Thinking about buying a used Hyundai Kona (2017–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 23 known faults for this model spanning electrical, engine, cooling, and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
23
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$800–$4,000
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Hyundai Kona faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01High-voltage battery fire risk - global LG cell recall (must be verified done)
CriticalRareElectrical $18,000–$30,000 to fix
Kona Electrics built with LG Chem cells manufactured between September 2017 and March 2020 can suffer internal cell shorts that cause battery fires, including while parked or charging. Hyundai's global recall (US campaign 196 / NHTSA 21V-127) replaced entire battery packs; around 700 NZ cars and roughly 3500 Australian cars were affected, and further BMS-software recalls followed in 2026 for 2019-2023 cars. A car that has had the pack replaced under recall effectively has a newer battery - a plus. A car that hasn't been through the recall is a fire risk and should not be charged indoors. Out-of-warranty pack replacement costs are severe.
Symptoms to notice
Charge limit capped by dealer software pending recall
BMS warning lights
Smell of burning or melting plastic near the underfloor pack (emergency - do not drive)
What to check
Run the VIN through Hyundai NZ's recall checker and ask for the invoice showing battery replacement or BMS update. Cars with a replaced pack should show it in service history. Check the current state of health (SoH) via the dealer or an OBD app during the test drive.
Where to look: High-voltage battery pack, under the floor of the car
Ask the seller
“Was the battery pack replaced under the recall, or just the software updated?”
“What is the battery state of health now?”
“Has the car ever shown any BMS warnings?”
0212V battery drain and infotainment/electronics glitches (early SX2 builds)
MinorOccasionalElectrical $150–$600 to fix
Early second-generation (SX2) Konas have a pattern of owner reports of flat 12V batteries after the car sits for days, plus infotainment freezes, phantom warning messages and connected-services glitches. Hyundai has issued software updates for the body electronics and infotainment. It is an annoyance rather than a danger on petrol/hybrid cars, but repeated flat batteries kill the 12V battery early and can mask the more serious ICCU fault on the EV.
Symptoms to notice
Flat 12V battery after the car sits for several days
Infotainment screen freezing or rebooting
Random warning messages that clear on restart
What to check
Ask when the 12V battery was last replaced and whether the car has ever failed to start. Check the infotainment responds without freezing during the test drive and confirm all software updates have been applied by a dealer.
Where to look: 12V battery in engine bay; infotainment head unit in dash
Ask the seller
“Has the car ever had a flat battery or needed a jump start?”
“Have any software updates or reflashes been done?”
ElectricalCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
ElectricalCritical
ElectricalCritical
CoolingCritical
ElectricalCritical
ElectricalCritical
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
BrakesMajor
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
21 more documented faults on the Hyundai Kona
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 23 documented faults for the Hyundai Kona, the recurring problem areas are electrical, engine, and cooling. A Hyundai Kona with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Hyundai Kona?
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We've catalogued 23 known faults for the Hyundai Kona, covering electrical, engine, and cooling. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Hyundai Kona?
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Most single repairs on the Hyundai Kona fall between $800–$4,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 23 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Hyundai Kona?
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Yes. A Hyundai Kona inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.