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2021 Hyundai Kona EV maintenance schedule

The 2021 Kona EV is part of the OS generation (2019-2023), sold as a crossover. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2021 Kona EV needs, and when

All 3 of these items come from Hyundai's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Hyundai's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Brake fluid60,000 mi / 4 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluid

No transmission fluid maintenance (single-speed reduction gear)

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
EV coolant loops40,000 mi / 3 yearsManufacturer

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Powertrains in this generation

  • Electric, 201 hp, 1-speed reduction gear, FWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2021 Kona EV owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

"Tick tick" reduction gear noise

medium severity

10,000-40,000 mi

Audible clicking during acceleration/deceleration

Source: insideevsforum.com

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA recalls for the 2021 Hyundai Kona EV

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Hyundai dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Electrical system

NHTSA 22V941000

December 2022

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Kona EV vehicles. The Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU) may have been improperly sealed and may leak coolant internally.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the EPCU, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2023. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 239.

Engine

NHTSA 21V301000

April 2021

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.

Service brakes, hydraulic

NHTSA 20V748000

December 2020

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Nexo Fuel Cell and 2019-2021 Kona Electric vehicles. The Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system may detect an abnormal sensor signal and as a result, may significantly reduce braking performance.

Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the IEB software, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 199.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$468

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Kona EV model years

SX2 (2024-2026)

202420252026

OS (2019-2023)

20192020202120222023

Shopping new? The Hyundai Kona EV guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-22. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Kona EV for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2021 Kona EV earns before you buy it.

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