Used Hyundai Kona Electric 2018-2023 reliability

Category: Electric car

The Hyundai Kona Electric is quick, well-equipped and has an impressive range. It's a great used buy. 

Hyundai Kona Electric rear three-quarters
  • Hyundai Kona Electric 18 plate front corner
  • Hyundai Kona Electric infotainment
  • Hyundai Kona Electric dashboard
  • Hyundai Kona Electric driving
  • Hyundai Kona Electric rear three-quarters
  • Hyundai Kona Electric boot
  • Hyundai Kona Electric dashboard
  • Hyundai Kona Electric front seats
  • Hyundai Kona Electric driving
  • Hyundai Kona Electric rear three-quarters
  • Hyundai Kona Electric front seats
  • Hyundai Kona Electric back seats
  • Hyundai Kona Electric 18 plate front corner
  • Hyundai Kona Electric infotainment
  • Hyundai Kona Electric dashboard
  • Hyundai Kona Electric driving
  • Hyundai Kona Electric rear three-quarters
  • Hyundai Kona Electric boot
  • Hyundai Kona Electric dashboard
  • Hyundai Kona Electric front seats
  • Hyundai Kona Electric driving
  • Hyundai Kona Electric rear three-quarters
  • Hyundai Kona Electric front seats
  • Hyundai Kona Electric back seats
Used Hyundai Kona Electric 2018-2023 review
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by
Mark Pearson
Published07 March 2024

What should I look for in a used Hyundai Kona Electric hatchback?

One thing to think about is when it comes time to replace worn-out tyres is perhaps changing the standard-fit rubber for an alternative recommendation. These tyres came in for some criticism in the early test we conducted between the Kona and its closely related sibling, the Kia e-Niro. You may sacrifice a little bit of overall range by having grippier tyres, but it might go some way to reducing the handling differences between the Kona and the more surefooted feeling e-Niro.

Hyundai Kona Electric boot

What are the most common problems with a used Hyundai Kona Electric hatchback?

Airbag

A software issue with some Kona Electric models made between 9 May and 19 December 2018 could prevent one or more of the airbags from deploying in a collision. Find out if your example is affected by this because it'll need to have an update uploaded at a Hyundai dealership to solve the problem.

Hyundai Kona Electric back seats

Is a used Hyundai Kona Electric hatchback reliable?

Hyundai as a brand fared very well in our latest reliability survey, placing seventh out of 32 manufacturers featured with a score of 94.3%. That put it above rivals like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Tesla and Volkswagen, but below Honda, Lexus and Toyota.

The Kona Electric finished in 11th place out of 20 cars in the electric car class with a good score of 91.1%. That placed it above the BMW i3, the Kia EV6, the Renault Zoe and the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, but below the Mini Electric, the Nissan Leaf, the Tesla Model 3 and the Volkswagen ID 3.

Used Hyundai Kona Electric reliability: the owners' view

As part of our annual Reliability Survey, What Car? readers shared their experiences with the Hyundai Kona Electric. Many of them reported electrical issues, including faulty warning lights and battery-related problems. Readers reported multiple instances where these faults led to significant time off-road, with repairs taking longer than expected, often attributed to delays in parts delivery.

Dealer service feedback was mixed, with some praising their local dealerships for attentive and informative support, while others experienced frustration over miscommunication and a perceived lack of urgency in resolving issues. The inconsistency in service quality seems to be a notable concern, affecting overall satisfaction.

Overall, while many appreciate the Kona Electric's attributes, the reliability issues and varying dealer service quality have impacted the ownership experience for some owners.

If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.