Some vehicles may exhibit difficulty starting in cold weather. This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an inspection on the starter magnetic switch for potential freezing and, if necessary, replace the starter magnetic switch (solenoid) assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Hyundai Kona electrical problems
severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 16 electrical complaints filed for the 2019 Hyundai Kona, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions. This may be due to an irregular disconnection on Verizon’s communication network. Follow the procedure in this TSB to reestablish the connection via the AVN pinhole reset method.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions. This may be due to an irregular disconnection on Verizon's communication network. If you are experiencing issues with remote commands, or other Bluelink services, please see the instructions below to reestablish the connection via the AVN pinhole reset method.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some vehicles may exhibit a loss of connectivity or interruptions in the middle of using Bluelink Service functions. This may be due to an irregular disconnection on Verizon’s communication network. Follow the procedure in this TSB to reestablish the connection via the AVN pinhole reset method.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗A class settlement against Hyundai Motor America (“HMA”) that had alleged that certain 2011 – 2022 model year Hyundai vehicles that were not equipped with an engine immobilizer (called the “Class Vehicles”) contain design flaws, including the failure to manufacture the Class Vehicles with an anti-theft device called an engine immobilizer, that make them susceptible to theft and damage. Class Vehicles manufactured without an engine immobilizer have traditional “turn-key-to-start” ignition systems.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report multiple distinct electrical failures in the 2019 Kona. Complete loss of power—affecting wipers, lights, air conditioning, and radio simultaneously—appears most frequently, with fuses intact but no power reaching the distribution box. One owner's collision repair shop failed to address this root cause. Battery failures occur across mileage ranges, including one case just 11 days after purchase; owners note Hyundai denies warranty claims citing high mileage (105,000 miles) or claiming owner-caused damage, despite matching recall symptoms.
Random shutdowns mid-drive, lasting extended periods before restart, plagued at least one owner through two dealership visits before an electrical short under the front bumper was found and repaired—though electrical surges and blown bulbs persisted afterward.
Engine seizure with apparent piston bore damage occurred at 105,000 miles after repeated check engine light cycles and hesitation; the owner paid $9,000 for a used engine after warranty denial. Speedometer errors (reading 15 mph low) and false forward-collision warnings are documented. Door lock failures trap occupants. One 2019 Kona EV spontaneously accelerated while stopped in 5°F weather, totaling the vehicle. Owners consistently report dealerships dismissing concerns, declining repairs, or failing to honor recalls.
Same Hyundai Kona electrical reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Complete electrical system power loss
Vehicle loses all or partial electrical power while driving or at rest, affecting wipers, lights, air conditioning, radio, and other accessories. Fuses appear intact but no power reaches the distribution box.
When: Varies—reported during highway driving in rain, post-collision repair, and without warning during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers stop working; Headlights and interior lights fail; Air conditioning inoperative; Radio non-functional; Side lights work but front lights do not; Tight steering reported post-repair; All dashboard and instrumentation panel lights extinguish
Repairs/costs cited: Collision repair shop (bumper replacement) reportedly did not address root cause; owner reports fuses checked but power not reaching distribution box. One narrative mentions hesitation and shaking but indicates alternator test reading 12V at local shop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner references 2019 Kona recalls online; dealership did not inform owner of recalls. Campaign 200 recall mentioned (battery-related).
Battery failure and charging system malfunction
Battery loses power or fails to hold charge; vehicle experiences repeated die-offs and inadequate charging output. Owner reports unusual oil consumption concurrent with charging issues.
When: At 95,000–105,000 miles; one case 11 days after purchase; one case during cold weather (5°F)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle completely dead without warning; Dies again shortly after battery replacement; Check engine light cycles on and off before total failure; Oil level unusually low; Alternator test reads low (12V)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement performed; dealership denied warranty claim citing high mileage (105,000 miles). Owner paid $9,000 for used engine replacement. One case: dealership found battery with 'front end damage' and refused to cover under warranty or recall, claiming it was owner damage rather than manufacturing defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 200 recall involves battery; owner claim denied due to high mileage. Hyundai customer care involvement noted.
Random loss of power while driving
Vehicle shuts down completely with loss of all electrical power mid-drive, leaving driver stranded. Occurs repeatedly and unpredictably.
When: Started 11 days after purchase; resolved after electrical short repair but residual electrical surges continued
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses all power and will not restart for considerable time; No warning before shutdown; Electrical surges and flickering after initial repair; Consistently blown lightbulbs post-repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership kept vehicle 12 weeks without finding cause. Second dealership (Valdosta, GA) found two electrical shorts under front bumper and repaired them. Electrical surges and blown bulbs persisted after repair; dealership claimed nothing further was wrong.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or service bulletins mentioned for this specific issue.
Engine failure with check engine light history
Engine fails catastrophically after repeated check engine light warnings and hesitation issues. Oil consumption abnormally high. Engine seized with apparent piston bore damage.
When: At 105,000 miles after 1.5 years of intermittent check engine lights; oil consumption issues noted throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light cycles on and off over months; Engine hesitation at traffic lights and during acceleration; High idle and RPM issues noted by dealer; Engine shaking and check engine light together at highway speed; Engine smoking and seized; Piston bore hole in engine block
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suggested throttle body replacement; oil pan gasket resealed in December 2023. Owner paid $9,000 for used engine replacement at 105,000 miles when warranty expired. Owner reports oil was consistently unusually low.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner discovered 2019 Kona engine recall after failure and confirmed vehicle exhibited symptoms matching recall description. Hyundai warranty claim denied (high mileage).
Speedometer reading error
Speedometer displays speed significantly lower than actual vehicle speed, creating safety hazard. Owner unknowingly drove 15 mph faster than gauge indicated.
When: At unspecified mileage; service order opened 26 May 2020, returned 12 June 2020; recurred within 2 weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Analog speedometer reads 15 mph lower than actual speed; No warning from vehicle system; Issue recurred after factory repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership confirmed speedometer defect and repaired it. Same problem returned approximately 2 weeks later; car not yet repaired and owner reports no response from dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned.
Forward collision warning system false activation
Collision avoidance system activates without reason, causing abrupt deceleration. No external triggers or obstacles present.
When: At 8,000 miles during normal highway driving at 70 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Forward collision avoidance system suddenly activates; Vehicle abruptly slows down; No warning prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided; issue reported to dealership only.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned.
Door lock failures (rear and driver-side)
Door locks fail to operate electrically or mechanically, trapping occupants or preventing exit. Affects both rear passenger doors and driver-side door.
When: Unspecified mileage; one case resolved 04/27/24
Symptoms owners cite: Rear passenger side door will not open with fob or manual override; Trunk will not open; Driver's side door locks up and cannot be unlocked from inside or outside; No warning lamps prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced door lock components on 04/27/24; working as intended after repair. Driver-side door case not yet repaired (appointment scheduled 01/15/25).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned.
Spontaneous acceleration in EV variant
Vehicle accelerates uncontrollably while stopped at traffic light despite foot on brake. Impacts 2019 Kona EV specifically. Cold weather conditions present (5°F).
When: 15 minutes into drive in 5°F ambient temperature; approximately 10 miles from home
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates while brake pedal depressed; No pre-warning or prior issues; Collision resulted; airbags deployed
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled. No post-incident inspection of computer system performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned; no manufacturer interest in inspection.
Driver seat heater erroneous activation and door lock timing issue
Seat heater activates without driver input. Power door locks do not automatically engage when vehicle put in Drive position, creating security concern.
When: At 8,000 miles during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Driver seat heater activates without command; Doors will not automatically lock when switching to Drive position; No warning prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Issue reported to dealership; no repair information provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned.
Engine light followed by no-start condition and rough idle
Check engine light illuminates, then vehicle will not start reliably or starts with rough, rumbling engine sound. Issue emerges post-recall repair.
When: 2 months after recall correction
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on; Vehicle will not accelerate; Vehicle will not start (or starts with difficulty); Engine rumbles when it does start
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall was corrected prior to failure; no information on which recall or TSB applied.
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Hyundai kona. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the forward collision avoidance system suddenly activated, which caused the vehicle to abruptly slow down. Also, while operating the vehicle, the driver's seat heater erroneously activated and the doors would not automatically lock when switching to the drive position. The cause of the failures was not determined. Jim…
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 Hyundai Kona?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2019 Hyundai Kona?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 16 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 8,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Hyundai/Kona.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.