MODEL
Hyundai Kona Ev
NHTSA safety across every Hyundai Kona Ev model year we cover.
Across the 1 model year of the Hyundai Kona Ev we cover (2021 to 2021), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. No recalls are on record across those years.
The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is a subcompact electric SUV aimed at urban commuters and eco-conscious buyers who want an affordable, practical entry into battery-powered driving. Built on the same platform as the gas-powered Kona, it competes in the growing small electric crossover segment and appeals to buyers prioritizing low running costs and a compact footprint without sacrificing everyday usability.
At MotorCaliber, our safety picture for the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is incomplete in one critical area: NHTSA did not conduct crash testing on this model year, meaning we have no federal star ratings or Safety Index score to report. Shoppers cannot lean on government crash-test data to benchmark this vehicle against its competitors, and that absence is worth taking seriously when making a purchase decision. On the recall front, the 2021 Kona Electric comes through clean, with zero NHTSA recalls recorded across our covered year. That is a genuine positive. The owner complaint picture, however, deserves attention. NHTSA received 136 owner complaints for the 2021 model year. Within those unverified allegations, four involve fire and three involve crashes, with three reported injuries. Fire complaints are especially notable for any battery-electric vehicle, as they can signal concerns about the high-voltage battery pack. These are unverified allegations and do not constitute confirmed defects, but the pattern warrants scrutiny. Prospective buyers should monitor NHTSA's complaint database for updates and stay alert to any future recall activity tied to the battery system. Bottom line: the zero-recall record is encouraging, but the absence of crash-test data and a non-trivial complaint volume, including fire-related allegations, mean shoppers should proceed with informed caution rather than full confidence.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Kona Electric as a well-rounded small electric crossover that delivers a composed, responsive driving experience and a reasonably refined cabin for its class. Most praise its competitive driving range and user-friendly technology layout, while noting that interior materials and overall refinement are adequate rather than premium. Value for the segment is frequently highlighted as a strength.
- NHTSA did not crash-test the 2021 Kona Electric, so there are no federal star ratings available. Shoppers cannot compare its structural performance to rivals using government data for this model year.
- Four of the 136 owner complaints filed with NHTSA involve fire, a category that warrants close attention for any battery-electric vehicle. These are unverified allegations, but buyers should actively monitor NHTSA's database for any emerging recall activity related to the battery system.
- The 2021 Kona Electric carries zero NHTSA recalls across our covered year, which is a positive safety signal and suggests no confirmed defect campaigns have been issued against this model.
- With 136 total complaints including three reported crashes and three reported injuries, the complaint volume is notable for a low-volume model. Buyers should review the specific complaint categories on NHTSA's website to understand where owners have reported concerns before purchasing.