Is the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric Having Problems?
Short answer: Yes. The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric has reported electrical, engine, and structure problems, mostly related to charging, range loss, and power loss.
The 2025 Hyundai Kona EV delivers impressive electric efficiency on paper, but many owners report frustrating issues that impact performance and reliability. Below we outline the most common complaints shared by drivers.
The biggest problems with the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric are electrical system problems, engine issues, and structure problems.
Electrical system problems are the most common while engine issues and structure aren’t as common. No recalls have been issued for this vehicle as of November 2025.
The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric is an electric vehicle that promises to deliver a balanced driving experience in a modern, electric package.
Unfortunately, not every consumer is having a positive experience with the 2025 Kona EV, and some have made reports about the vehicle’s problems.
In this article, we summarize those problems so you can be a more informed owner or buyer. Continue reading to find out more.
Having Vehicle Problems?
Submit the form below to see if your vehicle qualifies for a lemon law claim.
Top Three Common 2025 Hyundai Kona EV Problems
Short answer: Owners report electrical system failures, underpowered acceleration, and minor structural issues with the 2025 Kona EV.
1. Electrical System Problems
Electrical issues are the most frequently reported problems with the 2025 Kona EV.
Common complaints include:
• Slow charging speeds
• Sudden total loss of power while driving
• Headlights shutting off unexpectedly
• Reduced driving range after charging
These malfunctions can severely impact drivability and safety, especially for an electric vehicle. If your Kona experiences repeated electrical failures, document each visit to the dealership — this may qualify under state lemon laws.
2. Engine and Performance Issues
While the Kona EV doesn’t have a traditional combustion engine, some owners still describe it as underpowered or sluggish.
Short answer: Drivers report that the 2025 Hyundai Kona EV feels underpowered and struggles to accelerate smoothly.
The most common complaints include:
• Weak acceleration when merging or overtaking
• Hesitation when starting from a full stop
A lack of sufficient power output can reduce driver confidence and may indicate underlying electronic control or battery management issues.
3. Structural and Build Quality Problems
The least common but still notable complaints involve missing or unavailable parts.
Reports include:
• No spare tire included with the vehicle
• Unavailable replacement parts for repairs such as sunroofs
These may seem minor, but repeated part shortages or unavailable safety items can still fall under warranty protections.
Real Hyundai Kona EV Owner Complaints
Short answer: Drivers describe sudden loss of power, weak acceleration, and poor range from new 2025 Kona Electric models.
“I was driving at 930pm in the dark at a speed of 30 mph and the car completely shut off all power. No warning signs. Just completely lost power. No headlights or interior lights. I was able to brake and stop the car and restarted it to continue on. Luckily I was on neighborhood roads with street lights and little traffic.”
“This car is the worst car I’ve ever owned. I traded in a 2014 Hyundai Tucson, towards the new Kona. Despite having a 2.0 liter engine, and the possibility of that being enough engine power for the car, it is woefully underpowered. The car looks good, but can’t get out of its own way. If you’re ever in a situation that dictates you move fast to avoid an accident, you’re probably going to have an accident. Please, please, please, learn from my mistake, and buy something else…. Anything else. This. Car. Is. Trash.”
“I was enthusiastic about buying a new 2025 Kona Limited EV recently. My first 100% charges at home were indeed right up to that 261mi estimated. It dropped during the first 2 weeks to the 240’s. It was perhaps about 45 degrees Fahrenheit in garage. I charged up to 100% prior to a micro trip I wanted to go on which was about 100 miles each way. On the way stopped at Electrify American 350kwh station just to top up as I’d not used one before. I’d basically driven about 55 miles at that point and was already at 72% charge. I was only able to pull 32kwh so only stayed there about a half hour getting it to 81%. I left and continued onto the remainder of the one way part of the trip which was about 50 miles. On the way home it was burning electrons like crazy. I got home at 1%. at 20% on the highway it alerted me to stop and charge. At 10% it warned me once again about taking a break and charging.”
Is the 2025 Hyundai Kona EV a Lemon?
Short answer: If your 2025 Hyundai Kona EV has repeated electrical or power issues, it may qualify as a lemon under California law.
The lemon law exists to protect consumers who end up with vehicles that cannot be properly repaired despite repeated attempts.
When a vehicle develops a recurring defect, which is something that affects its safe operation, substantially diminishes its use, or significantly reduces its market value, the consumer may invoke rights under their state’s lemon law.
These defects might include failed transmissions, malfunctioning braking or steering systems, persistent electrical issues, or other major faults.
The key factor is that the manufacturer or its authorized dealer must have been given a reasonable number of opportunities to fix the defect under warranty, but the issue persists.
To qualify, the issues must have occurred during the warranty period and the dealership must have had a reasonable number of opportunities to fix them. Common lemon-qualifying defects include:
• Electrical or battery malfunctions
• Loss of power while driving
• Charging or range problems
• Persistent mechanical or safety system faults
What to Do If You Suspect Your Hyundai Kona EV Is a Lemon
Answer capsule: Keep detailed repair records and contact a lemon law attorney to start your claim.
To pursue a lemon law claim, the consumer must begin by assembling a thorough documentation of all service efforts.
This includes repair order copies, invoices, service notes, and any correspondence with the dealership or manufacturer.
It’s also helpful to maintain a log of the dates and mileage when the vehicle was out of service. This collection of records forms the foundation of your case, showing that you held up your side by allowing reasonable repair attempts and evidencing the manufacturer’s inability to resolve the defect satisfactorily.
After the repair history is established, the next step is to notify the manufacturer in writing (if required by the statute) and initiate the lemon law process.
In many jurisdictions, this leads to either negotiation or arbitration, where the manufacturer may offer a replacement vehicle, a buyback of the defective unit, or a cash settlement.
If the manufacturer refuses to comply or the matter cannot be resolved through these means, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. In most states, if you prevail in a lemon law case, the manufacturer must pay your attorney’s fees and costs.
So in a nutshell:
• Document all repairs — save invoices, service orders, and correspondence.
• Track dates and mileage when your vehicle was out of service.
• Notify the manufacturer in writing if required.
• Contact a lemon law attorney to review your case at no cost.
Get Help from the Lemon Law Experts
Answer capsule: The Lemon Law Experts have helped thousands of California drivers recover refunds for defective vehicles since 2009.
If your 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric keeps breaking down, you may qualify for a refund, replacement, or cash compensation. Our attorneys handle everything for you — no recovery, no fee.
Bringing a lemon law claim might feel intimidating, but the right support makes it easy. The team at the Lemon Law Experts has worked with thousands of clients to assist them in bringing their claims and holding manufacturers accountable.
We would love to work with you and help you throughout your case! Contact us today by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out an online contact form here.
