The Hyundai Kona is a compact crossover competing with the Nissan Juke and Ford Puma. Available as petrol, mild hybrid and fully electric. The Kona Electric was one of the first truly long-range affordable electric cars. The MK1 (2017–2023) and MK2 (2023–present) are both on UK roads.
Quick Facts — Hyundai Kona
Common Engines
1.0 T-GDi, 1.6 T-GDi, 1.0 T-GDi 48V MHEV, 39 kWh EV, 64 kWh EV
6 Most Common Hyundai Kona Problems
These are the faults most frequently seen on the Hyundai Kona by UK garages — ranked by how commonly they occur and what they cost to fix.
Hyundai issued a major recall for the 64 kWh Kona Electric battery due to a fire risk. All affected cars should have had the battery software update or replacement — verify this before purchasing any early Kona Electric.
💷 Typical repair cost: Covered under recall
The 7-speed DCT on 1.0 T-GDi Konas can judder and hesitate in slow traffic. Software updates usually help.
💷 Typical repair cost: £0–£1,500
Some Kona Electric owners report AC and DC charging faults — failure to charge or slow charging. Software updates from Hyundai address many of these.
💷 Typical repair cost: £200–£1,500
The 12V auxiliary battery fails every 3–5 years on EV models — causing random electrical faults and failure to start the car.
💷 Typical repair cost: £100–£220
Rear brake squeal after periods of inactivity is reported on Kona models — particularly on EVs where regenerative braking reduces disc/pad contact.
💷 Typical repair cost: £0–£300
The Kona infotainment can lose Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Software updates from Hyundai usually resolve this.
💷 Typical repair cost: £0–£150
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Hyundai Kona — MOT Tips
Verify the 64 kWh Kona Electric battery recall status before purchase — this is critical. EV high-voltage warning lights must be clear for MOT. Check 12V auxiliary battery health on electric models. All ADAS systems must function correctly.
Engine management light on before your MOT? It's an automatic fail. Run a
MotorLoom diagnostic for £1.99 to get the likely cause and repair cost before booking the test.
Hyundai Kona Tyres
Most Hyundai Kona models run 205/60 R16 or 215/55 R17 or 215/45 R18 depending on trim level and year. Always check the placard inside the driver's door for the exact size for your vehicle.
Summary
The Kona is a practical and popular compact crossover. The 64 kWh electric battery recall must be verified on early examples — this is the single most important check. Newer models and EV variants with resolved recall status are excellent used buys.
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