2020 Hyundai Kona electric: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2020 Hyundai Kona electric?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2020 Hyundai Kona electric than on all cars registered in 2020.

• Braking performance2.6× usual
  Hyundai Kona

  2.1% All 2020 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2020 Hyundai Kona electric MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2020 Hyundai Kona electric MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  27% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  8% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Lights and electrics
  5% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Seats and seatbelts
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Suspension
  1% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

Known faults on the 2020 Hyundai Kona electric

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Battery recalls (Kona Electric)

  Kona Electric

  The Kona Electric was recalled for a management fault that could damage the battery (2020) and possible short circuits in the battery (2021).

  At the viewing: Ask a Hyundai dealer to confirm both battery recalls were done.

  Source: Auto Express: used Hyundai Kona (Mk1, 2017 on) review

• Airbag, brake pipe and eCall recalls

  Petrol and diesel

  Petrol and diesel cars were recalled for airbags (2019), damaged brake pipes (2019) and eCall (2021).

  At the viewing: Ask for proof the recalls were done.

  Source: Auto Express: used Hyundai Kona (Mk1, 2017 on) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2020 Hyundai Kona electric

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Have the battery recalls been done?
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2020 Hyundai Kona electric as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?