

Jul 8, 2023

Radio stopped working. Screen went blank. Looks like a loading screen and then nothing. Radio does not come on at all

NHTSA ID

11528356

Incident

Jun 21, 2023

The radio/GPS screen cuts out and goes completely blank and I can't turn it off or down or do anything with the radio. The tire pressure lights come on and off at random times. The backup camera randomly stays on when I'm driving and I can't get it to go back to a regular screen. The lights randomly turn on and off when I am driving. There is obviously some kind of electrical issues.

NHTSA ID

11498123

Incident

Nov 5, 2022

I have been having electrical issues since I bought this car. The radio screen goes black for no reason, the clock changes time on it's own the Android auto only works intermittently. The tire lights come on and say there is 0 psi in the tires. Right now it says that 1 tire is low but the psi is the same in all 4 tires. I think this car was damaged during Hurricane Ian and the dealership still sold it to me. I have already brought it to the dealership to be fixed and it still has issues.

NHTSA ID

11496309

Incident

Dec 6, 2022

My 2023 Hyundai Kona SEL FWD currently has approximately 1500 miles on the odometer. Pretty much since the day I my 2023 Kona SEL on 9/3/2022, the car has had an issue where, after I start the car and begin driving it for about 20 or 30 seconds the car will lose power entirely. Engine shuts down, and the following warning codes illuminate-Immobilizer, check engine light, battery light, and oil lights come on and the car prompts me to restart it. Sometimes an alarm will also sound, flashing red, with the following message on the vehicle's information display "Engine Off! Shift to N, then start engine." At other times the following message will appear "Shift to P and N to start engine." Initially this happened once or twice a week, 1-2 times a day, usually after the vehicle has been powered off for 12 or more hours. As of the writing of this message, 11/2/2022, this issue occured 4 times in one day. The first time in the morning while I was driving the vehicle at low speeds and applied the brakes, and the other 3 times in the evening, also while I was driving at low speeds and applied the brake. Fortunately, vehicle shuts down when I am driving at low speeds while the brake is applied. I personally feel unsafe driving the car, because I am not sure if the issue will worsen and the vehicle will lose power while it being driven at higer speeds and public roasds. I have a servicing appointment scheduled my with Hyundai dealership for 11/11/2022 (this message is dated 11/2/2022). Honestly, I am very concerned the problem will worsen. I hope the dealership will be able to reproduce and rectify the issue. I have opened a case with Hyundai USA in this regard as well. I am not sure what specific system is causing the above warning lights and warnings to appear, or causing the vehicle to lose power while being driven at low speeds with the brake applied, but the vehicle would defintely be available for further inspection if needed.

NHTSA ID

11492026

Incident

Sep 19, 2022